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El_jimbo
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Username: El_jimbo

Post Number: 408
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 9:29 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well gang I've decided to take the plunge.

My GF and I got engaged recently and we are looking for wedding locations in the Detroit area. Anyone have any recommendations as far as places to have the reception, photographers, etc. I'm Catholic, so the ceremony itself will take place in a church so I don't need help with that.

Also, does anyone know what the rates are at the Book-Cadillac? We aren't planning on having the wedding until 2009 and I would love to have the wedding someplace so historic.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
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The_ed
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Username: The_ed

Post Number: 1416
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 9:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Flower house at Belle Isle.
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Club_boss
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Username: Club_boss

Post Number: 222
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 9:43 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"looking for wedding locations in the Detroit area"

Define Detroit area?

Tri-county, Wayne county, or simply within the city limits?
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El_jimbo
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Username: El_jimbo

Post Number: 409
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 9:45 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Club_boss,

Preferably in the city limits but we are looking in the rest of Wayne County as well.
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Club_boss
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Username: Club_boss

Post Number: 223
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 9:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I’ll mention it anyway, it’s out a bit, but historic, the grounds as well as the rooms are beautiful.

Largest room seats around 200.

http://www.wellersweddings.com /

Property is in Washtenaw county, odd the software is highlighting Washtenaw as misspelled.
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Urbanpioneer
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Username: Urbanpioneer

Post Number: 13
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 9:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Campus Martius Park can be rented out and you can bring in tents, your caterer etc ... that I always think would be interesting ... great location.
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 1447
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 9:55 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The future Mrs and I are having our reception at the Detroit Yacht Club, www.dyc.com. It's a little bit more on the expensive side but the ambiance is priceless. If I had to sum it with one word, I would use Gatsby. There is definitely that historic, old money feel throughout the place. The staff has been quite competent, friendly and accommodating with the planning so far. We have nothing but good things to say about them.
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Club_boss
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Username: Club_boss

Post Number: 224
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:06 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would say one would find it a bit difficult to find a nicer place to have a wedding than the Detroit Yacht Club, with the exception of the Detroit Athletic Club of course.

I was fortunate enough to have been invited as a guest to these properties; it was not my checkbook.

E_hemingway is there room for two more on your guest list?
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Spartacus
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Username: Spartacus

Post Number: 274
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I know you said that you have the church covered, but at least take a look at Sts. Peter and Paul. If you're looking for historic this is the oldest extant church in Detroit (Michigan for that matter). If you're not familiar with it is practically right across the street from the Ren Cen. They also allow people to have a 4:00 Saturday wedding (if I recall correctly) which is rare, and in my opinion ideal.

If you want a classy reception try the Renaissance Club. If you're looking for a reception at a more historical site you can try: Gem Theater (they have a nice room in the basement- and great spaces for cocktail parties before dinner); or the Omni Hotel.
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Missmich
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Username: Missmich

Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:28 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I beg to differ about the oldest church

About Mission Church
Michigan's Oldest Surviving Church Building

Mission Church is located at the east end of the village on Main (Huron) Street. Mission Church represents the first Protestant work among the Native Americans at Mackinac and is the oldest surviving church building in Michigan. Built in 1829 by local residents, it is Michigan's best example of New England Colonial church style. Its simple and austere interior with secluded pews and spare furnishings is characteristic of the Calvinist religion the young missionaries brought to the new frontier. Fur traders Robert Stuart, Henry Schoolcraft, and their wives, as well as soldiers and colorfully clad Native Americans, shared the fiery sermons of the Reverend William Ferry, best known of the early ministers.

When the fur trade declined, the church was sold and later used for political meetings, theatrical plays,and for a few years in the mid-1870s for Catholic services while Ste. Anne's was built. The church has been restored to its early 1830s appearance and is open throughout the summer months as a part of Mackinac State Historic Parks' Downtown Historic Buildings. Mission Church is a Michigan registered Historic site.
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 1448
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'll second the Sts. Peter & Paul, www.sspeterandpauljesuit.org, suggestion. That's our church and once served as the Arch Diocese's cathedral. It looks like it to when you walk inside. It is quite ornate and historic, but not as overpowering as the Church's present-day Cathedrals. The priest there, Father Bonk, is a good easy going guy. Working with him so far has been great.

Club Boss: I can see you checking in at the DYC gate now. "Yes, I'm listed under the Bs for Boss. First name Club."
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Charlottepaul
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Username: Charlottepaul

Post Number: 2118
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is this same thread every few months:
https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/107211/111112.html
https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/76017/5103.html
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Spartacus
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Username: Spartacus

Post Number: 275
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:42 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I stand corrected. Is that church in use?
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El_jimbo
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Username: El_jimbo

Post Number: 410
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:43 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the advice and suggestions! Keep it coming!

A few follow up questions.

Hemingway,

First off congrats. Secondly, what sort of dollar value do you define as expensive. I'm assuming that the Yacht Club is probably out of our price range, but having a dollar value makes it easier to judge what we can do. I also second Club Boss' request for an invitation. ;)


Spartacus,

Thank you for the suggestion of St. Peter and Paul's. When I said I had the church "covered" I meant that I knew it was going to be in A Catholic Church. We haven't decided which one yet. Your suggestion just went up towards the top of the list so thank you. One other place we are considering is St. Anne's. My great grandparents got married there once upon a time so I think it's kinda poetic if we could have our wedding there.

Urbanpioneer,

Not a question, just a comment. I agree that Campus Martius would be a great spot. However, the problem with it is that it leaves you with NO backup if the weather turns poor. Even with the tents, it would be a miserable reception if it was cold and rainy (which can happen in May). That would be the only reason why I wouldn't consider Cmart.
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Gnome
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Username: Gnome

Post Number: 452
Registered: 08-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:47 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

El Jimbo, congrats on your upcoming nuptials; but before you get a bunch of suggestions that can take you all over the city, could you provide us with some additional information?

- what church have you decided upon? Personally, I think it's best to have the reception close to the church as it cuts down on the possibility of out-of-towners getting lost.
- How many folks are you planning for?
- Ballpark budget.
- Any special needs some guests may require? ie, wheelchair ramps

Again, congrats on your broom-jumping, and you still are god to me.
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El_jimbo
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Username: El_jimbo

Post Number: 411
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 10:54 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Gnome,

Excellent questions.

-What Church?
We haven't picked one yet. In all honesty, I think the reception will dictate the church we want.

-How many folks?
I think we plan on inviting roughly 200 so figure somewhere between 150 and 200 guests

-Budget?
Still trying to narrow that down. VERY ballpark is probably a MAXIMUM of between $15k to $20k. Neither of us are big on ornate weddings (Using an entire garden worth of flowers, etc) so it is probably closer to that lower number.

-Special needs?
I don't think any of that will be a problem.
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Missmich
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Username: Missmich

Post Number: 16
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:05 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yes, you can even book it for weddings
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 1449
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:08 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Congrats to you too El_Jimbo. As far as dollar value, expect to pay at minimum $10,000 to $15,000 for a reception at the DYC. That number can easily skyrocket. We're forgoing many of the frilly extras like lots of linens, expensive center pieces, going overboard on flowers, etc, to keep costs down. From our point of view, the price is worth it because we want to put the money toward things people will enjoy or remember.

You can easily spend tens of thousands on linens to cover the chairs and center pieces at the reception but no one will remember what type of chair they sat in or the center piece unless the chair is uncomfortable or dirty or the center piece is ugly.

In our experience of going to friend's and relative's weddings, we remembered where the ceremony and reception were held, whether there was an open bar, the quality of the food, etc. We can honestly not remember whether any of the chairs were draped in linens, what the center pieces looked like or what type of floral arrangement there was.

We just want to throw a good, memorable party. You don't have to gussy up Sts. Peter & Paul or the DYC too much to do that. The character of those places speaks for themselves and they leave a lasting impression. Wow is a word I often hear, and have used myself, when people walk into those places for first time. And they are quite competitively priced with places of similar grandeur in the suburbs. We think it's a deal. There are many other less expensive options, but we think we're getting the best bang for our buck considering how much we want to spend.
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 1450
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Other downtown Catholic Churches you would want to consider:

St. Als (next door to the BC on Washington Blvd)
www.stalsparishdetroit.org

Old St. Marys (next to Greektown Casino)
www.oldstmarysdetroit.com
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Jt1
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Username: Jt1

Post Number: 10961
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:15 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wherever it is make sure to negotiate a reduced hotel price for a block of rooms for guest. Pretty much every hotel will do it.

Congratulations.
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El_jimbo
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Username: El_jimbo

Post Number: 412
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:28 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hemingway,

It sounds like you and your bride to be are VERY similarly minded about weddings as me and my fiancee are. We just want to throw a good party for everyone and have it be memorable. We don't really care too much about flowers (to quote my fiancee, why spend a shitload of money on stuff that will be dead in two days?). We also think that the seat covers and such are HIGHLY overrated. We just want a good meal with an open bar in a nice place.

What is included in the $10-$15k? I'm assuming it is renting the space, the catering, and the bar.
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Swingline
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Username: Swingline

Post Number: 972
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:35 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Congratulations, El_Jimbo. Yes, the DYC and the DAC are the two best venues for weddings in the city. The spaces they have available for such events are incomparable to most any "banquet hall" setting. There is a fairly easy process for non-members of the DYC to go through to host a wedding there. Not sure of the situation at the DAC. Is it even available at all to non-members?

Another great choice for a May wedding reception would be the Detroit Golf Club. You could couple it with the wedding ceremony at close-by Gesu, or at the slightly farther away, but magnificent Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Again, not sure how the DGC handles event requests from non-members. (Many private clubs have a "sponsoring" process where members nominally sponsor the event, other clubs restrict event hosting to members-only.)

One problem though, your budget might be a little low for a wedding of 150-200 at the DYC/DAC/DGC. If you can't move the budget, you might consider UDM or Marygrove for the reception. Both schools have some very cool spaces for receptions. Sorry, can't recall the names of the halls, but they wouldn't be nearly as expensive as the full service private club locations.
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 2631
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:38 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Marygrove has Madame Cadillac Hall, which features a nice size ballroom and a couple smaller anterooms, all of which would provide a terrific classic ambiance!!
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E_hemingway
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Username: E_hemingway

Post Number: 1452
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:41 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

That's about right. There are other extras thrown in there that don't come to mind right off the top of my head. Call the DYC and set up an appointment. It's worth it just to check the place out.

Other places that we considered:
Roosertail: In higher demand, more expensive but didn't have as much ambiance in our opinion. The staff there was top notch.

Gem Theater: About the same price as DYC but with a tad less flexibility. The building has great character and is in an excellent location in the center of downtown. Staff seemed competent if not above average.

Masonic Temple: Slightly cheaper than DYC and had the best Wow factor of all the places. However, it's in the heart of the Cass Corridor and we thought that would make it quite uncomfortable for our guests, most of which are from the burbs or out of town.

Take the time to go evaluate a lot of options. I thought going through all of these places would be a chore, but it was actually fun. You basically get a private tour of these landmark places and are allowed to explore them.
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Graceful
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Username: Graceful

Post Number: 6
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:57 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As far as a photographer you should definitely check out Amanda Williams. You can find her webpage by just doing a quick search on the internet for Amanda Williams Photography. She is awesome and very reasonably priced considering the quality of her work and what she includes in her package. And she's also a blast to work with! We used her for engagement pics but she was already booked for our wedding date. She books up really fast!
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Urbanoutdoors
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Username: Urbanoutdoors

Post Number: 655
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 11:58 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't really recommend ilitch run places for receptions and I am not sure if the masonic is ilitch run now or not but The ballroom at the masonic is pretty cool also the omni hotel is a pretty cool location I also have heard people mention the Player club on jefferson. My dad Had a reception at the scarab club and that was really nice but probably would get to crowded for dinner. Marygrove is an awesome place for a reception, I have been to many there and they are always great. Just try not to plan it on too hot of a day there since there is no air conditioning.
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Gnome
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Username: Gnome

Post Number: 453
Registered: 08-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 12:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Jimbo:

check out St Aloysius on Washington Ave. It is one of the most interesting churches in town. Sort of set up like a cage match arena.

A place that comes to mind for the reception is the old Savoyard club at the top of the Penobscott Building. Right now the space is being used as a yogo studio, the number there is 313 475 6655. I called and left a message, hence I don't know if the place is rentable or not, but it is cool beyond belief with views of the city and the river. It also has outdoor balconies for those who would not be afraid to muss their hair in the wind.

The problem with the Savoyard is that the elevator doesn't go there so guests would have to walk up a short flight of stairs. Any caterer could handle such a situation, but it would require some steam tables and what not.

Another reception venue in the CBD could be St. Andrews ... not nearly as elegant as some joints but certainly memorable.

Also, there is always Cobo Riverside Ballroom. They can customize their space to meet your space needs.

For a completely different idea, I hear American Coney Island can be rented, it's a little small for 200 but 150 could be cozy.

There is that newly renovated place on Park Ave. Can't recall the name, but there was a thread about it ... owned by Chuck Forbes of Gem Theater fame.

You could always rent out a closed restaurant...sounds like the Buzz-bar or Oslo or Twingos ... or Nick's Gaslight on Bagley, they aren't closed, but the weekends are dead for them and they'd jump at the opportunity.

Personally, the Scarb club rocks. Fun, interesting place, know what they're doing, aren't expensive and the parking is safe and secure.
http://www.scarabclub.org/

The Omni at River place is nice with the hotel and all for your out of town guests.
http://www.omnihotels.com/Find AHotel/DetroitRiverPlace/Weddi ngsAndBanquets.aspx

http://home.catholicweb.com/Sa intAloysius/index.cfm
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Jt1
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Username: Jt1

Post Number: 10963
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 12:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

quote:

Congrats to you too El_Jimbo. As far as dollar value, expect to pay at minimum $10,000 to $15,000 for a reception at the DYC. That number can easily skyrocket. We're forgoing many of the frilly extras like lots of linens, expensive center pieces, going overboard on flowers, etc, to keep costs down. From our point of view, the price is worth it because we want to put the money toward things people will enjoy or remember.



E - The main room at the DYC is beatiful as is with the woodwork and layout. Many reception halls need the frill extras to not make it feel like guests are attending a cheap convention.

No need for that at the DYC - the feel of a festive environment and space is already part of the beatiful main room.
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El_jimbo
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Username: El_jimbo

Post Number: 413
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 12:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks Graceful.

I emailed the lil lady a link to that website so she can take a look at it.
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Kpm
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Username: Kpm

Post Number: 77
Registered: 08-2005
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 1:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"Streets of Detroit" at the Historical Museum for the reception...
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Rsa
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Username: Rsa

Post Number: 1356
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 1:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

congrats el jimbo! i posted quite a bit of info on this subject on one of those previous thread links charlottepaul posted. those are good resources; take a look for more detail/info.

but, very quickly:
the new place, mentioned above, on park avenue is called the colony club: http://www.colonyclubdetroit.c om/ i don't know what the rates are, but it is a hidden gem (no pun intended) owned by chuck forbes, who recently did a great renovation of the public spaces.

my wife and i got married here last year. our ceremony was at the mcgregor memorial conference center http://www.govaffairs.wayne.ed u/facilities.php and our reception was at the detroit club http://www.thedetroitclub.com/ . both are great spaces for reasonable prices. our second choice was the masonic temple; also a beautiful space for a reasonable price.

you will find that you'll have to do some very creative budgeting and planning for 150-200 people on a $15k-$20k budget. even by "trimming the fat", such as minimal flowers and decorations, you're still looking at several thousand dollars for a rental fee. then, a per head food fee, bar costs, entertainment cost, etc. not to be discouraging, just warning you (i wish somebody had for me!).

i can tell you right now that you're priced out of all the "big boys" of downtown rentals: DAC, gem, fox, guardian building, etc. (these typically have a $7k-$10k rental only fee). also, any place that doesn't serve food normally, or cater to banquets primarily, makes it very expensive to cater (like st. andrews).

your reception is too large for the scarab club; it only seats 90-100. i think the omni is also too small for your party. i think they top out at 140.

the savoyard is beautiful (in the buhl building, not penobscott) but doesn't not rent out anymore due to lack of accessability.

cobo ballroom i have heard that the food is not very good and is more like a hotel ballroom atmosphere with a view of the river.

i seem to remember that the DYC was reasonable in price. we did not choose it, however, because it was "isolated" from downtown.

i have heard that the jazz cafe in music hall is pretty nice for events.

also take a look at the new lobby for the max m. fisher (DSO). i think they're pretty reasonable and it's a very impressive space.

anyway, i second the notion that you should go see as many places as you can, even if you can't afford them. you get some great tours! good luck!
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Citylover
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Username: Citylover

Post Number: 2781
Registered: 07-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 1:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The Savoyard is in the Buhl not the Penobscot.........What is clear is how many very cool places there are in Detroit. I certainly would not rate the Omni with the likes of Masonic,Dyc, DAC and other sights mentioned........congrats..... ..guests no familiar with the great history in detroit will be inpressed.
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Lo_to_d
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Username: Lo_to_d

Post Number: 31
Registered: 07-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 1:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

we had ours in the DSO addition. it turned out great. http://www.detroitsymphony.com /main.taf?p=10
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Gnome
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Username: Gnome

Post Number: 454
Registered: 08-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 - 1:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

it is with egg on my face that I submitted the idea of the Savoyard club. RSA is completely correct that the Savoyard is in the Buhl Building, but they do not rent it out despite the fact that the place is empty.

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