February 7, 2011

How to Get A Phantom Wedding Like David Tutera's My Fair Wedding: Venue

Intrigued? Well good! Because I would like to happily debunk the myth that you have to spend ton of money to have a beautiful wedding, so here it goes.

How to Get David Tutera's My Fair Wedding - Phantom of the Opera Wedding:

Step 1: Find the right venue

Okay, you're lucky with this one, because pretty much any ballroom/hotel reception area will do for Phantom. Since you're going for classic, you don't have to worry about the unique aspect of the venue, more rather the opulence of the place. Chandeliers are a really big plus, and gold and red decor/color scheme is very helpful as well.

If you can afford a lavish looking venue, good for you! The venue is a vital choice for a wedding, however remember some may not let you use a different caterer, so be sure to check those menu prices first!

Since there are hundreds thousands of venues out there, I will just pick out a few affordable suggestions for my hometown Buffalo, NY area:

Samuel's Grand Manor -

Samuel's Grand Manor, a Buffalo, NY wedding venue.First choice, hands down, no doubt, sign me up if I wanted a Phantom wedding, is Samuel's Grand Manor. Perfect ambiance. Just look at the place!

Samuel's Grand Manor's ballroom, a great venue for Buffalo, NY weddings.Samuel's Grand Manor's ballroom chandelier, a great venue for Buffalo, NY weddings.Cost for Wedding Package #1 = $48.95 per person

Package includes the following:
-Sit-down dinner with soup, salad, entree, dessert and coffee
-champagne toast for all guests
-wine served with dinner
-choice of 9 hors d'oeurves served for one hour
-4 1/2 hours of upgraded open bar


There is a lot of nice perks included with this package, plus all the menu choices have a great variety.

Total for 100 guests = $4895
8.75% sales tax = $428
17% gratuity = $832

Grand total for 100 guests = $6155

Note that their prices can be reduced with Friday/Sunday bookings or with off-season winter weddings! Definitely something to check out if you're in the area! :D


The Millennium Hotel -

The exterior of the Millennium Hotel in Buffalo, NY.This next choice that is just as beautiful, and cheaper to boot!

The Millennium Hotel's Presidental Ballroom, a great venue for Buffalo, NY weddings.Cost for Wedding Package #2 = $39.95 per person

Package includes the following:
-Sit-down dinner with salad, rolls, entree and coffee
-a Butterwood wedding cake!!! (OMG I kinda really want that XD)
-assorted bruschetta display, fresh fruit/veggie/cheese board, and crudites for appetizers
-4 hours of open house bar
-champagne toast for all guests
-complementary accommodations for the newlyweds
-complementary shuttle service from the airport and Amtrak station
-special room rates for overnight guests
-complementary parking
-15% off a rehearsal dinner or brunch


Great looking ballroom, with tons of extras! The menu choices are a little limited, but it is wonderful to not have to worry about rooms for your guests or transportation for your out-of-towners. Booyah!

Total for 100 guests = $3995
8.75% sales tax = $350
18% gratuity = $719

Grand total for 100 guests = $5064


The Hamlin House -

The front of the Hamlin House in Buffalo, NY.Now for the more budget-inclined, there are some very lovely choices out there for you too! My pick for you is the Hamlin House.

The reception room of the Hamlin House, an affordable wedding venue in Buffalo, NY.Cost for dinner with a soup or salad, rolls, entree, dessert and coffee = $14.95 per person

The menu choices are not anything fancy, but they do say on their website that other possibilities are available as well. A banquet dinner includes plating of any cookies, pastries or cake that are brought on location, plus bud vases, candles, and some linen color choices for the tables.

Cost for 4 hours house open bar = $13.75 per person

Note that extras like appetizers and whatnot are also available for extra.

Even with the costs being so reasonable, the space is actually very sophisticated!

Another view of the reception room of the Hamlin House, an affordable wedding venue in Buffalo, NY.The next lowest contender I found started at $36.50, and it didn't look as polished as this one. (You know the type of place...with the faux flowers everywhere...awkward room design and video from the 80s...yeah) You're really better off splurging a little more on The Millennium Hotel if you want something more upscale.

Total for 100 guests = $2870
8.75% sales tax = $251
18% gratuity = $517

Grand total for 100 guests = $3638

And that's how you get a lovely Phantom of the Opera venue without the (extremely) large price tag!

On to Step 2: Lighting!