Weddingbee boards

Hey Austin Brides,

I need yall's help!! 

My fiance and I are having a "semi-destination" wedding in Austin.   Guests will be traveling from different parts of TX and a few from out of state.   We have decided to forego the traditional rehearsal dinner because it was almost becoming as costly as our reception as we felt like we should invite those who were traveling arriving to Austin a day early.... (we are paying for EVERYTHING ourselves)...  

So we do not leave anyone out and to keep from breaking our budget...we were thinking of asking those arriving the night prior to the wedding to meet at a particular restaurant.   We are planning to give our wedding party gift cards to the restaurant to offset their costs but everyone else would be on their own. 

We are estimating 30-40 guests to attend.  Does anyone have suggestions of a kid friendly restaurant that could accomodate a large party?  I would prefer something local to Austin than a chain but am very open to hear any suggestions!!  =)

Thank you so much for the recommendations.... I'm going to check these out for sure!!  We are trying to limit our trips to Austin so this is a HUGE help!  

ounds like you have quite a bit to think about here. Whatever you do don't just settle. Shop around and ask a lot of questions. Sign a contract that gives you the exact hours you wish to use the place for. My experience came out wonderfully and better than I had hoped for. I originally wanted to host my dinner somewhere central and very affordable, as my husband and I were also footing this bill in addition to our entire wedding. I ended up looking at Iron Cactus, but was so disappointed with the special event directors brash, short answers with me through out all my researching and concerned questions. She knew nothing about taking care of a special dinner party, so I didn't bother moving forward and booking with them in one of their tiny, private party rooms, which ended up costing just as much as where I ended up. Only I lucked out and found a large historical classic, craftsman home, which serves as a special events venue just 15 minutes of downtown Austin.

I hosted my rehearsal dinner at the House on W. Main in Round Rock. I don't know if that is a long distance up north for you and your guests but they have fantastic rates and work with delicious exclusive in house caterers in the area that turned out to be less than $10 a head and we received a lot of food for our money. I chose Me So Hungry as my catering company, they did a formal sit down family style set up  at my rehearsal dinner of 55 people. The prices were discounted through the house on W. Main St. They worked me in at a great hourly rate because I was one of the first to book my dinner there since their big redesign and grand opening a couple weeks ago. We all really loved the food so much, that I had them cater my wedding of 160 people with an elegant buffet set up this past Saturday. I will have pictures posted up very soon.

The thing with hosting dinners at restaurants is that in addition to distractions of everything else happening around you, and your server feeling overwhelmed, you will also have to talk over all  the surrounding noise you have to compete with at the table.  It's just not comfortable and welcoming for most.  The on going noise and comotion, plus your scatter brained busy waiter, will have you waiting forever to get the right food out for everyone at your party. A lot of places won't even begin to sit you down until your whole party is present. What I really loved about this cozy, intimate setting, was that it was privately reserved for us. It gave us a chance to catch up and laugh and really enjoy ourselves. Felt just like a huge family reunion set up at a wealthy family member's home. There's plenty of space to lounge, walk outside, browse through some very unique shops in the old downtown square and entertain your guests quite nicely.

A smaller seperate room was used for the bar and lounge area, where a complimentary bartender served us both wine and beer as well as non-alcoholic tasty drinks. This place is great for any special event function and will hold 75 people comfortably.

You should contact the owner, Nestecha Ciseneros, and ask about their availability. Check out the awesome catering specials they offer through this charming venue.

#512-733-7673

Try throwing in my name as a referrence as I am sure she will cut you a special discount. I know she could use this business. Hope that helps.

Good Luck,

Vanessa Jackson <<Feels crazy to type that out!