[wh09]

We're looking to get married somewhere in lansing. Does anyone have good ideas about where a good place would be that wouldn't' break the bank? Thanks.

[dutchinnd]

Horticultural and children's gardens on the campus of MSU.

[wh09]

Originally Posted by dutchinnd

Horticultural and children's gardens on the campus of MSU.

would you know how much a 250 person reception would cost?

[nessatar]

Those gardens will not hold 250 people.

As far as churches go, try the People's Church in EL. They are non-denominational.

With a wedding that size, you will be hardpressed to find an interesting place to get married or have your reception. You could try the EL Marriot, the Kellogg Center, or the MSU Union. They would fit my definition of "breaking the bank" though. The Lansing Center is another large banquet hall.

You could also try some area golf courses.

[MichiganMovesSouth]

I had my wedding planned in EL for this year - we switched to Traverse City though - next Saturday's the big day!!

Anyway, we had reserved the People's Church and I can tell you it was right around $1,000. This was high bit it is beautiful! Plus, I was planning this almost a year and a half in advance and most places were booked already - plan it soon!!! They fill up very fast!

We looked at Kellogg Center and Marriott downtown EL and both were very expensive. The Marriott quoted us anywhere between $60-$100 per plate - the $60 end was cheap food and no drinks. Kellogg Center did not give us a dollar amount per plate b/c it depends on what room you get. For 250 people you would need a larger room and the minimum spent would have to be around 10K, maybe more - you would have to ask for more info on their room minimums. The thing I didn't like about Kellogg Center was the expense, the amount of rooms they had (there could be 5 other weddings going on at the same time as yours!) and the fact that some rooms were set up to have the bar across the hall - so your guests would have to leave the room to get a drink! I don't know, I didn't like that.

We ended up booking a room at Eagle Eye (it's a golf course) on Abbott Rd north of all those newer apartments. The room was great with lots of windows overlooking the golf course. I don't know exactly how much it would have cost there but to give you an idea they offered a chicken entree for about $18 per plate and a similar entree at Marriott would be about $45.

I hope this helps - congrats!!

[teachbeach]

I have a cousin who is using Eagles Eye/Hawk Hallow facility for her wedding for the same reasons listed above. She lives close to Kellogg Center (and is an MSU alum) and thought Peoples Church would also fit her needs for non-denominational quick service. She chose Eagles Eye because there is an area that is outside, and an area that is covered if necessary, in addition to the banquet rooms. If you are looking to save even further~there is Lake Lansing Park or Patriarche Park in East Lansing. They have pavilions for the reception (you'd have to get a catering service). They'd be available through East Lansing Recreation. Other suggestions include the State Capitol or a museum, again you'd have to arrange for catering, but there might be someone who can refer you to clients who have had weddings in these venues before.