When Houston rapper Bun B threw a birthday party for his young granddaughter three years ago, he didn't settle for cake and ice cream on the patio.
He threw a princess-themed bash for 40 at a 34,000-square-foot French chateau in the Champions area.
The mansion, called Chateau Cocomar, played host to another celebrity event this past December. That's when basketball player Dwight Howard, now with the Atlanta Hawks, hosted a 30th birthday party built around a "Great Gatsby" theme. Guests included singer Ciara and her football-player husband, Russell Wilson.
In addition to weddings, it hosts corporate events, such an annual Exxon Mobil holiday party for executives. Those events account for some 10 percent of the chateau's revenue.
Renting the facility doesn't come cheap. A full Saturday, the most expensive day, runs $13,500. That fee includes tables, chairs and linens. Extra items include bar service, security and valet services.
The chateau doesn't provide catering, since its kitchen is considered a "residential" model and not an industrial one.
According to Martin, most brides spend around $40,000 with the chateau alone for the rental and bar service. Add to that catering, entertainment and other wedding items, and brides usually spend between $75,000 and $100,000 on their big day.
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Local-castle-plays-host-to-fairy-tale-events-9971522.php