Tag Archives: where to have your wedding

Wedding Venue: Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

by on September 9, 2012

 

Boone Hall Plantation

1235 Longpoint Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-4371
View their website
 

Average Cost: $25,000

*Average cost for THIS venue is calculated by figuring a 125-person guest list for a Saturday night ceremony/reception using an outside caterer. Transportation to venue, entertainment, decorations, linens, chairs, and flowers are not included. Average price includes gratuity and state sales tax. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand.

How it breaks down:

Facility Rental Fee: Location fees range from $1,500-$5,000. All rentals include a gate attendant for the evening of the event, complimentary parking for all guests, indoor restroom facilities, limited electricity, tiki torches lit along the Avenue of Oaks and a scheduled rehearsal time the day before. For more info on each location, click here to view the Boone Hall plantation event guide. There are various locations to choose from within the Boone Hall Plantation, and you can choose to combine locations as well. An example of the fees are as follows:

Front Lawn: $3,000
Front Lawn and Cotton Dock: $5,000

 

Food: You are allowed to use your own outside vendors for catering. On average, you can expect to pay $100/pp and up for a plated, multi-course dinner with alcohol.

More Stats:

Space Type: Outside/some covered

Bridal Suite: Space is available to change in

Size: Can accomodate weddings up to 500 people depending on location choice. For example, the Boone Hall Plantation Cotton Dock can hold 175-200 people for a seated event with out a dance floor, a 150 with a dance floor, and up to 300 for a mingling function. The dock that overlooks the creek can hold 100 chairs.

Food Service Type: Must bring in catering (they also offer a Boone Hall Farms Market catering service)

Parking: All guests must park in the main parking area near the Plantation House.

How Will Grandma Get There? The plantation is located 7 miles from downtown Charleston. There are tons of hotels available in the area. However, if this is a destination wedding you will most likely have to arrange for a shuttle or other transportation. For Charleston travel tips, check out this 36 Hours in Charleston from the NYTimes.

 Party On! All events must end by 11 p.m., and guests must be off the premises by midnight.

The Report:

Boone Hall, which dates back to 1861, is one of the oldest working plantations in the United States. Once known for cotton and pecans, they still grow crops such as strawberries, pumpkins, and tomatoes. The Antebellum plantation, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is known for it’s “Avenue of Oaks,” which is a 3/4 mile stretch of 68-year-old giant live oaks draped with Spanish moss. While it’s making the news lately because Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds had their wedding there, it has also appeared on Days of Our Lives and The Notebook.

 

 Woman Getting Married Says:

The plantation is obviously gorgeous. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get married in a place with 68-year-old oaks? My main issue with strictly outdoor venues (or partially covered) such as these is that it gets pricey…and fast. Because there is limited electricity, it means you have to bring most things in, such as a kitchen for the caterers and all the stuff that goes along with it. That means they’ll normally charge you more than if you were getting married in a place that was equipped with a kitchen already. However, with a rustic and historical location like this, you’ll save money on decor vs. a plain banquet room that needs a lot of design. Another positive note is that this venue is only 7 miles from downtown Charleston, which is a huge bonus for couples looking for a destination wedding spot that has a ton of charm to offer out of town guests. I’ve never been to Charleston but it’s on top of my list! Overall, this venue is worth checking out.

 

Photo by Virgil Bunao via Style Me Pretty

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Wedding Venue: Serra Plaza

by on January 25, 2012

Serra Plaza

31920 Del Obispo Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949-542-4848
View their website
 

 

Average Cost: $17,000

*Average cost for THIS venue is calculated by figuring a 125-person guest list for a Saturday night ceremony/reception using one of the venue’s approved caterers. Transportation to venue, entertainment, additional decorations, and flowers are not included. Average price includes gratuity and state sales tax. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand.

How it breaks down:

Facility Rental Fee: Wedding ceremony and reception, up to five hours (plus two hours for setup and one hour for cleanup after).

Friday/Sunday: $3,500
Saturday: $4,500
 

Food: You must use one of the venue’s approved caterers, which includes Jay’s Catering, Good Gracious! Events, and Sundried Tomato. On average, you can expect catering with alcohol to start at $100/pp for a seated meal.

Important Note: Decor and other rentals are not included in the facility fee.

 

More Stats:

Space Type: Outside, with an inside location (the Grand Salon) scheduled for completion January 2012. Location options currently include The Grand Plaza Courtyard and Salon Patio.

Bridal Suite: Yes, along with a small groom’s area.

Size: Rental fee is for 200 guests, but the space can accomodate up to 450

Food Service Type: Buffet/seated options

Parking: Yes

How Will Grandma Get There? There are better hotel options near Capistrano Beach, Dana Pointe, and San Clemente. Guests can take a taxi or drive to/from the hotel or you can arrange a shuttle. Shuttles can cost around $1,000 depending on how many people and amount of time. Click here to get a quote.

 

Party On!

  • Events must end by 10 p.m.in the courtyard, and 1 a.m. in the Grand Salon.

The Report:

Serra Plaza is located in the Los Rios district of San Juan Capistrano in Orange County. The district, which is considered to be the oldest neighborhood in California, is located across the train tracks of the Capistrano Depot, which means you can hear trains in the background from the Plaza. The plaza itself is mission-style, with clay tile roofs, adobe-colored walls, and a fountain. They are currently in the process of finishing their “Grand Salon,” which you can see below.

 

 

Woman Getting Married Says:

Now that this venue will feature an inside-option, I’m liking it a whole lot more. I’m not a huge fan of an event that is in a) one location and b) entirely outside. While the weather in California is typically gorgeous, it’s one of those things you don’t want to stress about. I think a Tuscan-styled wedding, like they did for this shoot here, would be a perfect fit for this venue. I would attempt to negotiate the fee down to $3,000-$3,500 for a Saturday night, because while I love the style of the building, I think you’ll end up having to bring in a lot of lighting, decorations, and flowers to make it look warm and styled.

For more pictures of Serra Plaza, click here.

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Wedding Venue: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

by on May 27, 2010

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Neighborhood: near Coconut Grove
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
View their website

Average Cost: $27,000
*Average cost for THIS venue, including tax and gratuity, is calculated by figuring a 125-person guest list for a 6-hour reception on a Saturday night using the least expensive menu and bar options and renting your own table and chairs (since they’re not provided by the venue). They do not include transportation to/from the venue, or any optional fees such as tents or decorations such as flowers and table linens. Numbers are rounded up to the nearest hundred.

How it breaks down:

Facility Rental Fee: $12,500 for use of the property from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. for guests. Set-up and deliveries can start that day anywhere at 3, 4, or 5:15, depending on the location. Food: A licensed caterer must be used. Assume the going rate is anywhere between $50-$100/pp. Using the least expensive option, it would be $6,250. A $375 catering permit must also be obtained.

Bar: BYOB, so look for a caterer that doesn’t insist on providing the alcohol (ask them for bartenders and setups only). If you BYOB, you can assume a generous $20/pp cost for beer, wine, and liquor, plus up to $500 for servers. $3,000

Tax and Service: This will be unique to your chosen caterer, but plan for a 18% service charge and 9.25% sales tax on food, beverage, and any rented equipment. There is also a 7% tax on all facility rental fees.

Party On! Events can go until 1:00 a.m. for an additional $1,500/hour. Music is encouraged to be “lowered” past 11 p.m. since the museum is in a residential neighborhood.

What’s Included? Nada. Assume each table setup (tables and chairs with 8 people per table) will run you $75 each. So factor in another $1,200 for a wedding of 125 people. Keep in mind you also have to get linens, etc.

More Stats:

Space Type: Mostly Outside (Inner courtyard is covered, but the terraces and gardens are not). You can rent out the historic interior (basically, the museum part) for $2,500 for the first two hours, and $1,200 for each additional hour. You can tent the terrace in case of rain from $2,500-$4,000 depending on size and tent accessories.

Size: The inner courtyard can hold 100 people, and the outside (East Terrace) can accommodate up to 300 people.

Food Service Type: Your choice

Dressing Rooms Available: Brides have to use the restroom for a dressing room. :(

Elevator: N/A

Security Provided: No. Police officers are available for $100/hr.

Valet: No.

How Will Grandma Get There? The museum is a 5-minute drive from hotels in Coconut Grove and Brickell, and about 15 minutes (with traffic) to Miami Beach. Out-of-town guests can easily take cabs to these location.

The Report:

Vizcaya was built by industrialist James Deering, and he used the mansion as his winter home from 1916-1925. Deering wanted the house to mimic the look of an Italian Estate that had stood for 400 years…and it really does. The 50-acres that villa sits on are expansive and gorgeous, like something you would see in old-world Italy or France. The most beautiful thing about the house is that it sits right on the bay, and has an amazing stone terrace that looks out to it. Inside, there are over 70 rooms that are preserved with original furnishings (the majority of these rooms are roped off, and would be for your event as well.) The inner courtyard is covered, so if you are worried about rain you would have to tent the terrace.

Woman Getting Married Says:

Having grown up in Miami, I’m very familiar with just how spectacular this place is. It’s location on the bay is stunning, and I think it might be one of the most beautiful places in Miami, period. My two biggest issues are the price, and what happens if it rains. You’re paying almost $13,000 JUST for use of the property. You think for that price they could at least throw in some tables/chairs, right? Also, while the grounds really are gorgeous, if it rains you’re going to miss out on a lot of it. My advice if you want this place on a budget? Go low-key on the food and music. Instead of a DJ, just hire a local three-piece band (check the University of Miami). And for the food? Think Cuban and get a VERY inexpensive restaurant to cater some local favorites. Otherwise, you’re looking at a not-so budget friendly wedding.

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Wedding Venue: Belle Meade Plantation

by on May 20, 2010

Belle Meade Plantation

5025 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
www.BelleMeadePlantation.com
 
Average Cost: $16,500
*Average cost for THIS venue, including tax and gratuity, is calculated by figuring a 125-person guest list for a 6-hour reception on a Saturday night using the least expensive menu and bar options, as well as the venue’s tables and chairs. They do not include transportation to/from the venue, or any optional fees such as tents or decorations such as flowers and table linens. Numbers are rounded up to the nearest hundred.

How it breaks down:

Facility Rental Fee: $5,000 for use of the property from 3 p.m. on. For brides (and wedding planners) wishing to start setting up by 8 a.m., it jumps to $6,000.

Food: A licensed caterer must be used. Assume the going rate is anywhere between $50-$100/pp. Using the least expensive option, it would be $6,250.

Bar: BYOB (you’ll just have to supply bartenders and setups, which can also be arranged via the caterers). You can assume a generous $20/pp cost for alcohol, plus up to $500 for servers. $3,000

Tax and Service: This will be unique to your chosen caterer, but plan for a 18% service charge and 9.25% sales tax on food, beverage, and any rented equipment.

Party On! Events can start anytime after 5 p.m. Music in the interior of the Carriage House must stop at 11:00 p.m. Music in any other area must stop at 10:00 p.m.

What’s Included? 250 natural wood folding chairs, 25 sixty-inch round tables, 10 eight foot tables, and 10 six foot tables. You’ll have to bring in everything else.

More Stats:

Space Type: Inside/Outside

Size: If not tenting, the interior(s) and covered exterior can comfortably hold between 175-200.

Food Service Type: Caterers can arrange for formal seated or buffet. However, a buffet would open up a lot more space

Dressing Rooms Available: Bridal room available

Elevator: N/A

Security Provided: No

Valet: No.

How Will Grandma Get There? The plantation is approximately 15-20 mins from downtown Nashville. Out-of-town guests would have to be shuttled to the plantation. This cost can be anywhere from $2-4,000.

Things To Remember:

-The event location is not in the actual mansion, but in the covered Carriage House, Stables, and Boxwood Garden. You can also opt to have a tent in their Paddock Area, however there is no covered walkway between the Paddock and the other areas.

-If you’re planning to have the ceremony in the Boxwood Garden (which most brides using this facility do) there is a Plan B if it rains. The Stables has a long walkway which can hold up to 120-125 chairs. However, the aisle would be a bit narrow.

-The on-site kitchen is very small and no cooking is allowed, so the caterer will have to bring in the food already prepared.

The Report:

The Belle Meade plantation is located in Belle Meade, an upscale part of town with huge houses and a lot of history. The plantation is a historic site that is situated on 30-acres of land and used to be a famous stud farm (hence the stables). The drive into the plantation is gorgeous…you cross an old bridge that brings you onto the main property, which is surrounded by patches of sunflowers and boxwood trees. The grounds are expansive, with old slave houses (this is the South, after all) and even a working winery. The Boxwood Garden, where the ceremony would take place, is a shady garden with a stone aisle for the bride to walk down. What’s unique about the garden setup is that guests can be faced towards the bride as she walks down the aisle, with the musicians behind them or to the side. Guests can then walk over to the reception area, either the Carriage House and Stables, or a tented Paddock Area, which is basically a giant lawn. The Carriage House and Stables are covered and have giant wooden doors, and there is a covered walkway in between and around them that can be used for either a food station area or additional seating and bars. In the winter, you can install plastic drop-downs on the covered walkway to insulate the area and keep it warm.

Woman Getting Married Says:

While the grounds are very nice and the Carriage House and Stables are unique, if you want to have a somewhat formal wedding here, there is quite a bit that has to be done to spruce it up. The space seems better suited for a themed rehearsal dinner or casual wedding. As you can see from the pictures below, there are a lot of things you can do to dress the place up. From flowing curtains and hanging lanterns, you can make the space look great. But if you’re going to attempt to make it look like you’re somewhere else, why get married there? Also, while the rental fee includes tables and chairs, a formal event would require something fancier than what they offer (you can see their folding wooden chairs in the second picture, below). Considering everything that would have to be done to make this place look great, you’re looking at at least another $3-5,000. Given all of that, I thought it was definitely a good option, but it didn’t WOW me.

In the Stables. The carriages are moved out prior to the event. This area is also the rain option for the ceremony.

The area alongside the Carriage House.

In the Carriage House. Recangular tables such as this one would not allow for a large dance floor/band area.

In the Boxwood Garden.

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