I want to start out with the positive...The venue is absolutely stunning. All the guests commented on the beauty of Ma Maison.
However, the behind the scenes planning and interactions with Ma Maison (Karen-owner) were anything but pleasant.
1. First meeting-got tons of info and was informed that Karen now only allows Crave to cater the wedding (they used to have a list of about 5 vendors that you could choose from). Now, let me say this, Crave was GREAT and had great food, but they are expensive.
2. Ma Maison has a 3 day cancellation policy after signing, but it took Crave over a week to get me the actual numbers. I called Karen to see if she would be OK w/ me using one of the less expensive vendors that was on the list previously. She told me NO, but would be willing to refund my deposit and cancel my reservation. (I get it...a policy is a policy, but this was my first wedding, so I didn't fully understand what it meant to HAVE TO use their catering company). Also, was quite overwhelmed with Karen's inability to compromise and just saying that we can cancel, as if it's no big deal.
3. It was also during one of my initial conversations that Karen recommended I get a new wedding planner and she has many she could recommend. (My wedding planner was GREAT and was referred to me by my jeweler). (Also...apparently Karen now has a list of wedding planners that she will only work with---You must use them, or you don't get to use Ma Maison)
4. When setting up engagement pics at Ma Maison, you have VERY limited times available if you actually want to take pics inside (we were offered Tuesday-Sunday 10-5...but NOT on a wedding day, regardless of time. So, that leaves you Monday through Thursday or the occasional Friday/Sunday). If those times don't work, or if you need more time, they will charge you $250/hour. Again, not easy/friendly to work with and again they try to nickel and dime you...even though you're paying $7,900 to use the venue!
5. ****This got me the most***. When you get a caterer, you usually have to pay for staff (event staff, photog...etc) to eat during the event, which is all normal.
However, at Ma Maison, YOU ALSO HAVE TO PAY FOR KAREN, HER HUSBAND AND THEIR CHILD TO EAT!. Yes, it's in the contract. Apparently, Crave takes over the kitchen, so Karen and family have nowhere to eat. God forbid they actually eat out one night...I mean, you're only paying them $7,900!!!
6. ****Apparently Karen was not even there on my wedding day, yet I still had to pay for her meal***.
7. Karen's Husband was there to eat his free meal. I know this because he complained about the volume of the music.
YOU ARE A WEDDING VENUE IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE...ON A SATURDAY NIGHT. DEAL WITH IT!!! (note: our volume was not louder nor was the DJ asked to raise the volume or be any different than any other wedding).
8. NO WIFI. Yes, you're paying $7,900 and many guests want to upload pics that night or just use their phone...but although there is WIFI there, they WON'T give out the code. This is a big deal since many don't get good reception out in Dripping Springs, so communication can be difficult w/ no signal and a venue that won't share their WIFI.
9. A lot of the stuff you see when you take a tour is beautiful, but don't get duped. You have to pay to use it...(fire pit, wine barrels...etc.). Again, I'm paying $7,900 and the items are already there! Do you need to bleed me for even more money?
Too Long Didn't Read: Ma Maison is beautiful, but Karen is VERY difficult to deal with. She is not in the least bit accommodating as she claims on her website. I think Karen should start appreciating her clientele more. Your wedding planning and wedding should not be made more difficult by the Venue. I think there are too many other options to deal with all the extra stress and nonsense (and getting nickel and dimed) that comes along with Ma Maison. read more