Where are good and cheap locations/restaurants for a wedding reception in Orlando?

Question

My fiance and I are set to be married Mid-September in the Lake Buena Vista area in Orlando. Following a private family ceremony we were hoping to book a restaurant that could accomodate around 30 people, and could hopefully give some sort of group rate with a set menu. We would like to keep the location within a 30 minute drive from LBV. Additionally, our budget is minimal. Anyone have any ideas?

Answer 1

Hmmm, this is kinda tough as you haven't really described how much "minimal" is.  So, I'll take a stab at it, and see what you think of these ideas.  

Consider these locations in the following order, from lowest to moderately priced:

TURKEY LAKE PARK (3 exits from LBV).  Consider reserving a pavillion (it's around 50.00 - 75.00..not sure).  This includes the long bench/tables & large grill.  There is a entrance fee for each car, however the bridal party can consider pre-paying this for their guest (around 4.00 per car)...the front gate will maintain a list for your party).

If you like BBQ (food is really good and a real budget pleaser) try BUBBALOUS BODACIOUS BBQ on Kirkman Rd & Conroy Blvd (only 5 minutes from Turkey Lake Park).

For 30, you may be able to keep within 200.00 to 275.00.  See the Manager Joe, he can set you up, and he's "right on the money" re: quantity of food you'll need to order and he's really good about working within your budget.

Re: the park, you'll need to have 2 bags of instant light charcoal (use the grill as a heating element for the food);

rolls of paper for the benches (Bubbalous provides all of the plates; plasticware; wet naps; napkins you'll need).

If you like British food, consider CRICKETERS ARMS ENGLISH PUB & EATERY at Festival Bay Mall.  Food is good, inexpensive, and it is a very casual and quaint British Pub, with a good ambiance for a casual style wedding.  they also offer live entertainment. (however, if you're covering any cost of alcohol, that's where you may end up with a very expensive tab at the end of the night).

FRESCO's ITALIAN RESTAURANT.  They have an area in the back of the restaurant that they can block off for you special occasion.  You can probably arrange for a pre-set menu.  (Restaurant is located just north of Sand Lake, in the KMart center.....tucked in the corner).

(Personally, my husband and I have always had very good experiences there [food and service], however I've heard pros and cons from other....FYI).  Average pasta dish is around 15.00 - 17.00 and above for meat entrees.

BUCCA DE BEPPO at the Florida Mall, for a party of 30, you may be able to get away with spending between $425.00 - 475.00 (includes setting up your menu [ within budget] soft drinks & tip....guest orders and purchases their own alcoholic bev's)  (We ordered 3 large pasta dishes; 3-4 large order main meat entrees; 2-4 vegetable dishes and there was still enough leftovers for guests)

If you can arrange for this location (of this list, it's the most expensive for a moderately priced restaurant) consider ANTONIO'S on Sand Lake & Dr. Phillips Blvd..  It's a really  top notch restaurant operation.  They do have a private rooms and  areas.   It's a white table cloth place, however a very reasonably priced restaurant (considering quality of food & service).  My husband and I have had their summer pre-set menus for only 23.00 per person.  It included appetizers; entree and desserts.  Portions were big!  Service, exceptional. They've had many good reviews.

If this is something that works for your budget, I'd recommend ANTONIO'S.  Contact the manager to see if they're able to create a preset menu (include soft drinks & tip) for your event (30 is not a big party) with a "No host bar" (meaning guests purchase and pay for their own alcoholic beverages).

I hope this info helps you out (I'm just sharing some of our own personal experiences with when we had to arrange for groups/parties/special occasions...and with these locations)

Answer 2

Maggiano's Little Italy on International Drive (Pointe Orlando). They have private banquet rooms.

We had our reception of 30 people there. And it was AWESOME.

I don't know how minimal your budget it, but it's worth checking out.

Answer 3

I would agree & say Maggianos is an excellent location. Perfect with the private banquet rooms.

Bucca di beppos can only seat about 18 people at the Popes table so that maybe too small.

The best bet is Westerlys at Metrowest Country Club. The have a sideroom that holds upto 60 people. The menu is preselected. Entrees start at about $13 per person (for lunch, dinner is more) the food is delicious. The staff is wonderful to work with. I have thrown several birthday parties & rehearsal dinners there.

Your guests will think you paid alot more than you really did.

I suggest calling them and telling them your budget to see what they can do for you.

http://www.metrowestgolfclub.com/orlando...