Dallas Brides or really, any brides!!!

mandalaybay3071 · December 10, 2008

Please help! My fiance and I are so confused about where to have our at home reception. We are on a VERY tight budget of about probably $2,000 for about 50 guests. I have priced out getting a tent, catering, keg, margarita machine and such for a reception at our house and this falls into our budget. However, we want to also price out a reception at a location so we don't have to open up our house to 50 people and get all stressed out with that. The problem is, I have NO IDEA where to have a reception. I don't want a banquet type event b/c that is not us. I want more of a cocktail type atmosphere but with food. We are looking at a couple of locations for our engagement party such as a bar/restaurant that has a side room that you can reserve. If you live in Dallas, can you tell me where you are having or have had your reception and even if you don't live in dallas, can you tell me what kind of location you booked? I need help! Thank you!!

lil_miss_frogg · December 10, 2008

Look into local night clubs in your area. I found one that is $1000.00 to book it from 6-10 pm and then $10-$15 a person for the food. I decided not to go this route myself...I thought that was what I wanted, but it's not me or my fiancee. We want to include our siblings and they have kids. So we have decided to go a pavillion near a lake and have it catered. I hope this helps!

~Samie~

*Casey* · December 10, 2008

There's a place in Grapevine called Delaney Vineyards. It's gorgeous and perfect for something smaller. And since it's a vineyard, they provide all their wine at no cost. A friend of mine got married there, and I fell in love with her pictures. It might be worth checking out. Here's the website:

Delaney Vineyards

*Casey* · December 10, 2008

Also, another friend of mine had theirs at the Dallas Aquarium, and it was just like what you described that you want. It was a small cocktail party with food, and I think they had about 40-60 people. It was really cool because you walk in through the aquarium and look at everything on your way to the reception. They had a destination wedding, and I thought it was really fitting to have it at the aquarium with all the ocean stuff. Just a thought... Good luck!!!

Kla.Kari · December 10, 2008

When we were looking around for a place to hold our AHR, we found Suite 200 off of I-35 at Walnut Hill and Shady Lane.

Suite 200

It is a music and arts complex with recording studios and a party room. The rental fee is decent and should leave some cash in your pocket for food and decorations. You do have to do your own catering and clean-up. The owner (Michael) is really cool and flexible.

We ended up not going with that location because it didn't have the vibe or space we were going for; it comfortably holds about 150 in standing room only. So with 50 people, you would definitely have enough space for sitting, dancing, and mingling. If we ever plan a cocktail party, this is the first place we will call.

*Casey* · December 10, 2008

Here's the website for the Dallas Aquarium... Catering | www.dwazoo.com

mandalaybay3071 · December 11, 2008

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you girls so much for the suggestions!! You are such a huge help! I was feeling overwhelmed yesterday! I love the idea of the aquarium since we are having a beach wedding....all ties together! I also like the suite 200 - very cool! I can't thank you enough! My ideas were so lame!!! Lol!! Thanks again!!

Mandy