Wedding Help me pick a venue, please...

[meresal]

Fiery, I need more input, so I''m just going to post it here... LOL


**I''ll post pics of each of them in separate posts...**

First choice: We have been to a reception here and we both really love it. However, for 3 rooms the minimum is 15,000++ (20% and 8.25% tax). This is about 18,000 and over 3/4ths of our ideal budget. We have room to add, but I think 25K is more than generous. It is also right downtown and will be great for hotel and downtown attractions for Friday after RD, and Saturday after the reception. Also, they only charge $10/pp for premium beer, wine, liquor. (appr $75 x 200 = right at minimum)

Second: Rangers Stadium. (Which FI loves , and I really like as well) It''s 17,000 sq ft, and includes and entire 3 level eating area that overlooks the field, another entire buffet area, a dance floor that is elevated and will make it quieter for people that aren''t trying to be drowned out by music, and then 2 other bar areas. One of the bar areas has a balcony that is about 50 ft long where you can go stand above center field. Also, for $150/hr they will have all the lights in the stadium on, to have the field lit up while the reception is going on. ***Problem is, they don''t have receptions on game night, so we have to wait until October to find ut what our options are. This means we would be left with only 8 or 9 months to book photo, DJ, bakery, etc***. Ohh ya, the minimum is only 5,000 here, but all their beer/wine/mixed drinks are by the bottle/glass. This is not near downtown, about 20 mins away.

Third: Museum of Modern Art
Is a huge open area, and the main lobby costs $5000 just to rent!!! However, this place would be absolutely gorgeous at night. It has a still pond and floor to ceiling windows that over look it. About 5 min drive from downtown.

Want to offer any help... anyone?

 

[meresal]

Here is the Museum of Modern Art. The nighttime picture I have cropped and put in the bottom right corner of the floor to ceiling windows.

 

[Shoopy]

LOL I was going to respond in the other thread but glad you reposted cause what do I know? LOL

First choice: I think really the only thing that makes this one a good venue is the proximity to downtown. But if it goes over budget, I wouldn’t consider it.

Second choice: This sounds like an amazing and unique idea. I’ve never heard of a reception at a stadium. Your guests will definitely be impressed. The only thing that concerns me is the 3 levels. That’s a lot of separation and won’t you spend the majority of your time going through the 3 levels to talk to people? Also, and this may just be my own ignorance since I don’t know much about weddings/receptions, wouldn’t it be harder to get everyone motivated to party if they’re on different levels? Or you’ll have periods where everyone is mingling upstairs and downstairs but no one is on the dance floor? I am thinking specifically about our corporate Christmas party that was in this TDF hotel with two levels. There were people dancing but for the most part we were all off in our own little circles chatting. Booking dj/cake/photos with 8 months left isn’t a big deal. I think most of the timelines say to book 8 to 9 months in advance anyway.

Third choice: It looks and sounds beautiful. I have nothing else to add on this one LOL

I’m torn and can see why you are having a hard time choosing!! For me, the first choice makes the bottom of *my* list. The second choice sounds so awesome but the third seems more intimate. If I were making the decision between the two, I would let my budget decide because honestly you can’t go wrong with either. I like more intimate settings so my gut says the third. But I love the uniquness of the second choice

 

[Clairitek]

I might be jumping the gun here as you''ve only posted a picture of the Museum of Modern Art...

My order of choices are:
1. Museum of Modern Art- It is a pretty unique and interesting place to have a wedding! Out of the weddings I have attended the ones that are out of the country club/hotel ballroom genre have been my favorite venues (i.e. an old historia train depot). This place seems like a blank canvas in terms of your possibilities for decor. By the photos you''ve posted, you won''t have to worry about matching your colors with any sort of carpeting or pre-existing decor like you might have to in Option #1. I also love the drama of floor to ceiling windows. The Museum contains all of the elements I would be looking for if I were choosing for my own wedding.

2. Rangers Stadium- Now thats just AWESOME! I''m a huge Red Sox fan and I would LOVE to have a wedding at Fenway. If you and your FI are sports fans (as I''m guessing you are from the pics at the Yankees game :::BOO Yankees!

::: in your "I''m Engaged!" post) then this could be a reallllllly cool venue. Plus, having the lit up park could be pretty neat too. I like the idea of 3 levels and having a place to escape the noise if you so desire. The drink prices aren''t that attractive though... I gather you and FI are thinking about doing an open bar? I can see how that might get a little pricey

3. Option #1 sounds nice too. The location certainly seems like a plus for outside the reception socializing. I also like the idea of the flat rate per person for drinks. The rental fee IS a little steep if your total budget is $25K. What else does the package include? Does it include center pieces, floral, linens, etc? Or is it just room rental, food, and drinks? The fact that you''ve been to a wedding there before and enjoyed it does speak volumes for this option.

They all sound like lovely choices. It is a wide selection but it seems to me that you could get excited about any of the three.

 

[meresal]

Thank you girls!! Also, I should mention, that if my parents can find a sponsor, the rental rate for the Museum of Modern Art would be cheaper. I need to get the catering quotes and things liek that from them as soon as possible, becuase I think this would be so unique!!! Glad y''all liked it!!


Fiery, I said the same thing to my mom about all the separate rooms. My prom had a split level eating and dance floor, and I hated it. You never knew where anyone was... and it didn''t feel like an event. Everyone broke off into their own little groups instead of hanging out together.

Clair, thanks for your input!! Yes, we are doing open bar, and I really worry about that sky rocketing. I mean, even the domestic beer is like $4.00/bottle. I just need to punch out the numbers with the Ballpark.

Also, your 3rd choice (Downtown Venue), the $75/pp includes:
Food:
Cheese display, fresh fruit and vegetable, choice of 2 chilled canapes, 3 hot plate otions, penne pasta with marinara and cream sauce, carving station with choice of 2 meats, butter service, cake cutting service, and bar service
Tables:
18" round mirrors and 3 votives per table (we can provide our own if we want to add more), china, glass, silver, harwood floor, choice of hurricanes with pillar candles OR wrought iron centerpiece stands, skirted table at entrance for photos/guest book, floor length white linens on all guest tables
Beverage:
Tray passed house wine upon arrival, unlimited bar service for 4 hours including premium cocktails and all beer and wine, and a tray passed champagne toast

 

[Gypsy]

WOW, lots of unique options.

I think a lot of it depends on your personality and stress management skills.

The first venue sounds like the 'easiest choice'... you'd have to pay a lot, but it sounds like you would have a lot of peace of mind. If finances stress you out horribly, then this may not be the right choice. If the cost is just something you can accept and move past... I would pursue it.

The stadium-- it's a very cool idea and if you really run with it, it could be a lot of fun! I would be prepared for some push back and questions from people who will question your 'non-traditional' venue choice, and if that kind of thing stresses you out and makes you second guess yourself, then I would say that it may not be worth it. I would also be prepared for people showing up in jeans-- or for the need to list a dress code on your invites.

The Museum. We considered a Museum at one point and I SO loved the idea and I still do. This would be the one I vote for... But I have a few concerns from a practical point of view. Museums usually have REALLY strict insurance requirements and their contracts typically have clauses that say things like 'you'll fix any damage at all whatsoever immeidately (or sooner) and completely restore the museum to the level it was at before the damage...and BTW that you are completely liable for anything that happens regardless of who caused it." For me that's a deal breaker. We do some event contracts with Museums and from personal experience they can be some of the most difficult to negotiate with.

You also didn't mention anything about the catering or alcohol at the museum. Before you consider this place further my suggestion would be get all of their policies and requirements and their contracts and make sure you can live with what is in there. They probably have desginated vendors that they require you to use, and noiise restrications, etc. It may or may not cause you stress you'd rather avoid.

Overall, they all have their pluses and their minuses. If you can afford it, I'd probably just go with option one... though I love the idea of the other two. If I have the $$ I'd rather just throw it at a problem and make it go away. But then, that's my personality. LOL.

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

hmm every option is so different... I would probably choose between the 2nd and 3rd because they are more original. The museum is really cute, modern, and elegant. The stadium would be super original, but not as formal. It really depends on what you are looking for and what is more you... Based on ur ring pics and dress.... I would say you are more elegant and classy. I would go with the museum...

 

[meresal]

Thank you Gypsy...

You pretty much hit all my concern right on.

Not sure Ballpark is as "nice" as I want. I worry people will start unbuttoning their shirts and such. It''s just the relaxing feel you get at a ballpark. Also, it is a very country club type feel. Wooden accents everywhere and obviously baseball memoriabilia on all the walls. I don''t want to end up with an underlying theme in all my pictures that I didn''t intend to have.

With the museum, this is a huge worry. I said to my mom, what about noise levels, and insurance and such. They have a 40x20 mural unmounted and sits just at the top of the stairs where lost of people would be walking. I cringe thinking of what could happen to it and ending up WAYYYY over my original buget. How could I even have fun, making sure no one went close to it or carried a drink anywhere near it.

The downtown option is a place where everything would be done, and I''m sure that is why they price it the way they do. Not much else to say about it.

 

[kimikocat]

Hi Meresal,

You might want to try running the numbers for each venue, too, to see how they stack up. Sometimes an "all-inclusive package" like Option 1 can be the most inexpensive, because all those rentals add up. The caterer doesn''t always provide linens, china, etc. You might be able to shop around and get better prices for options 2 and 3 than for Option 1, or you might not. If you have a budget and want to stick with it, this may be a useful exercise.

I love the Museum of Modern Art. It seems so classic and elegant. Do ask about things like insurance for property damage/damages to the art (you might be able to buy a separate insurance policy for the event), and if you could do something like cordon off the mural so no one will walk into it by accident. I think if you are looking for something with a more formal/classic feeling, options 1 and 3 are the best.

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 8/25/2008 4:11:59 PM
Author: kimikocat
Do ask about things like insurance for property damage/damages to the art (you might be able to buy a separate insurance policy for the event), and if you could do something like cordon off the mural so no one will walk into it by accident. I think if you are looking for something with a more formal/classic feeling, options 1 and 3 are the best.

I think these are great ideas for how to deal with that mural near the stairs in the MOMA. I bet if you asked around you could probably find an insurance company that would be willing to cover your event for a couple hundred dollars. I also agree that getting some sort of velvet rope to put around it would be a good idea.

Thanks for posting the information about Option #1. It DOES sound like a nice package though I feel like looking into what it would cost to rent all of the necessary items to prepare the ballpark or museum. Also, what do you think you would need for center pieces and floral beyond what Option #1 provides?

 

[ChinaCat]

Is this the MOMA in Ft. Worth?

 

[Gypsy]

M—

Here are my thoughts on murals, museums, contracts and insurance. Again, these are thoughts, not legal advice in away way shape or form. This is just what I’d have to do to feel comfortable.

The museum will probably have insurance requirements to meet.
They will probably even have a list of carriers for policies (or even have one can that can be purchased through them).

So if I were comfortable for the price of coverage I would read the insurance docs COMPLETELY to see what they cover (will they require to cordon off the mural? If words like ‘reasonable care’ are in my duties then, yes I would cordon off the mural) , and what they don’t and if was comfortable with that then—comes the tricky part:

I would want to make sure my contract with the Museum SAYS that if I get insurance per their requirements, then my liability to them or their affiliates or representatives is limited to the amount of the insurance certified, and NO MORE than that. REGARDLESS of the cause of action (and if I could get it) even in cases of willful acts or gross negligence.

I would also want something that says that if I use their caterers, vendors etc… then they will hold the vendor’s liable for anything that is the vendor’s fault. And not hold ME liable. And then I would get all the insurance information from those vendors and make sure that it is sufficient to cover anything that occurs.

The two things above are things I would absolutely need the Museum to concede (which they sometimes will not), personally, and I might also possibly want separate event insurance to protect me from any claims from my guests (or vendors) that decide to sue ME if anything happens. As a backup.

So, it’s possible to have an event at a place like this, but if it were ME, I would need to have the above (which involves a lot of leg work, homework, and possibly negotiation) to feel comfortable. I’m not saying it’s not possible. I’m saying that for ME, it would be a PITA I would rather avoid. And I do stuff like this for a living (which is why I wouldn’t want to deal with it for my wedding, probably).

Best of luck!
Layla

 

[swimmer]

Lovely to have such nice options!

We looked at a museum for our event and I asked about the artwork that I felt might be in possible danger, the events manager looked me in the eye and said "if its reachable by human hands we either hope it gets destroyed so our insurance kicks in or its indestructible." For events, you will be in a contained area, no? We did have our wedding at a historic home, 90% of which we could not enter and that was very clear in the contract. I bet the museum has darn good insurance and that folks have perhaps asked them the same questions that Gypsy is raising now.
All of your options are so unique and special...to hard to make the decision; if you don''t really have a dog in the fight, who do you want to make the happiest with your venue decisions?

 

[meresal]

Well, Gypsy...

I have looked at all of their info and it says nowhere about buying insurance. I'm guessing they probably block the mural off themselves, and shut off the rest of the hallways. I am still waiting for an email back about their catering prices, but they do have wedding packages (ie, plans for meals). Everything else is separate costs, and I mean everything!! It's $50 for a microphone

It would be awesome, that is for sure... I just worry about the adding up of costs, when I have to rent almost everything myself. Though, being a "modern art museum", I bet I could save ALOT on flowers... I could just put different sizes of geometrical boxes as each centerpiece. LOL

ETA: I doesn't say anything anywhere about music either, which is another one of my concers. We'll see.

ETA2: Yes, chinacat, this is the MOMA of FW. Do you know it?

 

[OUpearlgirl]

I''ve been to the museum and the ballpark.. I''ve gotta say the museum hands down! It''s gorgeous and you wouldn''t need to spend too much money on decorations. A wedding at the ballpark could end up making it a more casual affair, like you mentioned.

Are you choosing for your wedding and reception or just the reception?? I ask because the metroplex can be very confusing for out of towners. If you''re getting married at say, a church downtown, I think your reception should stay within Fort Worth city limits at the least, to keep people from getting lost.

 

[allycat0303]

Well from reading your posts, I get the impression that you really want choice #1, so I am going to go with that. I love the museuem, but it might end up being pretty close to the first choice when you factor in the insurance, the table/chair rentals AND you would be really stressed out over damaging somthing. It''s a big chunk of the budget, but I think it''s meant to be that way. Are their areas where you can scale back to make up the difference between the venues?

 

[purrfectpear]

I''ve attended a few galas at museums and have never witnessed a mishap. Maybe that crowd isn''t the sort to get sloppy drunk

I would definitely vote MOMA unless you think your guests wouldn''t be in control of themselves.

 

[Gypsy]

Merasal, interesting. Well, there''s always one. I''ll have to put that on the list of non-PITA museums (it will be the only one on there). I would worry about costs adding up. Our venue and caterers include nearly everything, but I still had a few things that I didn''t account for.For example, A 6 ft table for the DJ (who knew he doesn''t just bring one) with cloth to fit it (our venue only has one of these and it''s already being used), etc. So... it would concern me that EVERYTHING is a la cart. That sounds like a lot of loose ends for you to keep straight, personally. I''m still voting for option number 1 if you can afford it comfortably.

 

[rockzilla]

Museum...swoon...we would have totally gone with such a cool, modern space, if we weren''t constrained by where our ceremony is being held. My vote is definitely for the museum!

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 8/26/2008 3:41:03 PM
Author: meresal
I have looked at all of their info and it says nowhere about buying insurance. I''m guessing they probably block the mural off themselves, and shut off the rest of the hallways. I am still waiting for an email back about their catering prices, but they do have wedding packages (ie, plans for meals). Everything else is separate costs, and I mean everything!! It''s $50 for a microphone

It would be awesome, that is for sure... I just worry about the adding up of costs, when I have to rent almost everything myself. Though, being a ''modern art museum'', I bet I could save ALOT on flowers... I could just put different sizes of geometrical boxes as each centerpiece. LOL

ETA: I doesn''t say anything anywhere about music either, which is another one of my concers. We''ll see.

I, too, used to plan events as part of my job, and since I worked in the art business, I''ve been to my fair share of galas etc. at museums/galleries/other places where valuable art is on display to the public. I would ask directly about insurance, liability, and other policies. Don''t be shy. It''s better to be 100% safe than sorry. My art gallery was insured for everything in it (from artwork to furniture), so damages were never an issue. We knew that we were covered, financially, in the event of a disaster.

As to the myriad costs -- museums can be finicky about preferred vendors. Ask, and the person in charge of events/rentals should have some clear-cut advice about what you can/cannot do in the space, who you can hire, and what type of insurance they may need to carry. One caveat -- sometimes your vendors/contractors will be required to be bonded/insured, and in some cases they may need to comply with federal regulations (union workers, etc.).

It sounds like you''re not 100% keen on dealing with the finer points (50 dollars for a microphone,etc.). If the museum does offer a competitive package, look into it and compare it carefully with the hotel (option #1). You may discover that one venue wins over another because it presents significant savings (financial and emotional). But do make sure that you know what matters the most to you. If low-stress is something you desire...a package deal might end up being the winner. I loved planning events but agree that the details are cumbersome and stressful!