Where?
We went with El Fenix Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Dallas.
They have a rooftop terrace and room that accommodates 120.
It was the best decision we made while planning our day.
They have a rooftop terrace and room that accommodates 120.
It was the best decision we made while planning our day.
Why?
Because it was dirt cheap and had everything we wanted.
We got married on the outdoor terrace in direct view of downtown. It was incredible, and there are NO other Dallas venues comparable. NONE. Promise.
Also: Alcohol. El Fenix has this ridiculously awesome alcohol package that is way more affordable than DIY alcohol. $10.95 per person for 3 hours unlimited consumption of margaritas, sangria, house wine, and select beer. 3 hours. Unlimited alcohol. $10.95 per person. You're welcome.
Now I am a champagne taste on a beer budget kind of girl. I have enjoyed at Michelin Star restaurants. I am a connoisseur of finer things. I will gladly spend stupid amounts of money on good cheese. Was El Fenix gourmet? Hell no. Was it sufficient? Yes. Did everyone love it? Hell yes. $11.95 per person for food. Yup. That is it. I saved at LEAST 800$ on food (considering most "okay" buffet prices start at 20$ pp). Oh, and that included chips, salsa, rice, beans and two types of enchiladas. Did I have Filet Mignon? No. Did my guests care? You betchya they DIDN'T.
Here is what you ask yourself: at the end of the day, what matters most to YOU. Do you want your guests to remember that you may or may not have had Chilean Seabass or a Tuna Tartare (and that is IF they can even eat shellfish), or do you want them to have a good time and remember that awesomely decorated view/fancy ass cocktail/ crazy moment dancing to the Cupid Shuffle with your fragile grandmother/how effing adorable you were in your dress. Yup, I went with the latter, and it was WORTH every bit.
El Fenix provides all the following at NO cost (No room rental fee, just price of food/drink):
Tables, Linens (black cloths, red napkins), Chivalri Chairs, stemware, silverware, plates, servers, drinks, awesome patio lounge furniture, ipod hookup to speakers, pre-event access/setup, incredible views, free parking and some lighting.
Yes, I know, that is a ton of stuff. At ZERO cost. You pay for food and beverage (and tax/gratuity). THAT IS IT.
If you have doubts, put an all inclusive venue versus a DIY venue (and all costs associated with each) on an excel spreadsheet and tally it up. It just makes sense.
We came in at just under $3600 for 100 people which included the venue, stuff for the venue, alcohol, food, and staff. This total does not include coordination, DJ, Videography, or Photography. More on those people under vendors.
We got married on the outdoor terrace in direct view of downtown. It was incredible, and there are NO other Dallas venues comparable. NONE. Promise.
Also: Alcohol. El Fenix has this ridiculously awesome alcohol package that is way more affordable than DIY alcohol. $10.95 per person for 3 hours unlimited consumption of margaritas, sangria, house wine, and select beer. 3 hours. Unlimited alcohol. $10.95 per person. You're welcome.
Now I am a champagne taste on a beer budget kind of girl. I have enjoyed at Michelin Star restaurants. I am a connoisseur of finer things. I will gladly spend stupid amounts of money on good cheese. Was El Fenix gourmet? Hell no. Was it sufficient? Yes. Did everyone love it? Hell yes. $11.95 per person for food. Yup. That is it. I saved at LEAST 800$ on food (considering most "okay" buffet prices start at 20$ pp). Oh, and that included chips, salsa, rice, beans and two types of enchiladas. Did I have Filet Mignon? No. Did my guests care? You betchya they DIDN'T.
Here is what you ask yourself: at the end of the day, what matters most to YOU. Do you want your guests to remember that you may or may not have had Chilean Seabass or a Tuna Tartare (and that is IF they can even eat shellfish), or do you want them to have a good time and remember that awesomely decorated view/fancy ass cocktail/ crazy moment dancing to the Cupid Shuffle with your fragile grandmother/how effing adorable you were in your dress. Yup, I went with the latter, and it was WORTH every bit.
El Fenix provides all the following at NO cost (No room rental fee, just price of food/drink):
Tables, Linens (black cloths, red napkins), Chivalri Chairs, stemware, silverware, plates, servers, drinks, awesome patio lounge furniture, ipod hookup to speakers, pre-event access/setup, incredible views, free parking and some lighting.
Yes, I know, that is a ton of stuff. At ZERO cost. You pay for food and beverage (and tax/gratuity). THAT IS IT.
If you have doubts, put an all inclusive venue versus a DIY venue (and all costs associated with each) on an excel spreadsheet and tally it up. It just makes sense.
We came in at just under $3600 for 100 people which included the venue, stuff for the venue, alcohol, food, and staff. This total does not include coordination, DJ, Videography, or Photography. More on those people under vendors.
Who?
Who are we? Well we are two Dallasites who met in college and somehow bonded over a blue jello shot. We are both young professionals here, house owners, and proud parents of two fur kids. We dated for 5.5 years before tying the knot. We got engaged in Capri, Italy (best place on Earth) and decided that getting married at a low-key but insanely fun wedding was the best choice for us. People still tell me how great everything was and I feel nothing but pride knowing that every single detail was thought out and extensively planned. I would not have done it any other way. Oh, and Mr. J agrees. And looks insanely hot when wielding a fuchsia glue gun.