Dallas Reception Selection – 129 Leslie

Since moving back to Dallas, I’ve been spending a lot of time checking out event venues in the area. It seems a lot of new event spaces have opened up since I left Dallas over three years ago and with the classic reception spaces that were here before, there are now a ton of venues in the area for party throwers to choose from. Instead of keeping the information about these spaces to myself, I’ve decided to share my findings in a new weekly series called “Reception Selection.” Today’s selection, 129 Leslie, plays right into my love for modern event spaces.

Located in the Dallas Design District, 129 Leslie is named after its physical location on (you guessed it) 129 Leslie Street and is owned and operated by well-known Dallas caterer, Wendy Krispin. The nondescript exterior makes the space seem less than special, but when the dock door looking front entrance is opened up, you can imagine how the space could be transformed into a grand entrance.

Main entrance to 129 Leslie

129 Leslie is a blank canvas – white walls, white ceilings, large open spaces – and because of that, requires a little more effort to make it into something special. Although the venue rental comes with ice Chiavari chairs and banquet round tables, there is a definite need for colorful linens or perimeter lighting to give the space some warmth, and the high ceilings call for taller centerpieces. The 6,000 square foot space accommodates 350 seated with a dance floor or up to 500 in a standing reception and rents for $4,000 on Saturdays and $4,500 for Saturdays in December. Clients will save as much as $1,500 by renting the space other days of the week.

All photos from 129Leslie.com

I personally love a blank space. The clean look is definitely contemporary and the space is only limited by one’s imagination. However, a blank space like this is not for the weak at heart.

Unlike other venues that have a built-in character to them, 129 Leslie is literally a white space. It can be transformed into anything, but requires a bit more effort to make it something more than the blank canvas that it is. With a trusted event planner, production company and florist, the space would be exquisite. I cannot wait to organize an event here and have a series of before and after photos of the space for my portfolio.

What do you think? Would you be up for a blank canvas venue?