Venue: The Players Club

"We do not mingle enough with minds that influence the world," Edwin Booth said of his fellow actors,"We should measure ourselves through personal contact with outsiders … I want my club to be a place where actors are away from the glamour of the theatre." And two years later The Players Club was formed as just that place. The Club is right across the street from Gramercy Park (and they have the key to the park ... can you say pictures! I know you can). 

This venue piqued my interest, its not my usual style (I tend to go for that modern minimalist thing) but I figured I would give it a shot since it looks so unique and interesting and I gotta say ... its pretty cool. It looks like the house of an eccentric millionaire who is obsessed with theater ... its full of paintings, statutes, old books, leather chairs, and old rugs.

The price is high but pretty reasonable ... for NYC. There is a site fee of approx $4500 and the catering costs about #135 per person (the caterer is Elegant Affairs). But you don't need to rent anything, all tables, chairs, linens are included and you definitely do not need much in the way of decoration because the place itself is so elaborate.

Unfortunately, it gives the classic wedding place time limit but on the bright side to add time they do not charge per person, but just a flat rate for every extra hour.  Also, a big pro in their favor, they said they would put vodka bottles on the table (woohoo!) but for an extra fee per bottle (booo!). All in all, it is definitely on the short list of potential venues.

Venue: Galapagos Art Space

Ok there is cool and then there is Galapagos Art Space  ... which is just SO EFFIN COOL I can't stand it! The space is actually a theater so the lighting and sound is done with crazy skill. The design of the interior is hard to describe because it very unique - the bottom floor is actually filled with water and has floating islands of solid land for tables leading up to the stage.

The price to rent the space is a little high but it is all inclusive (besides food). For 18K you get the space and all tables, chairs, linens, lighting, and other rentals you would need for other loft type of spaces. All you need to bring is food and music 'cause you definitely don't need anything in the way of decorating the space ... I mean check it folks ...

So the bad news? The only thing I didn't love is that there is not a lot of dancing room, mostly this is our fault because we want a band, if we were using a DJ we could use the whole stage as a dance floor but our band would take up all of that room. Also, the price puts it slightly out of reach of our budget. 

But, I would highly recommend the space to couples who like a unique look and who plan on using a DJ instead of a band. Robert, who showed me the space could not have been more pleasant and accommodating. He seemed like he would be a joy to work with.  

 

... sigh .... I have to tell you folks, this venue really stole my heart in a big way but there is not really a way to make it work cause if the Ruskies don't get to dance the horah ALL at once they will get rowdy, I mean it, there will be riots, pitchforks, blood, oh you get the idea.

Venue: NYC Fire Museum

In honor of Mrs. in May's suggestion, I am featuring a venue that doesn't have their own caterer.  The New York City Fire Museum allows brides and grooms to rent out their entire space for 8 hours and bring in your own catering!

I got in touch with them as soon as I learned that they had rentals available...I know, I know, I am engaged but come on... firemen! Plus, Big Guy thinks its a great idea (what little boy doesn't dream about playing in an old firehouse at one point or another???)

They were very nice and sent me all of their rates and space specifications:

"Although most of your festivities would take place in our third floor loft, you and your guests will have access to the entire Museum. Your guests will be able to visit our two exhibition floors and view the beautiful antique fire apparatus and artifacts that are on display."

The good news: "Our fee is a flat rate- there are no additional taxes - included in the fee is a firefighter on duty for security and a handyman to assist with clean-up."

- No taxes! Firefighter! .... that might be favorite sentence ever.

The not as good (although not bad) news:  "The cost of rental is $3300 for 8 hours (2 hours to set-up, 5 hours for your party and 1 hour for clean-up)."

- The fee is very reasonable for Manhattan and using my guesstimated guest count would become approximately $20 per person

- But yet again we only get 5 hours to party hardy... which is ... sigh... short... especially if we do the ceremony there too

Still the thought of roaming around an old firehouse with our guests seems like it would be really fun...especially since no amount of self-control would stop me from sliding down the pole in my wedding dress!

I need to start looking into wedding caterers... I wonder if their are Russian wedding caterers independent of established Russian restos... if anyone knows, please shoot me an email!

{images from the NYC Fire Museum}