Looking for a reception MD/DC

Can't help with your question but welcome to the board!

[quote="morobin"]Hi everyone, am a new member to this forum and look forward to chating with all of you.

I have a question/suggestion.

Am looking for a location where my wedding ceremony and reception can be held in the same location for an affordable price in MD/DC close. Would prefer close to either bwi or dca or in between both as we have ppl coming from out of town. We looking at about 350 ppl attending and I want to be able to bring my own caterer. I am trying to stay away from hotel as it can be pretty expensive and they do not make african food. This is a nigerian wedding. Am hoping to find a location that will rent it out till 2am.

Any ideas, suggestions?

Thanks in advance
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Welcome morobin! I am in Dallas so I can't help you but I did want to welcome you to the site!!!!!!!!

Can't help either but would like to welcome you also.

Welcome Morobin! I'm sure some of the sisters can help you out.

You might want to consider a restaurant, a museum (can be really inexpensive and you can may be abale to use your own caterer), a masonic hall. Just a few suggestions, because I don't live in your area I can't be more specific.

Please keep us posted and let us know what you decide.

Welcome Morobin! Hang tight, there will be one of the vi ladies from your area that can help!

sorry i can't help you, but welcome to the board, someone will come thru for you!

Hello there morobin, you're in luck. I'm a planner in the MD area. I'm usually all over MD and DC. When is your wedding? Already, I have a few locations in mind for you, but if you'll give me a week or so in order to get in touch with some of the vendors that I've previously use, I will definitely have something for you. Now you say that you're looking for venue where you can have both your ceremony and your reception, and bring your own caterer. You would like this place to be available to you until 2PM. Please tell me what kind of budget are you playing around with? It would narrow down the field for me quite a bit.

Welcome to the sisterhood morobin. I'll try to help you as much as I can. Please don't hesitate.

Hi morobin,

I must tell you sincerely and honestly that a $20,000 budget is kind of low but I can definitely work with it. You plan on having 350 people there? I will get back with you soon.

The Galleria in DC is wonderful.

1120 20th St. N.W.

Ste 500 South

Washington DC 20036

Phone: 202 263-8513

Category: Independent Event Site, Retail Space

Capacity: 30 or less, 30-100, 100-250, 250-500, 500-1000

Size: 10,000 to 20,000 sq.ft.

Atmosphere: Corporate, Sophisticated, Trendy

Welcome to the site Morobin... don't worry the ladies here are so efficient and helpful they make planning a wedding effortless.

When is your wedding?

Like Rhony mentioned, a masonic or veteran's hall is an excellent option for your budget and size of guest list. Veteran halls are normally more aesthetically pleasing than mason halls but you can do wonders with both.

Djimonsmon - As a wedding planner, I know the location that you're referring to very well. I've held a lot of events there. I agree that it would suit her purposes very well, however, it's out of her price range.

Morobin ~ As promised, I'm working on finding the place for you, contact me so I know what we're doing. Okay. I'm in Takoma Park. Listen, the place that Djimonsmon was talking about is absolutely dreamy. I've held weddings and anniversary parties there already. Really big and can do what you need it to do. However, it's out of your price range. That's what I didn't mention it before. Remember that you have a total budget of $20,000 of which your Wedding Planner's fee would come right off the top. The Galleria ~ rents for $ 3,7000 Monday thru Thursday and Friday thru Sunday, it rents for $5 to $6,000. There's this other place, I'm in negotiations with currently that will suit your needs as well. Call me and I will definitely let you know this weekend. I got your back sister friend, but you need to keep in touch more often. All the sisters at Vibride welcomes you with open arms. Hope to hear from you soon.

Take care

Ginoue, I must ask and hope you aren't offended...Are you on the boards soliciting??? I apologize if that's not your intent but be careful that the tone and content of your posts don't suggest it.

Morbin- not sure if you've found anything yet but here are some more places you can look into. Keep in mind I didn't have a chance to confirm eveyrthing you needed so you will need to call. I know some of them you can't do your own cater, but you can call either way.

Riderhouse Village- Silver Spring, MD- I have a friend that's getting married here in August of 08. She absolutely loves it.

Newton White Mansion- Mitchelleville, MD 301-249-2004.
this was actually my first choice but it wasn't in our budget.

Zealia Centre- District Heights, MD-

PG Ballroom-Landover, MD 301-341-7439.

Oh sweety, no, I'm not here soliciting - No need to and I'm not offended pamcrow. I could very well understand why you would think so. Just giving her advice that's all. If you should read her original post, she was looking for a place to handle both her reception and her wedding ceremony, but her budget is limited. The place that was suggested to her, albeit very beautiful would take up $6,000 of her budget and that's not leaving her much for anything else. I was contacted privately as well on her behalf.

Wow, Djimonsmon - Those are wonderful places. I'm going to contact them and see if they will join my list of vendors. You've got great taste girl. I hope that with the places that you've refered her to and the ones that I've given her privately, she will be able to make a more informed choice. You're good girl.

Since I live in the MD/DC area this was an easy post to respond to. I had a few others but I'm sure they have inhouse caters that you must use. I found this site to be extremly helpful in my planning

http://www.washingtonweddings.net/home.htm

Also, I attended alot of Bridal shows.

[quote="Ginoue"]Oh sweety, no, I'm not here soliciting I could very well understand why you would think so.
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Thanks for clearing that up.

[quote="Ginoue"] If you should read her original post, she was looking for a place to handle both her reception and her wedding ceremony, but her budget is limited. The place that was suggested to her, albeit very beautiful would take up $6,000 of her budget and that's not leaving her much for anything else. I was contacted privately as well on her behalf.
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Are you saying that her budget is limited at 20,000? Is it because she is expecting so many guests? (350 ppl IS a lot!) How much does it take to spend on a wedding for your budget to be defined as "not limited" or "adequate"?.....I just feel like $20,000 is not really low at all....I think you are just used to having clientele that spends much more than that....I'm not trying to be funny or even mean Ginuoe I just feel like 20,000 is nothing to sneeze at and she shouldn't be made to feel like she is not spending a lot when really she is.....As her planner you will have to use your skills to find her a nice place within her budget....

I guess I get a little peeved when I hear (even in general terms by many people) that 20,000 is a "low" budget, when the average wedding is not really in the mid 20's as reported by big sites like theknot and wedding channel (especially when most of the women who register there are spending at least twice that)...its a lot less than that when you look at who is getting married....not to mention that the 1% of folk who do spend in the 6-digits are driving that "average" up.....I have seen elegant weddings done(planned in 2 weeks) cost 5,000 - 35,000, and I have seen crappy weddings from your average run of the mill 2-week patch job to a frou-frou $100,000.00 waste of time and "extra" money.....On these bridal shows I see the planners roll their eyes because a couple ONLY has 10-15 thousand dollars to spend on their wedding, and I think that an attitude like that is a little defeating. I feel like all planners should have the skills to do a 5000-over 100,000 wedding when called upon...especially since this person is leaning on those planners to help do good job....I think that just like those who spend more than 20,000...people who spend a lot less deserve to have the best that they can afford....like you are doing for morobin:)

[quote="Bumblebeekee"] How much does it take to spend on a wedding for your budget to be defined as "not limited" or "adequate"?.....I just feel like $20,000 is not really low at all....I think you are just used to having clientele that spends much more than that....I'm not trying to be funny or even mean Ginuoe I just feel like 20,000 is nothing to sneeze at and she shouldn't be made to feel like she is not spending a lot when really she is.....As her planner you will have to use your skills to find her a nice place within her budget....
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Well said Bumble.

My budget is $7500 for 200 people! Oh how will I ever manage! LOL! Morobin you'll be just fine having the wedding of your dreams with $20k! You just have to be a little more creative and think outside the box!Good luck and let us know if there are any other aspects we can assist you with!

Morobin check out the Grand Dollar totals thread. I think if you look at what everyone stated their budget is, your budget is right on average. Some of us spending more, some much less. You'll also discover interesting tidbits that may help with your planning.

[quote="FutureMrsKeepUp"]My budget is $7500 for 200 people! Oh how will I ever manage! LOL! Morobin you'll be just fine having the wedding of your dreams with $20k! You just have to be a little more creative and think outside the box!Good luck and let us know if there are any other aspects we can assist you with!
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MrsKeepUp, don't fret...Pamcrow is right...You'd be surprised at how far you can stretch 7500.00. I always say set your budget with 1000-1500 or more room (so for example you can either set your budget at 6000, or maybe you really have an extra 1000.00 cushion) just in case....you never know what may happen.....
...but I will tell you that it takes a bit of the pressure off....we set our budget at 6000.00, (not including rings...and we spent about that much including the honeymoon. By the time we added both our rings (which we paid off 1 month before the wedding....another load off by taking advantage of the no interest added until the following year-2007 for us) we spent about 10,000. So there are ways to set yourself ahead....I bought my DH ring at the same jeweler he bought mine, but to save time and interest, we put it on his Helzberg Jeweler's card and I just paid it all in cash whenever the payments were due...So unlike the interest accumulated when you put it on a regular credit card, we took advantage of that store's special and saved over 200.00 in interest for our rings...You can do that or pay cash for your rings....

Try a restaurant for a reception...we did this, and used their Lunch menu for our 10:30 AM wedding....we ended using one of the most expensive restauraunts in town but because of them having their own banquet room that they rent out often, and because of the early wedding, we spent about 12.95 per person, and 6.95 per child....I think Rhony did a restaurant too. It was a very nice place and the food was great! We had gotten engaged there too-DH rented one of their private rooms...small rooms with a table for a couple, candlelit....and we became well aquainted with the managers...

You may also want to try a nice community center. Oftentimes restauraunts may not be able to accomodate such a large amount of people, but a community center can....You may have to rent your tables and chairs out but ask if they provide them! If so, you may want to invest in renting chair covers, and white linens....Save money by designing your own centerpeices, boutainnaires, and bouquets such as turiya did (see her post called "instead of flowers") You don;t have to do what she did, but feel free to tap into your own creativity....Your planner Ginuoe may be able to get you a great deal on ordering fresh flowers in bulk, where you can save more $$ by buying your favorite flowers ahead of time (or go to a craft store and buy silk ones) and designing the bouquets, boutainniers, centerpieces, any pew or church decor you need, and counting the amount of each type of flower needed to make what, and then ordering that amount plus 10-15% more....Your planner can also help you organize duties for people to help you with these projects and she can also help keep them on schedule by following up with them and updating you regularly with their progress.

With proper planning, you can help yourself and save $$$. A good planner is worth the money, so write down what you need now: whether it be budget help, her to help you with the timeline etc, and draw out your contract and price with her now so you can plan to pay her and her team out of your budget also. Getting a good idea of what you need decor-wise can help you start shopping for the material you need for the projects....you planner can shop for you, but you have to verbalize your $$-plans for the decor (budget within-your budget) cause planners know where the deals are... so good luck with the reception search...but the key to saving money for that (50% of your budget = reception) is going outside the "traditional" box to help accomodate your budget and guest needs.....Happy Planning. Oh yeah, prayer works too....God has a thing about granting favors for those who ask...even those things that seem impossible....

Ok ladies, I bow.

But to clarify, I've done weddings for Less than $5,000 on a budget for my church all the time and some with less than a month's planning. The thing is she was looking for specific things in the MD/DC metro area and she wanted to be near airports, which would limit her choices and drive up her price as well. She has something very specific in mind and 350 people. Usually on a budget such as hers for that many people, most of the projects would be done by my staff and I in order to give her something glamourous and affordable. I just didn't want most her money to go for her venue. While it is true that I'm use to a larger budget for that many people, it would still be done if her specifics was not that she wanted to be close to major airports. Plus, she wants to bring in her own caterer ( which in my opinion is brilliant for that many people, as she would be able to save a bundle) but most of the places do not allow for outside catering or that they're not suitable for both wedding and reception as she wanted to remain within a certain area.

The problem was not her budget per say, but the specifics that she wanted would eat it all up. I am trying to have her see alternatives, but for that many people in MD/DC, the venue would cost her if she's not flexible on the day of the week (would you believe she would've saved at least $2,500 if it weren't on a weekend?)

Lots of love to all of my vibride sisters. I hope that I was able to clarify that it wasn't that I couldn't do it within her budget, but the specifics are eating away most of her money, and leaving very little for the rest. That's all. God bless

Ginuoe, you have certainly got your work cut out for you then!
She may need help understanding the need to be flexible to make her budget work/stretch....I think its that 350ppl thing too.

I thought you were saying her budget is just too low in general:)
One thing about us vibrides is that we are flexible about doing something different. If she can't understand that, then that can be a roadblock. If she is being inflexible, definitely invite her back (haven't seen her in a while) to see some good options that the vibrides have done....Plus if she is using you, she will need to have a clear understanding of your fees worked into that budget....I didn't mean to sound like an attack...My apologies:(

Oh yeah! I definitely know about that weekday vs weekend savings deal....Does the same go for a romantic Friday evening wedding? Can she get the weekday savings? Or is that considered "Weekend"? Are ya'll close to the beach? She may save $$$ on a lunch or brunch menu for her wedding to be on a beautiful saturday morning. Shoot sometimes its almost 25-50% savings/per person....Good Luck with that....

[quote="morobin"]Thank you all so much for your help and support.

djimonsmom/Ginoue - I contacted the Galleria and they were way out of my budget :) also they do not allow outside catering.

Zealia Centre and PG Ballroom were not big enough for 350 ppl.

I am going to take a look at Arbor Ballroom in DC by the Washington Times building this weekend. It seems to be within budget and they allow for outside catering.

As anyone been to The Arbor Ballroom in DC? How is like and their services?
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One of my classmates just had her reception there earlier this summer. I didn't attend but her pictures were absouletly gorgeous. FH and I considered this place as well, but it was "after" we had already put down a deposit elsewhere.

Keep in mind the location and weigh in all of the DC traffic(i hate driving in DC)From your first post you mentioned out of town guest, so see if you can arrange shuttle service with your "host" hotel if possible, that will eliminate anyone getting lost. Oh and I was on their website, and noticed that the rental fee was for 4 hours. Being that you are interested in doing everything at one location, make sure you include the extra $350 an hour that they charge. If you have a planner, have them call for you b/c if they are good, they can negotiate that price. Let us know how things are coming along.

Glad you found something that works for you Morobin! Congrats, now you can cross that off your list. :-)

Also as Bumble stated for any other ladies consider a restaurant for your reception. Bumble did it and I did it as well. The price per person was amazing! It was elegant and budget friendly!!! There are so many options for just about any budget. The ladies here have some wonderful suggestions.

[quote="morobin"]Hi everyone,

I am so sorry for being out for so long.. i have been extremely busy with work. I wanted to give everyone an update. i finally found a hall and it works out the best for us. Its the blackburn center at howard university with a capacity of about 700 ppl. The ceremony will be held right out side the banquet hall. I will be coming back to the forum for ideas for decors and stuff. But i want to thank everyone for giving me ideas and supporting me through this.

Thanks, Morobin
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Thanks for checking back in with us. I'm glad you found someplace within your budget and looking forward to helping you with decorative touches.

Congrats on a HUGE check off the list! We're here for whatever you need!

[quote="Ginoue"]Hello there morobin, you're in luck. I'm a planner in the MD area. I'm usually all over MD and DC. When is your wedding? Already, I have a few locations in mind for you, but if you'll give me a week or so in order to get in touch with some of the vendors that I've previously use, I will definitely have something for you. Now you say that you're looking for venue where you can have both your ceremony and your reception, and bring your own caterer. You would like this place to be available to you until 2PM. Please tell me what kind of budget are you playing around with? It would narrow down the field for me quite a bit.
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Welcome to the board Morobin!
I am really wishin' Ginoue was in my area!

Hi Ladies,I am new to the site, and I thought I posted some background about my situation yesterday but I can't see it anywhere. I might not know how to use chat board properly. Anyhoo...I am getting married in May. 4 months!!! I just got engaged and I need so much help with this planning thing. Anyone know any affordable planners in this area that can work with such a short time frame? Hint, Hint....Ginoue. LOL. You are probably very busy but might be able to refer me to someone. Also, is there anyone who planned a wedding such a short time?

Welcome GodsJewel!!!!!!!!! and congrats on your upcoming wedding!! I am sure you will get lots of great ideas from the ladies to pull your wedding off in 4 months!! :) My suggestion would be "simple" and alot of DIY's.

Hello VI Sistas!

I too am new to the site and am in a similar situation as Godsjewel! I just got engaged on Dec 28th and am looking to plan my wedding for early summer (however I can be flexible). I am in the process of locating wedding/reception sites and also securing my date and time.

I live in Laurel and am definitely looking to hold my event in Maryland.
Any ideas for sites?

Welcome Titi!!! we have quite a few ViBride sistahs in your area so I am sure they can give you lots of great locations/ideas!!

[quote="Titi"]Hello VI Sistas!

I too am new to the site and am in a similar situation as Godsjewel! I just got engaged on Dec 28th and am looking to plan my wedding for early summer (however I can be flexible). I am in the process of locating wedding/reception sites and also securing my date and time.

I live in Laurel and am definitely looking to hold my event in Maryland.
Any ideas for sites?
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Hey Titi ...you got engaged on the date of my wedding and guess what ..I got married in Maryland. Let me know what I can help you with ...Congrats and Welcome!!!

Titi
Welcome...We are having our reception at the Patuxent Greens Country Club located in Laurel. Check them out, really beautiful venue and they have the capability of doing both ceremony and reception if you chose to.

[quote="GodsJewel"]Hi Ladies,I am new to the site, and I thought I posted some background about my situation yesterday but I can't see it anywhere. I might not know how to use chat board properly. Anyhoo...I am getting married in May. 4 months!!! I just got engaged and I need so much help with this planning thing. Anyone know any affordable planners in this area that can work with such a short time frame? Hint, Hint....Ginoue. LOL. You are probably very busy but might be able to refer me to someone. Also, is there anyone who planned a wedding such a short time?
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GodsJewel, my coordinator is pretty resonable. And with most coordinators they offer "The Day of Service" not sure of the proper name. But let me know if you would like for me to pass on her information.

You would be surprised just how far I travel in my line of work, MZPrice2B!!! But seriously I am not really familiar with your city/state as far as vendors go, but rest assured that I would love to help you out unofficially, if I could. Write me a private note with your phone number included and let me see how we could put our heads together and make it work!!!

Welcome to the sisterhood GodsJewel!!! and Congrats on your extremely special day. I saw your timeline and I would love to help you create a wonderful day. I sent you a private note as well, so check it out by clicking on notes. Anyway, I will definitely start to research some ideas for you. Contact me soon. We don't have much time. Even if I were busy GodsJewel, I'm never too busy for my vibride sisters. They have helped me through some really tough spots in my life and therefore, priorities are given always to my vibride sisters whenever possible.

Again, congrats on your engagement and we'll talk very soon. You're going to have a blast planning this and of course, on your magical day!!!

Welcome to the sisterhood Titi and congrats to both you and your FH on your upcoming wedding. I'm not that far from you and would love to help out if I can. Give me a call. I will contact some of my vendors on your behalf to see their availability for the summer, since you said that you've very flexible.

Congrats sister and welcome!!!

The MD sisters are showing up strong!!!

Welcome GodsJewel and Titi. Congrats to you both on your upcoming weddings!

sheeee's baaaack! (Ginoue) LOL but on the for real, good looking out G for all of the sisters in need of your help! I know you will do everything that you can to work it out for the newbies!! Isn't sisterhood grand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know that I've been out of touch for a while, but I had an event in NY that I was handling, but yes, I'm back. I do travel a lot, but it's all part of the business and helping out my sisters ~ why not. Your time is certainly drawing near. I hope that you're stress-free my Diva sister!!! If not, it's okay to go to a closet and scream!!! I do it and it's fun!!! Give it a try!!! LOL!!!

[quote="Ginoue"]I know that I've been out of touch for a while, but I had an event in NY that I was handling, but yes, I'm back. I do travel a lot, but it's all part of the business and helping out my sisters ~ why not. Your time is certainly drawing near. I hope that you're stress-free my Diva sister!!! If not, it's okay to go to a closet and scream!!! I do it and it's fun!!! Give it a try!!! LOL!!!
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OH you don't even KNOW how bad I want to scream!!!!!!!!!!! :)so much to do, so little time :(

Seriously msj, it's great advice. Give it a try and take a deep breath afterwards. You'll see. But seriously, whenever you feel stressed just walk away from it for a few minutes, when you return, you'll have a much fresher spin on it.

I keep telling FH we should have just went ahead and had our wedding on the beach in Jamaica like we had originally planned-and all of this stress would have been avoided :(