Need Suggestions For Wedding Venue

[Scorponok]

Hi CP,

I thought I'd mine the knowledge here on behalf of my sister, who is planning on getting married in the springtime.

She asks: What are some good wedding reception venues that are pretty, yet affordable?

The second question is a bit vague, if it's even a question at all. It is:
Wedding decorations needed. Colours are brown, turquoise, cream.

That is all.

[JiriHrdina]

What's the guest count at? That will be the biggest factor in the type of venue you should be targeting.

[Scorponok]

It will be for 150 people. Weddings are scary. I hope she doesn't turn into bridezilla. Haha!

[fundmark19]

What does she mean by pretty? Like nice inside, or magestic views

[JiriHrdina]

I would avoid the Hotel/Golf Course route. They don't charge you for the "facility" rental but soak you on the catering and booze. You can supply your own booze but then the corkage will kill you.

There are some nice community halls that can accommodate a wedding of that size. But remember you aren't evaluating the rental cost alone - the key benefit of going that route is that you can then save on catering and booze because you can find your own caterer and buy your own booze.

[Flabbibulin]

150 people eh... Hmmm, it all depends on what you mean by affordable. In our case, we had a budget in mind and ended up going way over(which I hear is the case for many people). We ultimately went in a different direction with our venue, but I was a fan of many of the golf courses we looked at when scouting- Sirocco and Glen Eagles were decent and Silvertip was awesome (although it all depends of budget). I would consider Heritage Pointe to be extremely affordable, but not a great venue imo.

We ended up getting married in Banff, but its clear that the rental costs are all considerably higher in banff and canmore. Our original quote on flowers and linens from willow haven in canmore was outrageous!!! Around 13-15k if I recall correctly. We ended up getting linens shipped in from calgary at a much much lower price, and managed to bring down the flower price to something manageable (but still crazy imo). Cake creations in canmore was great- around 600 i think for a cupcake/cake mixture. The booze and cost per plate is really what gets most people.

Also, if the wedding is in spring, I would get a move on. We booked our venue in December for an August wedding, but were extremely lucky considering how booked our venue typically is.

[redforever]

Red Deer Lake Community Centre.....1/2 mile south of Calgary city limits, just 1/4 mile south of 22X (Marquis of Lorne Trail) and about 3 miles west of Spruce Meadows.

403-256-4113 Seats 250 people comfortably

Tall and lofted inside, comes with kitchen, bar, stage, 2 storey fireplace, loft, lots of parking, etc

[Cowperson]

Millarville Racetrack Hall . . . . http://www.millarvilleracetrack.com/rentals-catering

They can also cater your event through their new and eclectic Threepoint Kitchen & Catering. Nice country setting.

Lots of other facilities there.

Cowperson

[fundmark19]

McKenzie town hall is nothing fancy but is quite nice and price is right 3-4 hundred I believe. 150 may be a little tight though

[SugaKoated]

Hey! this is "the sister" When I say "pretty" I mean, nice inside.

[Bean]

We got married at Valley Ridge Golf Course, everything was excellent with regards to the facility, catering and service staff. We had a bit of an idiot of an events coordinator (fall 2008) but the culmination of all things still stands out to have been a wonderful setting and I would recommend them for that.

***Looks like there is a new coordinator now!*** http://www.valleyridgegolf.com/weddings

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by fundmark19

McKenzie town hall is nothing fancy but is quite nice and price is right 3-4 hundred I believe. 150 may be a little tight though

Actually $475 if you happen to live in McKenzie Towne; $620 if you don't.

They do have a good package rate for residents. $900 gets you the hall, kitchen, security, cleanup, and a few hours the night before to setup.

[SugaKoated]

Thanks bean!!!! i'm checking out the site now!!! Hope I can get it and it's a good price, and it's available.

[SugaKoated]

Thanks Flabbibulin! I'm going to be checking out Sirocco, Glen Eagles, and Heritage Point asap...

[Ace]

I think the Royal Inn is the best value in the city, the food is fantastic and well priced. The banquet rooms are nice as well

[wooohooo]

One of my buddies got married at the Carriage house Inn. That was a pretty nice venue and he told me it was priced right.

[Sr. Mints]

I attended a wedding last spring at Heritage Park, and while I'm not privy to the details relating to cost, I've heard through the grape vine that it was quite reasonable.

It was really neat and magical, both the reception and wedding were held there. I'd have my wedding there but all the same people will be coming and that'd be weird.

[To Be Quite Honest]

If it;s in the summer, Banff, Canmore on the top of the hills. I have seen some fantastic shots there overlooking the town, and it's not "Far" from Calgary and it's not "in season".

I know some wedding planners from there and photogaaphers and videographers as well.

[Jayems]

We did ours at a golf course in Okotoks, but we had 120 people and it was packed for the reception, and had to spill into a second room. However, the actual ceremony was great.Had it on a little piece of grass overlooking the pond with the water fountain.

Golf course was Crystal Ridge.

[Jimmy Stang]

We got married in the "new" MacEwan Hall back in 2003. It dresses up nice and, at the time at least, was a pretty good price. We had about 220 in the room, so 150 might feel a tad sparse, but they can probably arrange things to suit different sized groups.

We have actually been to two weddings there since our own, and each time it has been pretty good.

I have also been to recent weddings at Heritage Park (Wainwright Hotel, Gunn's Dairy Barn, and the newer Gasoline Alley) are all pretty neat, although I'm not aware of the price point. Valley Ridge is nice, as mentioned earlier.