How do the Budget Numbers Work?
I'm Ren Newey, founder and your personal guide to finding the best venue for your wedding day. I've been a wedding planner for TEN years coaching couples just like you! I want to empower you to make the optimal decision for your wedding day because we all know it's more complicated than picking from some pretty Instagram pics! I created SCOUT to cover the five chapters that are most important to consider when comparing venues. I won’t try to estimate your floral budget, your dress costs or your stationery bill. I’m here to help you compare the variables that are impacted by venue choice!
If you haven’t already noticed, SCOUT stands for Service, Capacity, Outdoor, Utilities and Travel. Again, these are the budget items you want to think about when picking a venue. Your design for save the dates can come later! Here is a budget breakdown of specifically created for The Allan House!
Service
Venue Use Fee: Fluctuates depending on the time of year and day of the week. At Allan House, the peak season Saturday rate is $7,500. The fee includes exclusive use of space for 10 hours, 2 private changing rooms, Tables and chairs for up to 150 guests, Decorative outdoor lighting, Iron patio furniture for 40 guests seating, Winter season pricing includes clear tent, 2 hour photo session time, 1 hour ceremony rehearsal time.
Food & Beverage: Estimates are based on the assumption of 3 passed appetizers, a dinner course of two proteins, salad, and side. It also includes bread on the table, a drink station (coffee, tea and water) and cake cutting service. You bring in your own cake or other dessert and the catering team cuts it and serves it to your guests.
The alcohol estimates are based on 5 hours of bar service, mixers and ice for BYOB bar. You may want to increase the estimate for table-side wine service, a champagne toast, or if top shelf liquors are important to you!
Additional Rentals: Estimates you see are based on proposals from a mid-priced rental store.
The venue provides tables and chairs for up to 150 guests. Estimates include: chairs in addition to those provided, tables in addition to those provided, standard linens for dining tables, standard napkins, basic china, silverware, and glassware, setup, takedown, labor and fees.
Capacity
250 Guests Cocktail Style - this means guests are floating around the property enjoying music and food throughout the evening. There is some seating, but its not a formal “sit down” meal
200 Guests Dinner with DJ - many venues can fit more guests with a DJ as opposed to a band. At Allan House, there is a built in stage that both bands and DJs can use, so your entertainment choice doesn’t impact guest capacity.
200 Dinner with a Band - the maximum guest capacity with a band
Outdoors
Tenting: A clear-top tent is included in winter season rental fee. Tent pricing is based on weddings outside winter months who contract a custom fit white top tent with one of Allan House's tent partners. Estimates includes labor and setup.
Heating & Cooling: The Allan House winter tent includes heaters. If not in a tent, It's difficult to heat or cool an outside space but it's common to rent mushroom propane heaters or port-a-coolers to help with temperature regulation. We estimate $150 per propane heater and $150 per cooling tower.
Sound & Lighting: It is common for couples to add strings lights for the lawn. $1,300 is average lighting and sound budget that includes a PA system for ceremony sound. Note the winter tent comes with chandeliers!
Utilities
Additional Power: Additional power is not needed at this venue! Plenty of power for event lighting and a band. Note, some venues recommend a generator for additional power but that is rarely the case at Allan House.
Stage & Dance Floor: Allan House features an outdoor built-in stage. Additionally, a hard paver surface is available for dancing. It’s rare for couples to bring in an additional dance floor to Allan House, but if it’s important to you, then plan to estimate $1,200 for third-party dance floor.
Restrooms: You will find 2 restrooms inside the mansion and 2 restrooms in the courtyard.
Travel
Bussing: The Allan House is located in downtown Austin; bussing is not common. We find most guests rideshare or drive!
Valet: You are not required to offer valet, but it is an elegant option and Allan House is well suited for valet with a nearby parking lot for the valet team to utilize.
Parking: There are 50 parking spaces in the lot adjacent to building and unlimited street parking. Parking is convenient and free to your guests.