Ben and Rachel’s Wedding Blog

After seeing three more wedding venues yesterday, we’ve narrowed our favorites down to two.  (Both of which we saw yesterday)  Both places are available on our date: Jan 2, 2010, and would work well for our 250 person wedding/reception.  Here’s a rundown of both with some pros and cons.

1. Frazier International History Museum

Pros:

• Located in Downtown Louisville on Main Street near other museums and nightlife
• Fourth Floor Loft-Style Space with plenty of room for both ceremony and reception
• Additional Conference Rooms that can be used as Brides/Grooms dressing rooms
• Use of warming kitchen for caterers
• Ability to curtain off reception side of room during ceremony
• Separate Elevator to ceremony side of room to not reveal reception space
• Exclusive access to floor (may be another event on 1st floor but wouldn’t be sharing any space)
• Day-Of Coordinator included in price of rental, sole job is to work with people having events at museum
• Dance Floor, Lighting System, Sound System, Tables, Chairs, and help setting up included

Cons:

• Charge 15% on top of catering fee for use of kitchen
• Do not allow you to bring own alcohol, must use their bartending service
• Parking would either be $2 per car or can rent entire lot for $150

2. Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center

Pros:

• Located on the northeast side of town away from downtown
• Event space is part of an artists’ community of studios and shops
• Very large open room for ceremony and reception with attached balcony
• Complete freedom of which caterer, bar service, and any other vendors you choose
• Use of small mirrored room for Bride’s changing with 2 entrances
• Use of warming kitchen for caterers (shared with other event room)
• Ample free parking

Cons:

• No onsite help or coordinators for set up or planning help
• Large blank space that would need a lot of help to decorate
• Would need to contract out all individual vendors for linens, dance floor, sound
• Only provide white plastic tables and chairs that aren’t very appealing
• Shared hallway and bathroom with another event room
• No groom’s changing space (would have to use bathroom)

So that’s where we are.  My parents are looking them over to see what they think is best and we hope to be making a final decision soon.  My vote is for the Frazier Museum but we’ll see what happens!