How to Make the Most of this Venue:
Utilize a Mediterranean style for your event including lots wrought iron and bright colors. Plan on starting your event no earlier than 6 p.m. because service staff may need to have at least an hour to set up bars and food after museum closes
Utilize the services of a rental company FAMILIAR with the facility and includes the set of of their tables and chairs in their rental. Be prepared to pay an extra service charge to your caterer for the set up of facility tables and chairs, ALONG with the breakdown of ALL tables and chairs. Depending on whether there is another event the next day, you may have to pay extra to have the rental company pick up items the same night.
If using the Board Room, remember, none of the room's chairs may be removed. Also, consider hanging lanterns for subdued lighting.
Downsides:
Although the museum allows drop off and set up several hours prior to an event, the Plaza must remain open to the public until 5 p.m.
Rain and cold weather could put a damper on the festivities. Be prepared with a PLAN B under cover or provide heaters.
The WIND often gets strong in the plaza. Plan on a secure area for displaying place cards and anchor down napkins with silverware. Be cautious with tall centerpieces.
Must rent tables and chairs
The Planetarium Lobby is a distance away from the Plaza (opposite side of the Museum) and the Museum is locked so guests/staff must walk around the outside.
South Florida Museum TC
This classic Spanish styled venue is one of the most unique wedding/reception locations on the West Coast of Florida. From the Plaza's roof and stucco building structure, to the Manatee tank featuring rescued Manatee Snooty, the Museum offers a fabulous setting for "after 5 p.m. events" (when the museum is closed).
Although the Plaza is an outdoor setting, there are SIX covered/indoor areas for ceremonies, social hours, preparations, and main reception.
Centerpiece of the Plaza is the huge statue of Hernando DeSoto set in an elevated fountain area. Overhead string lights along with Old World wrought iron lamp posts, illuminate the plaza after dark.
Total capacity on the plaza for guest seating (including the Colonade area) is 200. The facility has only a hand-full of long tables and 40 folding chairs, so the majority must be rented and set up by an outside rental company.
Outside alcohol is allowed.
The six covered/enclosed areas include:
Gated Entry Foyer (kitchen and board room accessed from here)
Small Chapel capacity for up to 80 guests for ceremony
Colonade, a long narrow covered area with pull down shades for ceremonies, social hours, or additional guest seating
Covered Plaza Area adjoining Colonade and overlooking main Plaza with space for bar, head table, cake and buffet
Board Room - A separate air conditioned area with restrooms that can be used for bridal party preparations or "lounge" area with another view of the manatees
Bishop Planetarium Lobby - For Social Hours
The rest of the museum is closed off during after-hours private events.
The museum is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Bradenton, just blocks from the Manatee River waterfront.
