Vietnamese Wedding- Need Help Finding a Restaurant

[kimmers]

Hi All,

We want to have our wedding next year, but are having trouble finding a place we like. We have a guest list of 400-450. We don’t like the set-up of Harvest Moon. I don’t like Fortune because of its long and narrow shape. I would feel bad for the people sitting at the very end. China Garden isn’t bad; we might just have to go with them if we can’t find a better place. My only complaint about China Garden is that it’s in a business building, and you would have to park in the garage, and use the elevators to get to the restaurant. I can imagine for 400 something guest arriving at the same time, this could be a bit of a pain.

I was wondering if there are any other Chinese restaurants that I’m missing. We were going to consider catering and then getting a separate venue site, but we can’t find any Vietnamese/Chinese catering service. Also, I would rather not do it because it can be pretty pricey.

Any suggestions? Or is my best bet China Garden? I’m from Falls Church area.

Thanks in advance for any help! :)

[chowser]

I wonder if Vinh Kee in Falls Church on Gallows Rd could accomodate that many people. It's Cantonese food, heavy seafood, w/ Viet influence. Food is hit or miss.

[kathleen440]

If you really want to to go a special venue rather than holding your reception at a restaurant, know that most major catering companies (Ridgewells and Occasions in particular do this a lot) will gladly partner with local restaurants to provide whatever kind of food you like for your reception. A little pricier, but give you the HUGE advantage of having your preferred menu set up and served by people who REALLY know what they're doing (good service, beautiful design, professionalism). Working with a full-service caterer is also a good idea in case anything goes wrong - they always have their own insurance and liquor licenses for events.

Congrats on your engagement, and good luck with the planning process!

-love, a local event planner

[kathleen440]

Oh, and also - most venues in DC are too small to seat 400-450 for a wedding (my venue tops out at 350-400, or else I'd have you call me :P). I'd start with the Building Museum and Union Station and go from there.

Good luck!

[lmscott]

Hi, I was wondering if you ever found a facility to host your guests? I'm now looking for a venue...my wedding is next year and we'll have around 200 people. I've just learned of China
Garden and Harvest Moon. I would like more suggestions if you have any. Thanks.

[helenahimm]

I really hope you find a place, this sounds is going to be an amazing Wedding!

[Lori D]

Huong Binh in Eden Center does catering. I don't know if they can handle an event of 400 guests, but it might be worth asking them.

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Eden Center
Falls Church, VA, USA, Falls Church, VA

[CoconutMilk]

You might try calling Minhs, the stellar Vietnamese restaurant in Arlington. The owner is very nice and I've seen small events there before. They wouldn't be able to handle 400 on site, of course, but maybe they could do another venue.

[kimmers]

I'll check to see if they do wedding catering. Thanks!

[Hungry Panda]

I just read an article in the July 11th issue of the Washington Post about Martin's Crosswinds, a reception venue up in Greenbelt that can do large weddings and seems to specialize in weddings with special ethnic/religious needs. It's not quite what you are looking for but I thought it might be an option for consideration. I believe Martin's has other facilities as well.

[kimmers]

I saw that they have to Korean menu, but have to call and see if they can do Chinese or Viet food. Then I'll check out the venue. Thanks for the recommendations!

[hill food]

why don't I get invited to weddings like this? Rather than looking for a service, I'd ask the restaurants you like if they can provide off-site catering or know someone they'd vouch for. a friend usu. has a well-known place (not Asian sorry) in DC do her parties and they just close the place down and send the staff out to the location. if there's the budget, there's the possibility.

[DanielK]

If you're willing to drive a bit, there are always large Asian weddings going on at New Fortune in Gaithersburg.

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New Fortune
16515 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

[reiflame]

That was the first one I thought of too - the dining room is huge and the food is pretty good.

[kimmers]

I looked into it, it looked great, but then I mapquest it...40mins. I don't want to risk the traffic, esp since our ceremony is in Arlington. Thanks for the recommendation though!