So my FH and I finished our venue tours yesterday, and now we're trying to decide which venue we're going to choose. We got it down to 2 options. We're having a hard time deciding, and would like others opinions, please. I know in the end it's our choice, but hearing other voices can help.
Both Options> Provide tables, chairs, budget friendly (we're on a tight budget), BYO dessert, and the representatives at both places are professional, responsive, casual, and friendly.
Option 1: Fox Brook Lodge @ Fox Brook Park in Brookfield (Waukesha County)
Pros: Our dog can be in the ceremony as our Ring Bearer; Beautiful location; Lot's of options for outside ceremony but also back-up plan under Pavilion should it rain (still beautiful, Lake would be backdrop); BYO everything (decor, caterer, desserts, alcohol) alcohol license included with rental fee. Very little decor. needed, maybe just some twinkle lights. Beautiful useable fireplace, and huge restrooms were there is a BIG place to get set-up, if needed. Secluded, casual, relaxing, peaceful with nature. Nearby hotels have 5 stars and budget friendly. Beautiful wood beams. If we rented round tables, enough room for seating area by fireplace, 60 seated guests, and dance floor.
Cons:
Small but doable. Must get creative with decor since ceiling is so high, to first beam it's 14 feet. BYO catering, etc, means having to find a caterer that's budget friendly and can keep food hot during travel and serve time (buffet/stations)[there is no oven in kitchen just freeze, fridge, counter space, and catering sink); floor is laminate on cement.
Option 2: The Hub @ Cedar Creek
Pros: 5 stars reviews on wedding wire +; budget friendly prices through-out; outside ceremony; beautiful mahogany tables, chairs, and dance floor; BYO desserts; customize catering and alcohol menu (wiling to bring in alcohol they don't normally carry at no extra cost); Decor whatever we want no restrictions, pretty bar area separate but connected to banquet area; very nice bartenders; ceremony any location we'd like on grounds, do provide a very nice looking arch should we want to use; rent linens $2/person (included: table linens, napkins, etc); parking included; close to nearby 5 star hotels that are budget friendly; okay leaving decorations to pick-up until next day; okay for peeps to leave their cars in parking lot overnight; spot for DJ; No food or bar minimum; but $500 non refundable deposit that goes towards final cost at end; have entire area (outside/in) from 8am - 1am, day of. No problem with outside vendors coming in for decor. and desserts.
Cons:
What happens if we don't like the food? It's completely customize able but food tasting isn't until after the Superbowl, and we're only trying the entrees. Not nearly as beautiful or peaceful or secluded as Fox Brook Lodge, because it's located off of a street. The Creek is very pretty but still nearby houses, etc. Would have more work to do with decor, and would have to match our colors somewhat to their green/tan flooring and walls.
Photos: Fox Brook Lodge (I only included a few)
Fox Brook Park view from outside lodge.
Fox Brook Park view from beach
Fox Brook Park Option for Ceremony Site
Fox Brook Park Option for Ceremony Site
Fox Brook Park Inside of Lodge (It was set-up for a meeting when I visited)
Fox Brook Park Inside of Lodge (set-up for a wedding their having today)
Fox Brook Park Inside of Lodge (It was set-up for a meeting when I visited)
Fox Brook Park Inside of Lodge Ceiling (Wood Beams)
The Hub @ Cedar Creek (outside)
The Hub @ Cedar Creek (outside)
The Hub @ Cedar Creek (outside) [Arch can be moved wherever we'd like]
The Hub @ Cedar Creek (inside)
The Hub @ Cedar Creek (inside)