Isn't there a decent hall around here that doesn't charge an arm, a leg, and a first-born child? Of the "cheaper" halls we've looked at, which are not cheap, we really enjoyed looking at the Grecian Center and Crystal Gardens. CG is our top contender right now. I'd like to check out Portofino's, Woodlands of Van Buren, Stone Creek, and Downriver Italian American Hall. I wish Dearborn Inn or the Henry Ford were less expensive-- although Bobby doesn't want to go anywhere near Dearborn.
I emailed a bunch of venues in the past month or two. A lot of them don't answer. It makes me not want to have our reception there just because of their lack of customer service.
We've pretty much scratched the idea of an outdoor reception. We decided it would be too much work. I'm sure sober thoughts are still wondering about this though.