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Reception Venue Choices :)

P: 3/16/2008 7:20:11 PM

SarahLovesJS

Ideal Rock
Total Posts: 4,973
Last Post: 11/21/2009
Member Since: 2/3/2008

Hi everyone. So I think I've narrowed it down to two reception venues. Since the third was rude and is out of the price range most likely. Help me decide?

I will list some pros/cons. I don't have any photos of the hotel (forgot to use my camera because I was so excited), but I can post some photos of the other venue if you want.

Nice Hotel
Pros:
-Very nice events coordinator, amazing! Would trust them 100%, and wish I could take them with me somewhere else haha.
-Could have reception there there year-round. Beautiful ballroom.

Cons:
-In the city, so slightly more complicated drive and parking issues.
-Out of town guests will have to navigate the city.
-More expensive.
-Haven't tried to the food, but met the chef and he seems nice.
-FI hasn't been able to tour yet, so he is kind of indifferent.
-Few more minutes away from church I believe.

Gardens
Pros:
-Also has beautiful ballroom, but it is more my style. It opens up to gardens via terraces. Pretty pink border on walls, chandeliers, etc.
-Also connects to a second pretty room.
-Have toured twice, and I am going to try to meet with the coordinator next Friday (so far I've seen them directing two weddings because I toured on Saturdays and it looks like they know what they are doing and they're very polite).
-Less expensive (it appears so far)!!! Wowow!
-Beautiful photo options, beautiful!
-Also, lots for the guests to do (can tour gardens, etc.).
-Tried the food and it was good.
-More in the suburbs.
-FI's mom, and my Mom and Dad love it.
-FI loves it.
-A bit closer to church.

Cons:
-Since it's a garden-type venue, I really want to do it in June or July when it looks the best. June would be better since it isn't as hot. So, not year round and not as many choices.
Mrs. S<3JS

Posted: 3/16/2008 7:20:11 PM

There are 33 replies to this message. There are 30 replies on this page.

P: 3/16/2008 7:55:54 PM
swimmer Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,955 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/9/2007	It really sounds like you want us to vote for the garden but perhaps that is because you have less info on the hotel. Do you know when the wedding will be? Sorry to have missed it if you have decided.
Posted: 3/16/2008 7:55:54 PM

P: 3/16/2008 8:00:30 PM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Haha yeah I realized after the thread how many pros I put on the one, so maybe I knew more than I thought. Anyway we are looking at June of 09 or June of 2010. If we did it at the hotel it could also be March/April of 2010. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/16/2008 8:00:30 PM

P: 3/16/2008 8:13:04 PM
Gypsy Ideal Rock Total Posts: 14,306 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 8/9/2005	Do you have any pics and links to either? I really love good customer service... but that seems like the only pro of the first one. I think you've lost your heart to the ballroom already too. So...it sounds to me like you've already, in your heart, made your choice.
Posted: 3/16/2008 8:13:04 PM

P: 3/17/2008 12:30:00 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Hi Gypsy! I don't have any pictures of the hotel ballroom because I honestly forgot to take any. But to be honest, it looks like your basic pretty ballroom. Gold chandeliers, cream wallpaper/walls, floral carpet. Here is the garden venue, it's Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: http://www.lewisginter.org/ I'll post some photos I took of it, I took so many! Haha. I am also going to blot the people's faces out because they were setting up for a wedding and I think it would be kind of rude to show them on the internet without their permission. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 12:30:00 AM

P: 3/17/2008 12:40:34 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Sorry the picture is blurry and sorry for the freaky looking ghost people I created, haha. I just didn't want to post people's pictures without their permission. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 12:40:34 AM

P: 3/17/2008 12:46:28 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Here's the next room. Doesn't look there's anyone to blur out. That's the people's cake in the far corner and the dance floor is there. ETA: When the cafe is open, this is the cafe area. The chairs are really big and nice and comfy. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 12:46:28 AM

P: 3/17/2008 12:53:59 AM
teetee Cut Rock Total Posts: 212 Last Post: 10/25/2009 Member Since: 9/18/2006	Date: 3/16/2008 8:00:30 PM Author: SarahLovesJS Haha yeah I realized after the thread how many pros I put on the one, so maybe I knew more than I thought. Anyway we are looking at June of 09 or June of 2010. If we did it at the hotel it could also be March/April of 2010. The garden venue is lovely! Since your wedding is so far off, I wouldn't consider the coordinator as part of the package because you don't know if she's going to still be there in two years.
Posted: 3/17/2008 12:53:59 AM

P: 3/17/2008 12:57:35 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Here's the main room not set up for a reception. It's prettier and bigger than it looks. The french doors on the sides open to terraces. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 12:57:35 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:02:03 AM
diamondfan Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,998 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 6/17/2005	I think the colors could limit you and with such a high ceiling the acoustics could prove challenging. (this is for the first room with the ghost people in it). Can you peep in to a set up event in the next little while so you can see it transformed? Are you having a luncheon or an evening party? The room could look totally different at night. **************************** "There is no such thing as fun for the whole family-there are no massage parlors with ice cream and free jewelry" Jerry Seinfeld
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:02:03 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:06:31 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Here is the outside of the beautiful conservatory. :) Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:06:31 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:08:40 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Date: 3/17/2008 1:02:03 AM Author: diamondfan I think the colors could limit you and with such a high ceiling the acoustics could prove challenging. (this is for the first room with the ghost people in it). Can you peep in to a set up event in the next little while so you can see it transformed? Are you having a luncheon or an evening party? The room could look totally different at night. Hi there! Has to be afternoon/evening after they close. But we are planning less formal more buffet style. We are probably going to use mostly pinks, greens, whites, and browns as colors. The other option is a steel-blue with the same colors. So I think it'll work. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:08:40 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:08:41 AM
Gypsy Ideal Rock Total Posts: 14,306 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 8/9/2005	If your doing Ivory and green with some touches of pink-- or just ivory or white and green... great venue. Other than that... extremely limiting, IMO. The black chandelier lampshades through the decor off for me too. I mean it's lovely and open... but limiting, as DF pointed out. Are you okay with doing whites, greens and pinks? Cause really, those are your most 'harmonious' options.
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:08:41 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:16:36 AM
Gypsy Ideal Rock Total Posts: 14,306 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 8/9/2005	Since you said brown added to the pallate: The fiddleheads are a little out of control. But it's got the right greens (eucalyptus, and sage leaves), lovely light pink roses... and chocolate cosmos (my fav, but may not be in season in June/July).
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:16:36 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:17:01 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Date: 3/17/2008 1:08:41 AM Author: Gypsy If your doing Ivory and green with some touches of pink-- or just ivory or white and green... great venue. Other than that... extremely limiting, IMO. The black chandelier lampshades through the decor off for me too. I mean it's lovely and open... but limiting, as DF pointed out. Are you okay with doing whites, greens and pinks? Cause really, those are your most 'harmonious' options. Yep, because I had in mind a spring/cherry blossom theme before. So now even though I am looking more summer, I still like greens, ivories, browns, and pinks the most. The chandeliers are actually more brown-looking in person. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:17:01 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:17:53 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Date: 3/17/2008 1:16:36 AM Author: Gypsy Since you said brown added to the pallate: The fiddleheads are a little out of control. But it's got the right greens (eucalyptus, and sage leaves), lovely light pink roses... and chocolate cosmos (my fav, but may not be in season in June/July). Ooh gypsy, very pretty! I will save it. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:17:53 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:19:11 AM
Gypsy Ideal Rock Total Posts: 14,306 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 8/9/2005	Brighter pink... and peonies are in season.. .
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:19:11 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:20:54 AM
Gypsy Ideal Rock Total Posts: 14,306 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 8/9/2005	And a beautiful pink bouquet of all peonies to match that cake.
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:20:54 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:21:52 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Pretty waterfall. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:21:52 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:23:02 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Japanese area, I don't have a lot of photos of it because it hasn't bloomed much yet. Not much has bloomed since it's still March to be honest. I like that they have a Japanese area because FI and I met on a plane going to Japan. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:23:02 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:25:25 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Cute little cottage and flowers in conservatory! Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:25:25 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:26:41 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Weeeeeee Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:26:41 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:27:57 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Here's the last pic for now, I don't want to overwhelm everyone with pics. It's in the entrance of the conservatory. There are better pics online of the outside, like I said it looks kind of dull right now. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:27:57 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:28:58 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Date: 3/17/2008 12:53:59 AM Author: teetee Date: 3/16/2008 8:00:30 PM Author: SarahLovesJS Haha yeah I realized after the thread how many pros I put on the one, so maybe I knew more than I thought. Anyway we are looking at June of 09 or June of 2010. If we did it at the hotel it could also be March/April of 2010. The garden venue is lovely! Since your wedding is so far off, I wouldn't consider the coordinator as part of the package because you don't know if she's going to still be there in two years. Good point! Also, thanks again Gypsy I saved all of the pictures you posted. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:28:58 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:33:09 AM
Gypsy Ideal Rock Total Posts: 14,306 Last Post: 11/20/2009 Member Since: 8/9/2005	Date: 3/17/2008 1:28:58 AM Author: SarahLovesJS Also, thanks again Gypsy I saved all of the pictures you posted. I have more. When you solidify your plans, give me a holler and I'll post more for you, if you like.
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:33:09 AM

P: 3/17/2008 1:35:54 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Ooh okay! I plan on doing that in the next few weeks so I will let you know. Gotta make the big decision June of 09 or not. The church put me down on the calendar for now just in case. Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 1:35:54 AM

P: 3/17/2008 2:44:32 AM
violet02 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,167 Last Post: 11/18/2009 Member Since: 9/5/2007	Well you know my vote... LEWIS GINTER! My parents live in Richmond and my step-mom does volunteer work there. It's lovely, unique and very memorable. Go for the garden! Which hotel is the one you're trying to decide on?
Posted: 3/17/2008 2:44:32 AM

P: 3/17/2008 8:23:14 AM
bee* Ideal Rock Total Posts: 11,105 Last Post: 11/23/2009 Member Since: 5/14/2006	The garden definitely looks beautiful! It sounds like you prefer it to the other venue.
Posted: 3/17/2008 8:23:14 AM

P: 3/17/2008 11:09:05 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Yaay! Hi Violet, I was looking at The Omni. Like I said, the person at the Omni was amazing!! He's been there a long time and knows what he is doing. By the way, you recommended Lewis Ginter to me (you and IWantAMilkshake)! So thank you very much, yaay PS! I had actually never been there before, crazy huh? I am going back on Friday so I will try to get some better outside pics. The big blooms event starts this weekend so hopefully it will be more bloomy. They still have my date so give me some PS dust that they will keep it long enough! Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 11:09:05 AM

P: 3/17/2008 11:29:49 AM
SarahLovesJS Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,973 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 2/3/2008	Question: Would paper/origami cranes look completely out of place in any ballroom? I was thinking about maybe scattering them around the favor table, guest registration table, and gift table. They'd be mostly in pastel colors and maybe some metallic. What do you think? Mrs. S<3JS
Posted: 3/17/2008 11:29:49 AM

P: 3/17/2008 11:37:27 AM
Independent Gal Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,471 Last Post: 1/3/2009 Member Since: 11/12/2006	The conservatory looks gorgeous! Just to point out: it's actually a lot more complicated for out of town guests to get to a suburb than a city. They then have to go to the expense of renting a car and navigate highways, whereas in the city they can just hop in a taxi. As a guest, I would MUCH MUCH MUCH rather go to a wedding in the city than in a suburb. That said, the conservatory is crazy gorgeous. If that's where you want to get married, then get a full quote with all the costs written in (so you can see if it really is cheaper) and then go for it!
Posted: 3/17/2008 11:37:27 AM

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