Help Me Choose My Venue! [pics]

16:00 Steampunk 0 Comments

As I said yesterday, I took the day off to meet my top two reception vendors and I was throughly pleased with both. They’re unique in their own way and there’s pros/cons for both.

Keep in mind that my theme will be black, white, and green.

Here’s the first option:

The Royal Alberta Museum.

This gorgeous government-owned facility is definately unique, grand, and neutral-toned. The ceremony would be held in a theatre downstairs, followed by a reception in the upper lobby. It requires outside catering and with that, comes many additional surcharges incurred by the museum. In terms of cost, the buffet is reasonable with a great selection. Also, I’m looking to get a night buffet as well!

Here’s a picture of the theatre where the ceremony will take place. I love the colors of the chairs!:

The front desk where my guestbook table, seating chart & gift table will be located. A security guard will be present during the night to ward off uninvited guests :P

This is the lobby where the reception will take place:

Floor to ceiling windows with a view of the Government House and outdoor scenery that is often used for brides on their wedding day.

A separate room will house the bar & buffet table. This allows for more room in the reception room and additional couch seating for guests to sit where they’d like some quiet time to chat. They’re having a “high heel shoe” exhibit right now, so the room will be empty and clean with trees & nice pictures.

Pros:
– allow me to pay a corkage fee so I can supply my own drinks
– decently priced menu with a wide selection & midnight buffet
– unique venue with ceremony & reception @ the same location
– will allow me to book ASAP

Cons:
– extra surcharges & cost for tasting/rehearsal rental
– needs chair covers (which is costly)
– doesn’t come with a honeymoon suite
– guests do not have a room rate, since there is no relationship with a hotel
– expensive rental costs
– costs for colored linens

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The second reception option is:

The MATRIX hotel

This is a newly renovated venue that is posh, sophisticated, modern, and sleek. I’m drawn to it because it fits our tastes best since we are modern minimalists @ heart! The location is fantastic..just off of the main street Jasper in downtown Edmonton and is literally 2 blocks from Jason’s condo.

The beautiful lobby:

Just outside the ballroom: where the receiving line will be

The Quartz Ballroom – keep in mind this is just one half. It will be double the size. I will leave the chairs as is, because I don’t have a problem with them and they match my color scheme. It looks empty now, but it will be full considering my extensive guest list!

Pros:
– Fits decore fits our taste best
– Provides a honeymoon suite
– Discounted room rate for guests with breakfast & wine/cheese ($10 off the reg room rate)
– Closer to downtown amenities
– Provides black and white optioned linens which is perfect for my theme
– Complimentary tasting

Cons:
– Will not book until March (meaning, I may loose my bid for my photographer of choice)
– More expensive in terms of food (but only by a bit) – though, it doesn’t come with a midnight buffet
– A small parking lot which would mean guests have to park on the street or in the lot across. But meters are free after 6 pm.
_ Need to find a ceremony location

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Can you see how I’m in a dilemma??? Let me know what you think!! I need all the help I can get.