Venue Selections - such a choice.

I requested a bunch of information (pricing, availability) from various venues in town to have our reception. We agreed that having it at a hotel would be best, that way people staying at the hotel can stay there instead of driving. Yes, it would be their choice to drive - but, this is what we want. So far, after combing through every detail and comparing every detail... not one of them stands out as a front runner. It's weird. I know that we only have 3-4 places in town, and most give you a lot of options for food, decorations, and additional inclusions... it's almost like you need to preference what is more important to pay for over another, and hope the place you pick in the end is giving you the bang for all the bucks.

Pick #1 - It's had receptions forever, and I have been to many, as well as other non-wedding events. I'm sometimes impressed with the food, and other times not. The good thing, is that if you don't want to pay for the single shot mixed drink inside the Hall, you can always go to the Bar located within the hotel and get the same drink (more alcohol) for the same price. Will some people do that? Maybe. The place is also outdated compared to some others, so that's another thing. However, the list of inclusions is awesome and gets my vote for that. You can also have the ceremony, for a fee. What doesn't get my vote? The choices for plated dinners, which is the most expensive. Their buffet options are better, but again, more expensive. Oh, and there is plenty-o-parking.

Pick #2 - I've also attended many weddings and other functions at this place. It's nice, it's roomy and has plenty of parking. At first, reading through the information.. this places wasn't bad. The prices were right fr the food, and were the least expensive. The inclusions were alright, and would do for what we would need. Unfortunately it would be another $1K to have the ceremony there, so that was a bummer. BUT, even with estimating costs and gusts, including the ceremony (and audio/visual) is still cheaper. Funny, how that goes.

Pick #3 - This is my top pick. I have loved every wedding reception I've been to at this place, and have loved every other function I've gone too as well. The food never disappoints and its’ newer, so it looks nice. The main downfall is parking – the lot is small. The pricing is comparable on all aspects, but doesn’t include a ton of stuff like Pick #1. They do have a separate package that you can get for $1K, which includes some stuff that’s needed… or do a la carte for those items if you don’t need/want them all. A ceremony is also possible, and for a decent price. Plus, buying that package allows you to take $1K off the F&B minimum. So, it’s something to think about.

Pick #4 – A very new hotel. So new, that it’s not even completed yet! My dad told me about this place, so I called the General Manager up and had a lovely 10 minute conversation with him. The only information he had was the pricing, which wasn’t horrible. It stinks because until the food pricing comes out; I can’t really include it in my venue choices. Plus, I’ve never been there, and although the 3D images that he supplied looked great, you just don’t know. He offered a tour sometime this month, so we’ll see.  If the price is right, it could definitely be a contender.

Decisions, decisions.! I’m on the right path though, and hope to get a venue narrowed down within the next few weeks… and crossing my fingers that whatever day we decide will be THE day, the place will still have an opening.