Although we're not allowed to get too far into wedding planning, our counselors understand that getting married in a different state requires a bit of forethought and allowed us to set up meetings to visit different reception facilities on our upcoming trip to Maryland.
It turns out that we didn't even have to go through the entire process because there was only one venue that fit all of our seemingly-simple criteria: beautiful location (bonus points if it fit the vintage theme), great staff, reasonable price (under $10,000), and ability to work with a bride and groom 600 miles away!
This is my account of my best and worst experiences. Keep in mind, this is what I experienced simply trying to request more information and set up appointments. Imagine what the wedding planning process would be like -- for better or for worse!
Herrington Harbor (Grade: D-)
The Good: I was really a huge fan of Herrington... at first. The location is gorgeous. Not only does it overlook the Chesapeake Bay, but it also has two ceremony/reception sites. One is secluded and can hold up to 500 people, while the other is more traditional for up to 175 guests. When I called, the coordinators seemed really flexible. They wanted to hear about what I wanted and promised that they could work with me to create a day that I would remember. There's also on-site lodging for out-of-town guests, and the whole harbor prides itself on being eco-friendly.
Polynesian Bridal Lawn at Herrington
The Bad: It's pretty much a wedding factory. Sure, they have every wedding-related thing you could ask for, but that's partly because they can have (at least) four weddings there on a single day. Even in the initial conversation the vibe switched back and forth from "it's your special day" to "it's just a typical day for us." With that being said, you pay a price for deviating from their unwritten rules. There's an up-charge for everything and little room for negotiation, especially on price. Quite frankly, they know that they're one of the few really beautiful spots for large receptions in Southern Maryland, and they charge you a high price for it.
In addition, it's a bit off the beaten path. While it's fine for Southern MD natives, guests might have a tough time navigating the winding back roads -- and if they had even a little alcohol in their system it could be a recipe for disaster.
The Ugly: Once I mentioned our ideal reception budget ($10,000 or less), the person that I was working with went from friendly and chatty to a cold, super-snob. She stopped returning my emails and phone calls. She dismissed my ideas for saving money. (I suggested that we could have an hors d'oeuvres and dessert reception, instead of a full meal. I also asked about having it on a Sunday or Friday night.) She literally scoffed at the idea that we could have a nice reception for 150 people for less than $15,000 and patronizingly told me that it's more "realistic" to expect to spend $20-25K once you add in taxes, gratuities, labor, etc.
Like I said, I was a huge fan of Herrington and really wanted it to work. However, I had to just give up when she said, "Dear, you can't possssibly have Herrington quality for less than $75/person. Have you considered the American Legion?"
Really?! She better be lucky I'm saved.
It turns out that we didn't even have to go through the entire process because there was only one venue that fit all of our seemingly-simple criteria: beautiful location (bonus points if it fit the vintage theme), great staff, reasonable price (under $10,000), and ability to work with a bride and groom 600 miles away!
This is my account of my best and worst experiences. Keep in mind, this is what I experienced simply trying to request more information and set up appointments. Imagine what the wedding planning process would be like -- for better or for worse!
Herrington Harbor (Grade: D-)
The Good: I was really a huge fan of Herrington... at first. The location is gorgeous. Not only does it overlook the Chesapeake Bay, but it also has two ceremony/reception sites. One is secluded and can hold up to 500 people, while the other is more traditional for up to 175 guests. When I called, the coordinators seemed really flexible. They wanted to hear about what I wanted and promised that they could work with me to create a day that I would remember. There's also on-site lodging for out-of-town guests, and the whole harbor prides itself on being eco-friendly.
The Bad: It's pretty much a wedding factory. Sure, they have every wedding-related thing you could ask for, but that's partly because they can have (at least) four weddings there on a single day. Even in the initial conversation the vibe switched back and forth from "it's your special day" to "it's just a typical day for us." With that being said, you pay a price for deviating from their unwritten rules. There's an up-charge for everything and little room for negotiation, especially on price. Quite frankly, they know that they're one of the few really beautiful spots for large receptions in Southern Maryland, and they charge you a high price for it.
In addition, it's a bit off the beaten path. While it's fine for Southern MD natives, guests might have a tough time navigating the winding back roads -- and if they had even a little alcohol in their system it could be a recipe for disaster.
The Ugly: Once I mentioned our ideal reception budget ($10,000 or less), the person that I was working with went from friendly and chatty to a cold, super-snob. She stopped returning my emails and phone calls. She dismissed my ideas for saving money. (I suggested that we could have an hors d'oeuvres and dessert reception, instead of a full meal. I also asked about having it on a Sunday or Friday night.) She literally scoffed at the idea that we could have a nice reception for 150 people for less than $15,000 and patronizingly told me that it's more "realistic" to expect to spend $20-25K once you add in taxes, gratuities, labor, etc.
Like I said, I was a huge fan of Herrington and really wanted it to work. However, I had to just give up when she said, "Dear, you can't possssibly have Herrington quality for less than $75/person. Have you considered the American Legion?"
Really?! She better be lucky I'm saved.
Running Hare Vineyard (Grade: C+)
The Good: They have a unique concept. I'm pretty sure that no other vineyard in Southern Maryland has a reception hall, much less one with a pretty authentic Tuscany theme that can hold 260 guests. The event coordinator was extremely responsive, and all of the rental details are spelled out in plain English -- no hidden charges, extra taxes, or fine print.
The Bad: Regardless of your guest list, there's a minimum number of cases of wine that you have to buy. At a price of $180-260 per case of 12, that can definitely add up fast. While we expected this, we don't have many big drinkers. Each person would pretty much have had their own personal bottle. Since the concept is unique, the price is steep -- nearly $5,000 just for the facility.
Also, there's another personal problem that has nothing to do with the vineyard, all that grass would wreak havoc on my allergies.
The Ugly: They don't focus exclusively or primarily on events, so they only have one spot open each week that books fast. They're almost completely booked for 2010 and already have limited availability in 2011. *yikes*
You better not be scared of water if you're getting married at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa!
Hall at Huntingtown (Grade: A-)
The Good: It has a recently-renovated ballroom with neutral colors that can hold up to 275 people and still have room for a dance floor. There's also a responsive and personable events coordinator, who gave me her personal cell phone number right away. Most wedding reception venues don't have many AV options, but the tech set-up here is great with a television in each corner, wired microphones, and a modern multimedia system.
There are also personal touches that are nice for the bride and the guests, including a bridal lounge, a coatroom, and different types of tables provided for you to completely customize your reception layout. Furthermore, they only do one event each day.
Most importantly, you have options. The Hall at Huntingtown doesn't work with one exclusive caterer, so you can negotiate pricing and catering packages, you can decorate as much or as little as you want, and there's never any pressure to upgrade anything. And did I mention that the price is great?!
The Bad: Since they have so much going for them, they also book fast. However, the events director is great about keeping you updated about cancellations and time changes. In addition, there's the flip side of the options part that I mentioned. You have to coordinate with all of the vendors yourself. There are preferred vendors, but there's no package to even give you a frame of reference for where to start.
The Ugly: If you're from Calvert County, the name won't fool you. It's basically the local fire hall. It's renovated, it's great, but... it's the fire hall. It can get annoying when you tell people that you're thinking about having your wedding reception at the Hall at Huntingtown and their first response is, "Huh? You mean the fire station?"
Although, you do get photo ops with firetrucks, so that's maybe not so ugly after all.
Soooo after all of that, we decided to go with... none of these places. I'll write about which venue got an "A" grade, not to mention our security deposit, in my next post.
The Good: They have a unique concept. I'm pretty sure that no other vineyard in Southern Maryland has a reception hall, much less one with a pretty authentic Tuscany theme that can hold 260 guests. The event coordinator was extremely responsive, and all of the rental details are spelled out in plain English -- no hidden charges, extra taxes, or fine print.
The Bad: Regardless of your guest list, there's a minimum number of cases of wine that you have to buy. At a price of $180-260 per case of 12, that can definitely add up fast. While we expected this, we don't have many big drinkers. Each person would pretty much have had their own personal bottle. Since the concept is unique, the price is steep -- nearly $5,000 just for the facility.
Also, there's another personal problem that has nothing to do with the vineyard, all that grass would wreak havoc on my allergies.
The Ugly: They don't focus exclusively or primarily on events, so they only have one spot open each week that books fast. They're almost completely booked for 2010 and already have limited availability in 2011. *yikes*
The Good: This is another gorgeous facility that overlooks the Chesapeake Bay, and the food is catered by the best seafood restaurant in Calvert County, Rod 'N Reel. (The Sunday Brunch?! Yummm.) The resort also has onsite lodging for guests and is accessible to all sorts of shops and things to do in Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. There's even a little trolley bus that will take you to some of the best spots.
They're really flexible to different types of wedding and reception styles and have a number of options and ideas to choose from, including plated or buffet dinner, fun food stations, or even brunch. On top of that, they have a wedding package that includes open bar, champagne toast, fruit and cheese display, and valet parking. The wedding coordinator is experienced and personable. She's been directing weddings for decades, but she still has the genuine excitement of someone just starting out in the business.
The Bad: It's a bit smaller than advertised. Supposedly, they can hold up to 250 people for receptions but that would totally eliminate the dance floor. The prices are also deceiving because everything is a la carte, so you might pay $60/person for the wedding package, but you have to add on the $2500 facility rental, the $1500 ceremony site fee, $5-12/piece for any hors d'oeuvres, the whopping 20% service charge on food and beverages, and taxes.
Furthermore, they do two weddings a day. The times seem spaced out enough, but the morning/afternoon wedding reception could be a bit rushed. The permanent decorations are also a bit cheesy -- okay, now I'm getting picky.
Finally, the wedding coordinator prefers phone over email. Not the worst thing in the world and some brides may even like that, but I'm a multi-tasker and chit-chatting on the phone doesn't always work the best with my schedule.
Furthermore, they do two weddings a day. The times seem spaced out enough, but the morning/afternoon wedding reception could be a bit rushed. The permanent decorations are also a bit cheesy -- okay, now I'm getting picky.
Finally, the wedding coordinator prefers phone over email. Not the worst thing in the world and some brides may even like that, but I'm a multi-tasker and chit-chatting on the phone doesn't always work the best with my schedule.
The Ugly: There's pretty much no rain plan for large wedding ceremonies. If you have a small wedding, then you get moved inside. However, if you have a large wedding, then the wedding is moved to underneath the archway that connects the hotel and the restaurant. If there's a light rain, with no wind, and nobody decides to enter or leave the facility during your ceremony, then you'd be fine. If not....
Hall at Huntingtown (Grade: A-)
The Good: It has a recently-renovated ballroom with neutral colors that can hold up to 275 people and still have room for a dance floor. There's also a responsive and personable events coordinator, who gave me her personal cell phone number right away. Most wedding reception venues don't have many AV options, but the tech set-up here is great with a television in each corner, wired microphones, and a modern multimedia system.
There are also personal touches that are nice for the bride and the guests, including a bridal lounge, a coatroom, and different types of tables provided for you to completely customize your reception layout. Furthermore, they only do one event each day.
Most importantly, you have options. The Hall at Huntingtown doesn't work with one exclusive caterer, so you can negotiate pricing and catering packages, you can decorate as much or as little as you want, and there's never any pressure to upgrade anything. And did I mention that the price is great?!
Simple elegance at the Hall at Huntingtown.
The Bad: Since they have so much going for them, they also book fast. However, the events director is great about keeping you updated about cancellations and time changes. In addition, there's the flip side of the options part that I mentioned. You have to coordinate with all of the vendors yourself. There are preferred vendors, but there's no package to even give you a frame of reference for where to start.
The Ugly: If you're from Calvert County, the name won't fool you. It's basically the local fire hall. It's renovated, it's great, but... it's the fire hall. It can get annoying when you tell people that you're thinking about having your wedding reception at the Hall at Huntingtown and their first response is, "Huh? You mean the fire station?"
Although, you do get photo ops with firetrucks, so that's maybe not so ugly after all.
Soooo after all of that, we decided to go with... none of these places. I'll write about which venue got an "A" grade, not to mention our security deposit, in my next post.
Okay, so I think this lost my comment again :(
I really liked the post though (b/c I know all the places) and I can't believe that witch at Herrington said that to you!
Also, let me know if you're looking for someone to do the wedding cake. I was REALLY impressed by ours, especially given the super cheap price we paid. Some ladies my mom knows run (or at least they did 4 years ago) a part-time catering business and made it. They also did our other food, but I don't know if they do full dinners or not. Anyway, let me know and I'll ask my mom for their names again.
OH THE TEASER!!! LOL *anxiously awaits*
Tara: I couldn't believe it either! I was trying so hard to make Herrington work. :-/
Thanks for the catering and cake offer, but we found an all-inclusive package at the venue we chose. :-)
LOL, Tiff: The wait is over!
My reception was at the Hall at Huntingtown.. you're right the fire station does bring it down a notch, but it's a beautiful facility, and the coordinator there is fabulous!
Also, I saw that someone mentioned cakes in another comment. I went with Cakes by Maureen. She works out of her home (she has a second kitchen downstairs that she uses just for the business). She's wonderful too, and her prices were better than Jeneva's.
The Hall at Huntingtown was really nice! We decided to have an open ceremony, so we went with this huge church in Hyattsville. We didn't know much about the area, but we found a place that has a package that includes everything -- caterer, baker, photographer, décor specialist, etc. within our budget. :-)