Torn b/t two venues!

[largirl]

Okay, can someone just make a decision for me? I'm torn between two venues within $300 of each other.

FF - pros: gorgeous outdoor area for ceremony, gorgeous drive to site, beautiful views, guest would be able to go outside and to other areas to mingle and stretch, places for the kids to run around w/o bothering the adults, separate areas for cocktails/dinner, more intimate, pretty entrance with boardwalk, guests would be more relaxed and have more fun, bridal room to prepare in. cons: multiple contracts with different vendors (rental, food, venue), slightly further drive for guests, chairs aren't as nice (weird I know but I think the chairs can make the room), room not as elegant, not sure how to decorate, no "wow" factor with room, "conference room" ceiling, kind of a country/rustic feeling.

LEB - pros: absolutely gorgeous, all-in-one contract (deal with one person), more experienced, nice chairs that add elegance, breathtaking first impression, know how I want to decorate it, high ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows. cons: area of the city not as nice, in warm weather you can smell the stockyards (although you can't smell it inside the room), would have to have ceremony in same room as reception, would have to get ready in the bathroom, smokers would have to go 10 floors down to smoke, guests would be confined to one ballroom and might not have as much fun, after the first impression it might just be a typical reception.

I think the bottom line is that LEB would be remembered by my guests as being gorgeous and elegant and FF would be remembered for the great time they had. I can't decide if I'm okay with giving up the amazing beauty of LEB for the more relaxed, good time I think they'd have at FF.

Help me decide??

 

[largirl]

Here are pics of FF (these are crappy cell phone pics, except for the last one which is the exterior of the bldg taken from their site). Note that the first outdoor one would be MUCH prettier in early October than it is now when the leaves have all fallen already.

 

[largirl]

And here is the LEB ballroom.

 

[largirl]

I lied. HERE is the LEB ballroom. You can't see it here, but while the ballroom is freaking amazing the building itself is in a kind of rundown, not pretty area of the city.

 

[FacetFire]

I would go with FF all the way! I think the most important thing is that the guests (AND YOU) have a fantastic, fun time. LEB doesn''t look so much prettier to me that it is worth the negatives you listed. I would hate to use a venue in a not-so-nice area of town. In fact, I elminated one venue because the guests would have had to drive through a not great area to even get there. I much prefer the atmosphere and photos of FF also, at least from what you have posted. I knwo dealing with multiple vendors can be a pain, but I wouldn''t take the slightly easier route at the expense of a better time! Do you have a gut feeling at all, one way or the other?

 

[sera]

Ok, so the ceiling in FF is kinda

and that would probably bother me, BUT that room could look absolutely stunning! Would you have candles all lit up in the fireplace? That would be gorgeous. And the walkway is totally cool... nice place for people to hang out and get some air.

I do like the room of the LEB... it makes a great first impression- the windows are amazing... but if it's looking down on not so nice a view, well then I guess they are good for a nice impact when walking into the room. It also looks very large... would there be a problem decorating that large of a place? As for the smokers, tell them to put on a nicotine patch so they don't get a stroke traipsing up and down 10 floors.

It is a gorgeous room.

I think either could work, but I think I would go with FF.
ETA: It's possible I might change my mind lol.

 

[largirl]

FacetFire, I really don''t have a gut instinct.

I think I''ll be overall really happy with either choice but also a little disappointed with either choice! I am leaning towards choosing guest fun over venue but it''s not really a gut instinct.

Sera, the room at LEB isn''t really much bigger, I think the ceiling makes it look a lot more roomy. We''d definitely have more room there as far as the main room goes, but FF has another room for cocktails where the cake and gift table would be (you would walk into the first room, which is actually much prettier than the main room, and then the reception would be in the fireplace room) - whereas all that would be in one room at LEB. I would use big, tall centerpieces for LEB and spread the tables out a bit more (would the extra space between tables be a plus?). I would put candles in the fireplace at FF (you can also have an actual wood fire but I think early Oct. might be a little warm still for that). I''m not sure what else I would do there though.

 

[msb700]

i would definately go with FF!!! the views, the outside areas and everything just sounds so much better than having "one" room in the other place..

Also thing of all the different pictures ud be getting with FF!! all the natural lighting will make for gorgeous pictures and theres such a variety of locations/spots to choose from..

as for the ceiling, which i agree, not very pretty!!! have u thought of using layer of soft chiffon or other material and covering it? a while back someone had posted an image of a reception hall where they used material in swooping layers that covered most of the wall..it was goregous and so very romantic!!! i think that would be a GREAT idea to cover the ceiling and will give the room an immediate ''soft'' look and feel?

ill try to see if i can find a pic about wat im talking about..

 

[Selkie]

Another vote for FF. As a guest I think I''d like it much better. I looked at their website, and there''s a photo of the room set up for an event which makes it look really pretty. Of course it cuts out the ceiling, but I don''t think your guests are going to spend the evening staring at the ceiling! The surroundings just seem much nicer too, but then I''m a more of a country mouse than a city mouse

. I think the guests having the freedom to mingle around outside and in different rooms is a big plus. You can always slipcover chairs, too.

 

[msb700]

canopy or draping! thats the word i was looking for

 

[largirl]

Date: 11/18/2007 1:44:45 AM
Author: msb700
canopy or draping! thats the word i was looking for

I was actually considering something like that, but the ceilings are so very low I don't know if it would work...I'd have to actually get in there and try it.

 

[msb700]

Date: 11/18/2007 1:47:50 AM
Author: largirl

Date: 11/18/2007 1:44:45 AM
Author: msb700
canopy or draping! thats the word i was looking for

I was actually considering something like that, but the ceilings are so very low I don''t know if it would work...I''d have to actually get in there and try it.

hmmm..i think as long as someone who is standing doesnt end up having his head stuck between the material, u''ll be fine..in the pic i posted it seems that the drapes are hung relatively low (the distance from the ppl sitting down to the lowest portion of the drape doesnt seem too big for me)...plus u can always pull the drapes in a bit so that it doesnt hang too low..?

 

[largirl]

Yeah, I''ll have to try it. I wonder how much that much fabric would cost? I''m also scared of making the room seem even smaller by doing that - but it could also make it softer. I think I''d just have to try it and see what it looked like.

 

[Fancy605]

Date: 11/17/2007 11:52:02 PM
Author:largirl
Ochairs aren''t as nice (weird I know but I think the chairs can make the room)

I completely agree about chairs. Our venue had gross chairs, but our catering company custom made great covers for them (they said they needed some like them for rentals anyway). And it worked beautifully. Chairs can change everything.

I will say, working with fewer vendors is nice too. I had very few vendors because the 2 main ones I had provided multiple services.

As far as FF goes, I don''t like the ceilings much (I looked at a similar hall and couldn''t get over the ceilings, which is silly, I know), BUT I really like the ideas that were posted with the draped fabric and lights. I do like the look of FF from the outside. You could probably take some cool pictures outside of it.

LEB on the other hand looks gorgeous inside. You wouldn''t really have to spend much on decorations. But where would you take outdoor pictures if you wanted some?

Also, there is something to be said for having a bride''s room to get ready in. Mine was very small, and a big, pretty bride''s room is one thing I wish I had had.

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I''m in the minority, but I actually like the second one better and think the open atmoshephere can make a big difference in how much fun people have if they don''t feel crowded.
The first one feels very small and I have hung fabric for decorations before and it makes the room much smaller. In combination with the ceiling type, it also really muffles sound like from a band.
At most wedding I have attended, better chairs really do make a big difference. People spend so much on decorating tables when there are far more chairs! Plus, if they spend much time sitting better chairs can make a big difference.
I have already found at this point in my planning that the fewer and more experienced the people you work with, the better. It is really amazing for me how much the place I love seems less interesting to me each time we deal with the people running it.
As for the smokers, it might not be so bad to have them go so far out of the way to have to smoke. You may not want them to be able to lesierely smoke in the same area the kids are playing in. I know we have a lot of smokers and we want it to be as inconvient as possible for them so they spend less time away from the party and don''t all smell like smoke all the time.
Just my two cents

 

[sera]

Date: 11/18/2007 1:01:51 AM
Author: largirl
FacetFire, I really don''t have a gut instinct.

I think I''ll be overall really happy with either choice but also a little disappointed with either choice! I am leaning towards choosing guest fun over venue but it''s not really a gut instinct.


Sera, the room at LEB isn''t really much bigger, I think the ceiling makes it look a lot more roomy. We''d definitely have more room there as far as the main room goes, but FF has another room for cocktails where the cake and gift table would be (you would walk into the first room, which is actually much prettier than the main room, and then the reception would be in the fireplace room) - whereas all that would be in one room at LEB. I would use big, tall centerpieces for LEB and spread the tables out a bit more (would the extra space between tables be a plus?). I would put candles in the fireplace at FF (you can also have an actual wood fire but I think early Oct. might be a little warm still for that). I''m not sure what else I would do there though.

Yeah, the LEB does look bigger... extra rooms between tables is nice, but not if it makes the room look sparse and as long as the FF wouldn''t be cramped and uncomfortable for guests, that wouldn''t be a deciding factor for me.

I just really think the FF looks like it could be a really fun place and that''s nice you have that extra room there... and OMG if your florist made arrangements with dangling crystals to catch all the candlelight... OMG! I was thinking of draping as well... that picture posted is gorgeous! If height is an issue, maybe putting the lights flush with the ceiling and then below them drape the chiffon or whatever slightly. My choice still stands with FF.

 

[chinglish]

Wow both venues are fantastic!

I prefer LEB - mostly because having to deal with one vendor is a godsend! There''s so much to plan, having it all in one place with experience in doing it all might be relieving for you. And you can focus on all the other fun parts of planning - your invites, attire , your ceremony.

Dealing with different vendors at FF might drive up your overall costs - where at LEB you may be able to see all the costs upfront.

AND I like the fact that its a gorgeous venue in a part of the city that''s ''not as nice'' - opens up your guests expectations!

Maybe you can plan to have some form of entertainment that breaks up the ''confinement'' issue you may have. Like a guest photobooth in one corner, ongoing slideshow in another... just some ideas!

 

[Harleigh]

They''re both beautiful, but I personally prefer the second venue more. I love the look of it, and I think dealing with one person for everything could help you keep costs reasonable. Let us know what you decide!

 

[Hera]

I prefer the second one better. You have those high ceilings and wonderful windows. It would take a lot to conceal the ceiling in the first venue.

 

[zoebartlett]

Wow, I can see why you''re having trouble deciding. I went to FF''s website and the property is amazing. Not that your guests would go for a long walk during your reception, but I think it''s always good to offer them a place to wander around a bit. I love to do that at weddings. The time of year would be perfect for that also. I''d probably take advantage of this venue because of the nature all around the venue itself. The Great Room (I think that''s what it''s called) looks nice. Is that the second room you referred to, the one where the cocktail hour would be? That room is really nice. Yeah, the ceiling isn''t pretty at all in the main room, and the over all decor of the room is lacking in personality, but I think you could work with it. I think there could be some decorative touches you can add. Also as Selkie said, not many guests will spend their time looking at the ceiling.


I couldn''t find a website for the LEB (gotta say, not crazy about the name). The ballroom is really nice and I can see why you love it. If there''s nowhere else for guests to wander around and explore the area though, that would be a downside.

So all of that being said, I like certain elements of both places but I''d go with FF.

 

[HollyS]

Date: 11/17/2007 11:52:02 PM
Author:largirl
Okay, can someone just make a decision for me? I''m torn between two venues within $300 of each other.

FF - pros: gorgeous outdoor area for ceremony, gorgeous drive to site, beautiful views, guest would be able to go outside and to other areas to mingle and stretch, places for the kids to run around w/o bothering the adults, separate areas for cocktails/dinner, more intimate, pretty entrance with boardwalk, guests would be more relaxed and have more fun, bridal room to prepare in. cons: multiple contracts with different vendors (rental, food, venue), slightly further drive for guests, chairs aren''t as nice (weird I know but I think the chairs can make the room), room not as elegant, not sure how to decorate, no ''wow'' factor with room, ''conference room'' ceiling, kind of a country/rustic feeling.

LEB - pros: absolutely gorgeous, all-in-one contract (deal with one person), more experienced, nice chairs that add elegance, breathtaking first impression, know how I want to decorate it, high ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows. cons: area of the city not as nice, in warm weather you can smell the stockyards (although you can''t smell it inside the room), would have to have ceremony in same room as reception, would have to get ready in the bathroom, smokers would have to go 10 floors down to smoke, guests would be confined to one ballroom and might not have as much fun, after the first impression it might just be a typical reception.

I think the bottom line is that LEB would be remembered by my guests as being gorgeous and elegant and FF would be remembered for the great time they had. I can''t decide if I''m okay with giving up the amazing beauty of LEB for the more relaxed, good time I think they''d have at FF.

Help me decide??

FF all the way. Anything can be transformed by flowers and other decorations.