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All my plans are down the drain!

posted 4 years ago in Beehive
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    1.
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    Newbee
    FiveTen    October 25, 2008   Pittsburgh, PA

    I have been planning a beautiful October 2008 wedding for over a year. Luckily I was just "planning" and not actually putting a lot of ideas into action because we have decided to move the wedding to July upon the wonderful news that we are having a baby! Everything is immediately becoming less formal and I came up with the idea of having it at maybe a park/pavillion or indoor/outdoor location. I'm worried all the halls will be booked and I don't really like what I've found in my area so far but I'm running out of time... Does anyone have any creative suggestions for an informal, inexpensive reception site? OR.. any tips on planning a wedding in a pinch?

     
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    Bumble bee
    amysue    6/6/09  

    Oh my goodness! Congratulations!! What a fantastic reason to have to move your date around! So happy for you! : )

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    Newbee
    Melody      

    What city / state do you need?

     
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    Helper bee
    rzblna    July 2008   Los Angeles, CA

    My rec is to look at country clubs-- they are cheaper in more out-of-the-way locations and do pretty much everything for you.

     
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    fadedblue    august 8, 2009   san diego, ca

    I second country clubs. I was avoiding those along with hotels (hated the idea of getting a package shoved down my throat just b/c I was a bride), but we had a family friend who recommended a few he was a member of and the one we're pretty set on going with had some great, modern looking interiors and amazing prices. There was also some leeway in the customization of menu/package, so it might be helpful in making sure you can keep prices down.

     
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    Sugar bee
    suzanno    7/12/08   Richland, WA

    It is true that most venues may be booked.  We are using our country club, which is a really convenient option as they do provide about everything.  However, we booked in November for mid-July, and at that time two of the four weekends were already optioned - all weekend - for golf tournaments.  I would call the city parks and rec department and see what they have available as far as park or community center locations - then you can drive around and see what you think.  It's also worth trying local hotels for non-typical days or times (Friday or Sunday rather than Saturday, or morning rather than evening).  Good luck!

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    Worker bee
    futuremrswecker    07/19/08   Santa Rosa, CA

    I'm assuming you couldn't have it at someone's home...if you haven't considered it, I really like the idea of a home wedding and/or reception.  Do your parents or someone else have a good yard that is good for entertaining?

     
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    Buzzing bee
    snmcdowell    9-13-08   Chicago

    I second the idea of a home reception. I recently saw some amazing brunch reception inspiration boards and thought how fun that would be! It would really keep costs down, and it's a unique idea so your guests would remember it.

     
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    Busy bee
    emileee       San Jose, CA

    have you looked into a less popular day for your reception?  saturday nights will book fast but if you're willing to have it on a friday or sunday, you could save a ton of money.

     
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    Worker bee
    emredhead76    July 17, 2015   Nashville, TN/ Huntsville, AL

    A good option would be to consider having your wedding on Sunday.  It gives you a lot more options for venues.  

    Not sure your budget or guest size but here are some ideas:

    Chapel Shelter at Riverview Park or the West End/Elliot Overlook

    Hartwood Acres

    Mayernik Center

    Three Rivers Rowing CLub

    Millvale Community Center or Pavillion

    Union Project 

     

    I hope these help.  Congratulations on the wedding and the baby! 

     

     
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    Worker bee
    emredhead76    July 17, 2015   Nashville, TN/ Huntsville, AL
     
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    Worker bee
    Jenningsblue    October 4, 2008   Mississippi

    I would definitely check with your park authority.  We have rented a wonderful historic home through them for our wedding.  My co-workers also suggested we check with local banks (some will rent out their lobbies), libraries, welcome centers, government buildings and stores that aren't open in the evenings.  One of the quaintest wedding I have ever seen occurred in a bookshop after hours- and they didn't have to decorate much!  Congratulations and Best Luck.

     
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    Newbee
    Melody      

    Another inexpensive nice venue might be your neighborhood library...  Sometimes they have banquet rooms...

     
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    Bumble bee
    rebecca    September 13, 2008  

    You're in the burgh! When I was looking for venues (FI is from Pgh), I came across some awesome museums and loft spaces that probably aren't being used for weddings. Check out The Mattress Factory, it's a pretty cool space. And if you're having a baby (congratulations, btw!), the Children's Museum could be cool. I've been to a formal event at the Science Center too, and that was really really fun. Hope that helps -- good luck!

     
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    Helper bee
    piperbenjamin    June 2008   Philly

    another location option could be a restaurant. a friend planned her wedding very quickly by booking a church & then renting out a nice restaurant for a few hours. catering & location, decor all in one! congrats!

     
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    Sugar bee
    rosychicklet    September 27, 2008   Boston, MA

    Some places like firehouses, union halls, etc. have nice banquet facilities (for their own functions and to make $ by renting them out).  In our town the firehouse looks normal from the outside, but the entire 2nd story is a huge, very modern and nice looking banquet room.

    Also, you cancelled your November wedding- someone else might cancel your wedding.  You should call the places you're interested in to see if there's a cancellation.

    Another idea- consider hiring a wedding planner (or at least consulting with one).  Sometimes they know of wedding locations (private homes that might be available for rent, etc.) that the general public wouldn't be aware of. 

     

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