wedding reception venues southampton?

bubble96

Can anyone help? Does anybody know of any venues in southampton that maybe arent advertised as much, have looked at so many hotels and all are too expensive apart from the holiday inn deal (which is looking likely but want to explore everything first as we havent been too impressed with it so far)

our key things are somewhere that has large rooms as have lots of children attending - want there to be space to set up a couple of kids activity tables. Preferably a private bar - but must at least have a bar (so not village hall) and basicly somewhere that isnt going to charge the earth or tie you in to a package - dont mind paying for good food, but dont want three courses and lots of drinks etc.

just wandering if anyone has come across anywhere as i have searched so much! we can go outside southampton but think we have decided on ceremony venue so would rather not go too far.

any help is much appreciated, am really worried we will book holiday inn because it is within budget then discover something just as good in a few weeks for not much more.

rinroo

Hi

Sorry not in your area, but have you looked at council run venues? These tend to be cheaper than the hotels etc.. worth a shot if you havent already

I'm sure you will find somewhere soon that fits the bill

bubble96

thanks, we have but havent found much apart from the golf course. we are thinking of using the civic center to get married in, but they dont have anywhere for receptions

dante92

Have you tried the university? My cousin had her reception there some years ago, no idea how much but it was lovely.

beebuzz168

I went to a reception at the University as well - was very nice.

I'm getting married in Southampton (well, I say edge of New Forest when I'm trying to make it sound posh, but it pretty much is Southampton!) and am having the reception at Winchester Guildhall. Stunning building and not that expensive compared to some.

Another suggestion is Hanger Lane (I think) - it's an arts centre in Totton. They don't really do weddings that much, and as such it would be quite do it yourself (hiring own tables, finding caterers etc) but would give you huge flexibility. I nearly went with them, but decided in the end I'd rather pay more to not have to worry. Not very MSE, but I get hugely stressed when thinking about the wedding, so it was a compromise I was very happy to make!

If I think of any other places I looked at I'll get you know...

Ooh, just remembered one... Winchester Uni, again, lovely room, not sure about the space for kids though.

bubble96

yep looked at both those but thanks for the suggestions. Southampton uni want £35ph and will not allow you to just have two courses so cant make any savings here, and insist on an evening buffet catering for 75% at £6.95ph and 50 minimum guests. Making it around £2200 before including even one drink.

Winchester uni werent so bad on the food front - around £22ph for 2 courses, but again insisted on an evening buffet at £7.25ph min. But what was shocking to me was that they want £400 room hire, plus £20ph for the bar again making it all expensive.

Am i being really cheap? i just think this sounds really expensive?

Was really interested in winchester guildhall, but couldnt make head nor tail of their room hire charges - kept going on about core hours etc? and their responses to emails were rubbish.

thanks for the replies though.

madfrenchgirl

Bubble, how about the Dibden Golf Centre?

Jamie88_2

Have you tried Kings Court in Chandlers Ford?

bubble96

no, i hadnt heard of that before, it looks gorgeous. we have finally decided now though. we decided on civic centre for ceremony - then found out it was being refurbed so now using art gallery. And have decided to go to holiday in fareham for our reception, we are getting the £1000 deal. We didnt really want that much distance, but the staff and wedding co-ordinator are worth travelling for - they are very accomodating/friendly/not pushy - in fact down right helpful on the budget front, and the other places we have been have not been like that at all, and the decor and grounds at fareham are lovely - so can recomend this if it helps anyone. If anyone wants to know the details of what we got let me know and will post here.

sarahh112

bubble96 wrote: »

no, i hadnt heard of that before, it looks gorgeous. we have finally decided now though. we decided on civic centre for ceremony - then found out it was being refurbed so now using art gallery. And have decided to go to holiday in fareham for our reception, we are getting the £1000 deal. We didnt really want that much distance, but the staff and wedding co-ordinator are worth travelling for - they are very accomodating/friendly/not pushy - in fact down right helpful on the budget front, and the other places we have been have not been like that at all, and the decor and grounds at fareham are lovely - so can recomend this if it helps anyone. If anyone wants to know the details of what we got let me know and will post here.

bubble - we ae going for the holiday inn in fareham as well - having the whole event there - which will save on hiring transport. Debbie and Lorna seem lovely and I have total faith in them (which is good for me as I am a complete control freak). Only 4 weeks and 6 days to go - cant wait.

hunnybunny12

Hi Bubble,

Well done on finding your venue, its not too easy in Southampton! Just in case you want another option (or someone else is searching) my sister had her reception in Cuccini's Restaurant, Town Quay. We had exclusive use of upstairs and no hire charge! She had a hot buffet at £25.00 per head, which was fab and they did reasonable corkage fee. The venue was fab as were the views across the water. It was only a 5 min walk away from the registry office too.

I would have had mine there had she not go there first!

Hunny x