Piedmont Park Dockside

January 8th, 2012

Address: 1071 Piedmont Avenue Atlanta, GA  30309  Phone: 404-875-7275  Photography: 35 Atlanta

From VenueVine

I attended a wedding last summer for a close friend at Piedmont Park Dockside, which overlooks Lake Clara Meer in Piedmont Park.  When she originally embarked on her search for her ceremony site, I know it was important to her to find a place that was reflective of her and her fiancee.  They both are free spirits who appreciate life’s simplicities and natural beauty, so this outdoor space was a great fit for them.

From VenueVine

Logistically things worked out well.  Guests were instructed to park at the reception site (Park Tavern), and then hop on a trolley that would drop everyone off at the 12th street gate entrance which was just a short walk to Dockside.  After the ceremony, guests took the trolley back to Park Tavern to celebrate with the bride and groom.  Even though she coordinated parking at Park Tavern, which is a short distance away, Piedmont Park has available parking at the Sage Lot which can be prepaid for.

From VenueVine

Dockside is reasonably priced.  The ceremony only fee is $1200 which includes three hours of time (one hour each for vendor loading and unloading and one hour of ceremony time) with each additional hour priced at $250 on any day of the week.  Excluded from the price is seating.  If your event is on the dock or on the lawn, you’ll have to rent chairs from one of the park’s approved vendors.  But, there are ways to save if you are open to having your event during some of the least popular months, or if you are in the military or representing a non-profit organization.  The visitor center is included with your rental fee (that’s where the restrooms are located), but since each space accomodates different capacities, it would be hard to just use Dockside and the visitor center for your entire event.  Dockside can seat up to 120 people, the Lawn can seat up to 250 and the visitor center seats up to 60 which includes using the extra patio space.  If you are having a smaller affair, this option may work for you, but you’d have to work out pricing for both outdoor and indoor use with the sales staff.  For larger events, there are two additional spaces (Magnolia Hall or Greystone) which can accomodate larger groups and will reduce your ceremony fee at Dockside as well.

From VenueVine

I would definitely list Dockside among my personal favorites, however I may be biased because I was married on a dock as well.  But for an outdoor space, you can’t beat the scenic views and the location is in the heart of the city.  And not to mention, Piedmont Park is just a beautiful park.

Posted in $$, 200 or more, Inside the Perimeter, Park/Community Center | No Comments »

Posted by Deb

College Park Women’s Club

November 22nd, 2011

Address: 3413 Main Street  College Park, GA  30337-1911   Phone:404-767-7212

From

Located right off of Main Street in historic College Park, Camellia Hall at the College Park Women’s Club adds that sense of history to every event. The venue, which holds a capacity of 200 (150 seated), would be nice for a retirement, birthday party, reception and/or formal reception, presentation or performance; especially because its one of the few venues I’ve encountered with a stage. This space is great for people unintimidated by a blank canvas, and more interested in the venue’s historic appeal and setting.

From VenueVine
From VenueVine

For $1000 or less (depending on the day) and a refundable deposit of $550, you’ll receive use of the space for an entire day, typically 8am to midnight. You’ll also have access to a commercial kitchen as well as use of 25 tables of varying sizes and 150 chairs. Some of the tables are high top tables that can add that cocktail reception feel or used as a way to increase headcount. However, based on the event I recently attended there, 75 people eating, serving and socializing seemed just right. For an additional $10 a table, you can rent linens, which I would highly recommend even if you don’t rent theirs.
Some other items to note about the venue are:

  • There is a grand piano onsite and the venue is wired with new sound system
  • In terms of catering, outside catering is required and they can provide a preferred list of providers. Caterers must provide the venue proof of liability insurance and if you plan to undertake that task on your own, you must provide the same proof of liability which can be purchased for one day.
  • A cleaning crew comes in before and after the event and the venue will put away any tables and chairs used during an event

For the price, you can’t beat the historic charm and beautiful location of College Park. However, since you’ll need to provide everything outside of the space, tables and chairs, and several floor plants, this location can be a potential budget buster if you aren’t careful.  Also, unlike many other venues, you are on your own after they hand you the keys.  Overall, the space has many positives and comes together beautifully, especially if you have an eye for staging and decor.  With that in mind, you absolutely need to be willing to put in the work to make sure your event goes off without a hitch.

From VenueVine

Posted in $$, 100 to 200, Banquet Hall, Inside the Perimeter | No Comments »

Posted by Deb

I’m back!

November 20th, 2011

So, I’m back with another intro post since nothing popped off since my last post.. LOL.. I promise an actual post about a real venue is coming.

As I mentioned before, this blog was intended to provide this working mom with some purpose and excitement outside of the family and the 9-5. Although I recognize and accept that the predictability of my life is an enormous blessing, this outlet is the spark, the color, the minority to my life. It’s a clever blend of all the things that I love; events but without having to plan them, meeting new people without having to entertain them, going to new places without committing to return and appreciating Atlanta and everything the city has to offer without having to move.

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Posted by Deb

Hello world!

September 18th, 2010

Hello World!

Hello VenueVine Readers!

Helllllloooooo!

As you can probably tell, I’m very excited to be here. It’s time for me to publish the inaugural post of what I hope to be a very successful venture in blogging. I know, I know. Everyone’s a comedian and a blogger! And I also know the blogosphere can be a very unforgiving place where blogs either sink or swim (naturally I’m hoping mine will do the latter), but I’m looking forward to giving it a try.

First, a little about me and then a little more about my blog. I’m a working mom and decided when I had my precious Mone,

that I needed something extra to look forward to everyday. I know I have enough to do as it is, but after living in Atlanta for eight years, I’ve noticed how hard it is to find a decent place to host an event. It’s not that these places don’t exist, you just gotta know where to look. Whether it be an intimate gathering or a huge, upscale event, finding a place is extremely hard and there aren’t too many people you can ask. So I thought I’d try to fill that itsy bitsy, tiney winey gap with a blog, where I get to gallivant around the city exploring new places and every so often, tasting new things.

Unfortunately, my first post isn’t marked by any bright lights or glitzy fanfare, but with the quiet enthusiasm only an entrepreneur can appreciate… and afford. So, as a BOAB (Blogger On A Budget) my coming out campaign is basically… YAY!! Helllloooo Wooorrlldd! YIPPEE! Come back and check out my blog soon!!

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Posted by Deb