Finding a banquet hall will probably be the most important (and costly) part of your wedding. For most of us this isn’t exactly the best time to tie the knot, but a slumped Michigan economy may actually help your budget. Prices have fallen since the Metro area’s economy took that oh-so-graceful dive, and since banquet halls are businesses too, many are more than ready to haggle.
Even so, west-siders should turn their sights to Macomb County. Though Oakland County has a host of picturesque banquet halls and country clubs, some of the nicest in Metro Detroit, they haven’t taken business hits as bad as Macomb County venues, and so they tend to be pricey. If you’re working with a small budget, setting your sights east of Dequindre is a good way to begin.
Below are three very affordable and beautiful east-side banquet halls I’ve personally checked out. All of the prices listed are estimates for 2010, buffet style, with the standard bar package. Since these prices are listed on estimates I was given for my own wedding, all estimates are for Fridays in January. If your wedding is during peak season, on a Saturday, or both, the prices will be higher.
Lakeland Manor
Plates starting at $24.95
This banquet hall is a fantastic deal with some great extras. This hall has the benefit of having just one main room, so you’ll never have to worry about noise from your wall neighbor. The ceilings are high and decorated with huge wooden beams that help to add interest and a cozy effect. The minimum guest list is 150, but the banquet room seats a couple hundred more than that, giving smaller receptions plenty (and I mean plenty) of elbow room. Colored napkins are available free of charge, though seat covers are an extra $2.00 a person, and you’ll want them. The hall also offers a free dessert table, which will save you on your cake, and the gratuity is fairly cheap: 15% if you pay with plastic, and only 5% if you pay with cash. One feature I liked about this hall is the bar placement: it isn’t on the dance floor, so a drink line won’t take up all your boogie-space.
The hall isn’t in the nicest spot in St. Clair Shores, seated across 9 Mile from South Lake High School, but it’s a small detail once you’ve seen your bottom line.
21801 East 9 Mile Road
St Clair Shores, MI
(586) 772-0450
lakelandmanor.com
Tina’s Country House
Plates starting at $33.50
This banquet hall is a bit of a hike, but it makes up for it in charm and natural appeal. Tina’s Country House is located at 23 Mile and North Avenue (that’s basically Groesbeck for you non-Macombers), which allows for some open land and photo-ops. The gardens attached to the hall are open for warm-weather ceremonies, and are even lit in the winter so you can swing back for some photos. There’s no gratuity to worry about. Included in the plate price is the standard bar, a dessert table, colored napkins, chair covers with white, silver or gold bows, white or ivory tablecloths, and if you catch their winter special, a free DJ.
Yes, I said free.
The rooms here are pretty standard, with a bar adjacent to the dance floor and medium-high ceilings. You could end up with a wall neighbor if both rooms are booked, but if you’re looking for something intimate in a natural setting, you can’t go wrong here.
50828 North Avenue
Macomb, MI 48042-4627
(586) 949-2280
www.tinascountryhouse.com
Vintage House
Plates starting at $26.95
Vintage House is well known in Fraser, not only for the venue but also for the hall’s owners. As a native to this 4-square-mile town, I’ve heard countless good things about the hall and its owners: from their countless connections to local families to their discounts offered for the Fraser Soccer Club. No matter who you are the place is affordable, and as an added bonus, their house bar package is a far leap from the competition. While most halls in the Metro Detroit area offer Mohawk, Popov or 5 O’Clock products, Vintage House serves Smirnoff, Beefeaters and Bacardi, to name a few. The spread is great too, with a long selection of dishes that will please everyone. Colored napkins, chair covers and vanilla ice cream for each guest are free. The gardens behind the hall are open for warm-weather ceremonies, and make for a nice photo opportunity no matter the season.
The hall’s location at the corner of Utica and Masonic isn’t too picturesque, and the 18% gratuity is higher than the Metro Detroit halls listed above, but for satisfaction and quality, Vintage House is a safe bet.
31816 Utica Road
Fraser, MI 48026-3944
(586) 415-5678
www.vintagebanquetsandcatering.com
Things to Remember
No matter which banquet hall you choose, it’s important to crunch the numbers. While one hall may offer free services or inclusions, their plate price may be too high to compensate. Alternately, a low plate price could disguise a lack of extras. Your best friend should be your calculator, or better yet, a budgeting tool (try theknot.com).
