The venue decision has been one of the most difficult tasks I’ve encountered in wedding planning, by far. Our problem was that there were too many options in New York City and too many places we loved that were so far out of our budget that I got a little sick to my stomach when I got the quotes.
So what’s a 2009 bride who needs help finding something affordable and perfect to do but put out an ad on Craigslist? 
I know, I know, it sounds SO tacky, but I’ve had great luck posting requests for wedding stuff in the events section.
We started out with The Soho Loft in the heart of Soho as our beautiful reception venue. It was a little small and I was slightly worried about that, but it was really nice and very affordable. I scoured the internet to find a ceremony site that was within walking distance of the loft and FINALLY found one that we loved. We booked it immediately and paid the small fee in full, just days before we were to sign a contract with the loft, only to have the Soho Loft manager mysteriously stop returning my phone calls or emails for almost a month, at which point we decided that for some reason, they no longer wanted our business. I’m still not sure what changed.
Then, we went to the backup option from my Craigslist search, the Howard Baden Loft, which was also in Soho:
It’s a nice space; much larger and only slightly more expensive than the Soho Loft. We were about to go for it and put the deposit down, when we went to a couple of tastings with caterers (also found on Craig’slist!) who serve Caribbean food and were a lot more affordable than what we were being quoted by the fancier caterers, whose very refined New York food I’m pretty sure most of our family members would have been unsure about eating.
With a trimmed catering budget, we were able to pull off booking a loft that we had seen almost nine months prior and LOVED from the moment we walked in, but had written off because of the huge price tag. This amazing loft is called The Midtown Loft & Terrace and we are SO thrilled to be having our reception there!
We love the beautifully polished floors, the amazing skyline views, and the RED CARPET! That’s right, folks, they will be rolling out an actual red carpet for our guests to walk on when they arrive. How perfect is that for our theme? The loft is one of the things we’ve planned that we’re most excited about.
Which vendor are you most excited about?
The floors are beautiful. We are def excited about our venue…it’s a historical mansion and we’re having our ceremony and reception there. Its right off the waterfront…I cant wait to get pictures in front of the water! Looks like with those big windows you have a great view of NYC…that will be great for pictures…are there any outside decks or rooftop decks?
Oh wow, your venue reminds me of a dance studio — it’s gorgeous! 
I love your venue, it has so many possibilities! Our venue is our favorite too!
When we were booking our venue communication with the event manager was so important to me! We also were about to go with one venue when the coordinator disappeared for about a week. When I emailed her to cancel she responded within hours. We went with a different venue and now I am so glad! It is definitely the part of the wedding I’m most excited about (well of course after the ceremony )
I like the loft. Very glam!
That’s fantastic! We are having our reception at a loft-like location (in Middle America) and I am looking forward to it the most (although it’s a close second for the ceremony venue).
If I ever get a chance to do a renewal, I would do it in a loft! I love the chic open space… your wedding will be beautiful!
@keely: Yes, communication with the location manager is KEY. Strangely enough, the woman at the Soho Loft was very prompt in responding to my emails until all of a sudden. I’m glad you finally found somewhere that is excited about your wedding, just like we did!
@Mrs. Penguin: A renewal in a loft would be so fun! I already started thinking about renewal dresses and we’re not even married yet, since (even though I’m in love with my dress) there are way too many gorgeous dresses to wear on one day!
A red carpet, that sounds so cool, and so perfect for your theme! =D You should have your photographer get everyone to pose as they walk in, and have the guestbook attendant ask them for their “autograph”! (Or a little sign by the entrance/on the guest book table, whichever you want.) =D
Your venue looks wonderful. =) Congratulations on getting your dream reception location AND an awesome caterer.
Really looking forward to seeing how your theme develops- your empty space looks amazing!!!
I really wanted a loft in type space in Laguna Beach b/c it was a blank canvas I could do anything with… I can’t wait to see what you do with your space!
Lofts make such awesome wedding venues…your wedding will be gorgeous!
I hope you post soon about your Craigslist catering experience! I’m having so much trouble as well finding a venue in NYC or surrounding areas within our budget. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to try Craigslist…
@ Gerbera – I found my photographer on Craigslist! There are tons of Craigslist Bee’s, check around, there are lots of people who have had great experiences. Good Luck
We’re searching for our venue right now, and it is SERIOUSLY overwhelming/stressful. You find yourself willing to spend more than you can afford just to lock down a nice place and have it be over! But that loft looks gorgeous, and it fits in your budget! Good for you, Star!!
[...] after writing all about our reception location drama, you might be wondering where our oh-so-special ceremony site is and why we didn’t just opt to [...]
I’ve been looking at reception venues in NYC and the costs are definitely insane at some places!! I had looked at the Midtown Loft before… How did the price end up within your range?
Hey everyone – I’m very new to the site so bear with me…
I had a very similar experience with my venue in NYC (Thompson Hotel) and now I’m looking for a plan b (or bee) 
I’m in a pickle because I have my date set as September 5, 2010 and I can’t find ANYONE in my budget.
I have my save the dates and have been holding on to them for about two weeks since the sanfu with my location.
Any help/suggestions???
Thanks!!
Not sure what your budget is or if you’re set on having it at a loft but have you checked out 3 West Club??
@mccubcakes: So frusterating, right? Feel free to PM me with your budget and criteria, and I’ll forward along any suggestions I might have! Good luck!
Mrs. Star, New York City Age and Occupation: 22, Actress Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Casting Assistant Wedding Date: October 2009 Venue: Ceremony: The Kraine Theatre, Reception: Midtown Loft & Terrace About Me: I’m a professional actress who’s always had New York City in her blood and I'm finally getting the chance to make a home in Manhattan with my fiancé, my dog, and my big dreams! I love polka dots, craft projects, Dunkin’ Donuts’ iced coffee, and anything sparkly. I’m having a blast planning our elegant/dramatic/New York City/acting-themed/largely-DIY wedding and am thrilled to be the youngest current Miss Blogger!
Latest Gallery Pics