Davis Islands Garden Club
A smaller, but well-maintained facility, the clubhouse is the only waterfront venue allowing outside catering and alcohol in Tampa. Facing the channel across from Harbour Island, it offers a gazebo for ceremonies and outdoor pavilion which extends the limited indoor event space. This place books up quicky despite its steep rental price. The ability to get the key from the rental manager and all day access makes it one of the most client-friendly facilities in Tampa Bay.
Plan to take lots of pictures here, the grounds are stunning.
Cost: $2900 plus security deposit.
White resin folding chairs available for rent for
$2 each for outdooor ceremonies.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS VENUE:
OPEN YOUR HEART to new approaches to decorating.
Embrace outdoor dining options on the waterfront lawn.
This is a Million Dollar venue that can be utilized in many different ways.
Not suggested for any more than 120 guests. Summer events may want to restrict all activities to the indoors as opening and closing of the doors (even with air conditioning) creates humid conditions.
Despite it's 1960's interior, the clubhouse has small chandeliers with dimmers to create ambiance for your reception. Most color schemes work well. Utilize the patio as much as possible for bar, social hour and even food to conserve space inside. Invest money into decor on the patio to include curtains, hanging lanterns, etc.
The Downside:
No indoor furnishings are allowed outdoors except for white resin folding chairs rented separately. If you are planning on utilizing the patio or lawn for part of your event, plan on renting tables and chairs and paying for them to be placed and broken down on top of the facility cost.
ALSO note that Davis Islands Garden Club is SO POPULAR, you may have to have to pay for a rental company to return the same night as your event because the next day may be booked with another event.
The best times to rent the place are cooler months from October - April. Dates do fill up quickly especially for October and March.
Contact Michelle at (813) 835-3442
www.digclub.org
Brady Center at
THE Academy
Another "hidden" South Tampa treasure is the hugely functional Brady Center at the Academy of Holy Names between MacDill and Bayshore, south of Bay to Bay.
The center can be divided in half length-wise with an air wall to accommodate less than 400 guests. The bonus is the total floor space that can accommodate up to 500 guests WITH A DANCE FLOOR.
An adjoining courtyard offers possibilites for a pre-reception area. Parking is no problem as there is a walk-way bridge across MacDill Avenue from a remote parking area.
The grounds are meticulously kept. It is only a shame the front of the property facing Bayshore is not directly connected to the Brady Center.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS FACILTY:
Don't let the $4000 price tag for the entire hall scare you. The savings from being able to furnish your own alcohol with the proper liquor liability insurance for over 300 guests, makes this place an awesome alternative to larger hotels or resorts.
This savings can be put into decor including ceiling swags, lots of eye-level foliage, and cool upgrades.
The Downsides: You must walk outdoors (covered area) to get across the plaza for the restrooms. Also, there is no main pre-function social area (except outdoors) unless you curtain off part of the main room.
The cross on the wall stays.
VENUE SPECIFICS:
3319 Bayshore Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33629
Phone: (813) 839-5371
Ask for person currently in charge of booking facilities
An often over-looked option for weddings and reception, this South Tampa landmark is an exceptional value. Not only do they offer round guest tables, they also have an additional option to rent adjoining parlors for your ceremony or pre-event social hour.
It is located just minutes off the Selmon Expressway at the corner of Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevard.
While a bit smaller in configuration than many private venues, the Tampa Women's Club still offers a neutral palette with many different layout options. Outside catering and alcohol are allowed.
Cost for an 8-9 hour block is between $1300-$1600 depending on day and use of parlors. It has a nice front yard view of Bayshore Boulvedard.
The hall is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday - Thursday; and until 12 noon on Fridays.
DETAILS:
2901 Bayshore Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33629
Phone: (813) 839-7457
