After people find out we’re engaged, the first question they eagerly ask with unbridled anticipation is, “Have you set a date?”
And my response is always a disappointing, “Not yet, we have to find a venue first. Once we find a venue, we’ll see what days they still have available.”
Here’s where we stand as of now:
- Traditional banquet halls are usually cookie-cutter, expensive and have bad food
- Loft spaces are abundant in downtown Detroit but are not available for event rental
- Many Saturdays next year are already booked, relegating us to either a Friday or Sunday, both of which have their issues
- Non-traditional venues in Downtown Detroit (museums, theatres, etc.) are too expensive and/or too small
- There are a bunch of vacant buildings and buildable areas along the Detroit River that would be perfect locations, but alas, aren’t suitable for occupancy
I knew this wouldn’t be easy but – DANG!
A few of the places that we considered, but won’t work out:
- The Detroit Institute of Arts
- The Roostertail
- The Belle Isle Casino
- Flat 151
- Gem Theatre
- Motown Mansion
- Museum of African-American History
- Silver Garden of Southfield
So I continue to look, using all the web universe searching knowledge I can muster. All the while, time is ticking and there are plenty of other decisions that need to be made that all hinge on our final choice of venue.
Any ideas? Even if you don’t live in Detroit, can you think of any other types of locations I should check out?
Possibly Related Posts:
- 6.11.11
- Our first Venue meeting this Friday
- Top 25 Unconventional Wedding Venues
- Change of Ceremony Venue
- Venue Profile: Flat 151
Mrs. 12k - The newlywed with lots of wedding tips and ideas for the bride on a budget. 
DetroitGyrl - I'm on an 18 month crash course to plan the best "PARTY to KICK off a MARRIAGE" you've ever seen.
6 Comments so far
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I’m looking at the Motown Mansion right now…and I was curious as to why it wouldn’t work for you. Maybe I’ll save myself some hassle.
I am in the EXACT same boat, 12K in the D!
By brandi on 09.05.08 12:00 pm | Permalink
Oh…and I don’t know how close to downtown you would like to be, but have you checked out the Lafayette Grand in Pontiac?
By brandi on 09.05.08 1:44 pm | Permalink
Hey Brandi –
At Motown Mansion you don’t have to pay for the space itself, but you do have to pay for stuff like valet, insurance, table and chair rental, etc. They told me that could range from $2500-$4500 depending on how much of the mansion you use. That’s before you even think about the cost of food. Plus, the mansion will only hold 100 people for a sit-down dinner inside. We’d have to have the reception under the tent. I to nervous about the weather to have it outside. For a smaller guest list, I think it would definitely work. It’s just not for us. Hope that helps.
By Ms. 12k on 09.05.08 5:52 pm | Permalink
Hello! Just stumbled across your site (via Budget Savvy Bride), and I’m a Michigan bride, too! We haven’t checked it out, but The Inn at Ferry Street (innonferrystreet.com/) looked nice online and seemed reasonable. I think they can only hold 150 people, but it might be worth a look. Good luck!
Sara
By Sara on 09.11.08 2:17 pm | Permalink
We live in Atlanta, Georgia, where weddings are not as expensive as they are in say, New York, but pricey nonetheless. Instead of getting married here, we’re asking friends and family to join us at a vineyard in a small mountain town. Everything is more affordable (from per person food to lodging). Are there any sometimes overlooked towns near you?
By Katy on 09.12.08 11:11 am | Permalink
(Here’s the place – http://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com)
By Katy on 09.12.08 11:12 am | Permalink
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