The Sage Venue

We chose The Sage (currently known as The Palazzo, still the same owner) in August 2013 because they rolled the venue cost and food cost together in one per-​head rate, they allowed us to bring in our own hard liquor, and they added a dessert table (a supposed $ 500 value). The wedding coordinator, Christina, was very helpful in arranging for our needs. The total cost for 5 hours at the venue, 4 hours of open bar (beer wine, mixers, and soda) and food for 80 guests was roughly $ 7,700. The Sage (Palazzo) allowed us to make a $ 1,000 deposit and pay a monthly charge on my credit card so we would not have to pay the entire amount in one installment.
During the time between August 2013 and November 2014, the venue would forget to charge my credit card. I would have to remind them to charge me so that my wife and I could afford the wedding. For a period in the early winter, they neglected to charge my card, so the payments went up accordingly. This was annoying because we had carefully budgeted for the wedding. Later they had credit card issues, so I had to send them checks. Periodically, I would need to inform them of the payments made and the balance. They did not keep very meticulous records. I sporadically received invoices, and they were often missing a payment.
In May of 2014, we learned the coordinator, Christina, had left The Sage (Palazzo) when we tried to contact her. I cannot comment on how busy they were at this time, but from my personal point of view it would have been polite to let us know whom to be in contact with for any wedding issues.
Our new contact, Ellie, had to get up-​to-​speed with us very quickly. She tried very hard to make sure everything was going smoothly. She informed us in either August or September that our previous agreement to bring in hard liquor could no longer be honored. The venue decided to tell us this at nearly the last minute. They said they could still do the open bar portion, but made no serious attempts to correct the situation until I sent them a scanned copy of the contract.
On the day of the wedding, the venue looked very nice. The Sage (Palazzo) has a Mediterranean feel. There is soft lighting which made for an intimate setting. Overall, the ceremony went off very well. The acoustics were nice, and there was enough room for our 80 guests to sit comfortably and watch the ceremony.
The Sage (Palazzo) opened the bar and served appetizers while my wife and I took pictures. We did not get a chance to enjoy the appetizers, but our guests said they were good. Our DJ did an excellent job as master of ceremonies throughout the night. I initially did not want a DJ, but he proved his worth. The dinner was adequate. My guests enjoyed their meal, but I thought the food was just so-​so.
Our free dessert table was… tolerable. It was a bit odd because there were desserts like cannoli near bowls of smarties. There was also a mixed bowl of skittles and M&M’s. I have no idea why someone would mix those two. The dessert table was listed at $ 500, and I would have been upset if it were not a free addition.
I brought home-​brewed beer for my guests (which I cleared with the venue well in advance) and they served it during the reception. At one point, they claimed to have run out. It turned out they had just left half of it in the back. They also claimed to have run out of the Gentleman Jack, Kaluha, moderately-​priced scotch, and Bailey’s when we collected our liquor at the end of the night. I am not suggesting any impropriety, but I am curious why the most expensive liquors were gone (especially when only 2 or 3 guests mentioned drinking the Kaluha and Bailey’s). My father-​in-​law called about this, but did not hear back.
There was also an unpleasant smell during the reception that nobody could pinpoint. I have no idea what it was, but it was distracting at times.
Synopsis: I think the people at the Sage (Palazzo) are nice. The atmosphere is enjoyable. Downtown Clearwater is a nice area with lovely beaches and affordable hotels. If we could go back in time, my wife and I would have chosen another venue. I cannot recommend this location to anyone planning a wedding. While it is convenient to have the food and venue costs lumped together, I do not feel like I was able to trust them to keep their financial records straight. I personally did not have a high opinion of the food or the way the wedding was coordinated.

SAVE YOUR MONEY! STAY HOME!
My wife and I like to support local talent and restaurants. We heard this place has a new owner so we decided to go. The evening was suppose to cost $ 37.50 a person. I paid $ 100 for both of us in cash and the owner, Vincent, who said he would bring the change to my table, NEVER brought it over. Instead he gave us some if his bottled pasta sauce. The meal was mediocre at best. The talent was worth it, but weeks later, I heard the owner stiffs the talent on multiple occasions. These kids work hard for their money, and I have zero tolerance for weasels like him! I have urged my friends to not support this place. You’ll get better Italian food at Carrabba’s!

This is a great venue location. They have a fridge and have lights already hooked in above. Sylvia the manager, was incredible and really helped pull party off! She was really 4 Star Service. It is such a wonderful venue location.