Quote:
Originally Posted by iEatClams Sorry bumping this old thread as I'm looking for info/thoughts on weddings as I recently got engaged. T
hings on our minds right now is where to start looking for venues, how to finance it, and how to appease more traditional parents - we already told them we are doing white food and not traditional Asian and that it will be a "western" venue. |
My friends had to book about 8 months to a year in advance for Summer weekends.
So... book ahead.
Money stuff:
$50 per head for average fare.
$100 per head for "above average" fare.
Wine and alcohol will add another 30% on top of your bill.
Don't forget service charge of 15% or 18%.
If it is a Chinese restaurant, cake cutting is free.
If it is a Pacific-Contemporary restaurant, cake cutting is $3 per guest/plate.
And, as another poster mentioned, you'll get some of the costs back from guests who give money/cheques.
Based on friends' data, you'll probably recoup 20% to 40% of the DINNER cost from money gifts.
Venues:
Depends on the # of tables you want.
You mentioned you are probably going to do a Pacific/Contemp/Seafood venue:
Here are some ideas:
1- Hawksworth/Hotel Rosewood Georgia York Room (up to 60 guests) or Spanish Ballroom (sits at least 20 tables of 10 guests each)
2- Blue Water - Pacific Room sits up to 80 guests, or the main room, up to 200+
3- Market/Shangri-La (they charge a rental fee for the rooms even if you meet the $ minimums...), but they have a 6th floor terrace that is spectacular for outdoor dining, that can sit up to 100 people. Make sure you tell them you want the awnings REMOVED.
4- The Aquarium? But the food sucks (be warned), but the venue rocks especially in the Arctic Gallery (Beluga exhibit underground). There is a rental fee also.
5- Any of the country clubs with golf courses and restaurants (though their food quality are debatable).
6- Many other restaurants have private rooms that can sit dozens of guests or more. Do your due diligence.
7- The Peak at Grouse.
8- Beach House in West Vancouver. Beach side. Balcony on second floor. But main dining room is not "open" per se.
9- Cioppino's have a few rooms, but they can only sit up to 40 for the biggest room (so not "open")
Good luck and congratulations!
Don't get stressed.
Enjoy the process and plan plan plan!