Venue Wish List:
With these criteria in mind, I eliminated all hotel ballrooms ($$$, most have space for 250 guests), restaurants (can’t hold 100 people, no breakfast menu), a backyard (too expensive to rent linens, tent, chairs, etc.), and community centers (those close by are in really bad shape). I basically worked myself into a corner with very limited options.
And then…my mind shifted to think of the space where my sister’s prom was held a couple of years ago. It’s a convention center with a couple of different rooms: the big one where my sister’s prom was held (600 guests), another that hold 75 guests, an outdoor plaza for 100 guests, and a room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows for 150 guests.
I made an appointment for that same week, and as soon as I stepped into El Faro Convention Center I loved it. Then I saw “The Glass Room,” the second-floor room that has floor-to-ceiling windows with an incredible view, and my heart dropped. I was sure it would be crazy expensive.
The door
The inside of “The Glass Room”
The balcony
The view
Surprise, surprise…after talking to the venue coordinator I learned that the venue just charges per plate (they do the catering) with no extra cost for the room. The per-plate charge includes: tables, chairs, waiters, glasses, china, silverware, and cleanup. I dared ask what the price per guest was for a wedding: forty dollars, which is not expensive compared to the average wedding, but way too high for me. She informed us that the price is for the hors d’oeuvres, a five-course dinner, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Wait a minute…forty dollars is the price for dinner. What would be the price for breakfast? Nine dollars, and they have an established breakfast-buffet menu! After learning the great price for breakfast and all that was included in the price and actually seeing the wonderful room that would be ours for five hours, I was sold.
Yes, I picked the first venue I researched and visited. We paid the deposit then and there to secure the date, which thankfully was available. I’m so happy to have found a place that I love and fits in with our budget.
Was your venue hunting as easy as mine?
I could only see two pictures of the bunch (the others had that little colorful square in the middle) 
But it’s a great feeling when you have THE ONE and it won’t cost an arm and a leg!
Exactly as easy! We had almost the same criteria too 
Ours wasn’t quite as inexpensive! We’re doing a “brunch” rather than breakfast, so there’s more food, but it’s still less than $20/plate and also include tables, chairs, linens, waiters, even some decoration (oil lamps on mirrors on each table) plus coffee, tea and juice.
Oh but my location is significantly less scenic… but I don’t live in the Carribean so there you go 
Holy moly that is amazing!! The view, the price, the glass…yowza, you and your venue were ment to beeee!!
Fantastic! Love Puerto Rico & the idea of a breakfast or brunch wedding. Congrats on such a great location find. I feel like sometimes the venue you need is right under your nose. I looked all over New Jersey and then found the PERFECT venue right near my house.
LOVE that venue. Do you have to worry about the weather, though?
Hot dang that is awesome!! And it’s such a beautiful space… Way to go Miss B!
What a great space and beautiful views! Hurray on finding something in your budget. That is a super great deal!
@Lexy: Yay! for morning brides. Glad to see another bride planning a early soiree. That’s a great deal nonetheless, even though the view isn’t included. one of the perks of living on a island.
@Miss Honey: Definitely! It was just like love at first site!
@ohmybears48: The weather is not an issue since all the festivities will be done inside the room, the balcony is just for guests that would like to enjoy the view.
I was SUPPPEEERR lucky to find something I liked and would fit into my non existent budget. I’m very pleased
OMG that’s AMAZING! congrats for the STEAL of a deal!!!! it looks Amazing AND the price!! you can’t beat it!
Your venue is drool-worthy (and a total steal)! Congrats on finding the perfect spot!
Your venue has fantastic views! And $9 a guest is a steal. I like the uniqueness of breakfast for a reception.
Mrs. Boa Constrictor, Isabela, Puerto Rico Age and Occupation: 22, Undergraduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Soon-to-be Civil Engineer Engagement Date: May 19, 2011 Wedding Date: May 2012 Venue: El Faro Convention Center About Me: I’m a Caribbean gal, born and bred on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, finishing her last year as an undergrad. I describe myself as a “closet nerd” as I secretly enjoy reading research papers, playing video games, and geeking out on Lord of the Rings movie marathons. I will marry my college sweetheart, a soon-to-be civil engineer, who loves Legos and old-school Puerto Rican cooking. This is sure to be a fast-paced year with our wedding, honeymoon, college graduation, new jobs, and a cross-country move all within less than 30 days of each other!
Latest Gallery Pics