Weddingbee boards

Hey bees,

I am hoping that you can help me out. I am trying to find a venue for my wedding within my budget. My parents can only afford to contribute $5,000 to my wedding, and my fiance's parents will be paying for the rehearsal, my bouquet, the bar, the marriage license and the officiant fees. So I think my total budge will end up around $15,000 after my fiance & my own contribution. I already found my gown, and it's expensive - $1600, so my budget is now $13,400.

Anyway, I am looking for a venue either in Lansing (my hometown) or Bay City (his hometown). I am the first of my friends to be getting married, so I honestly don't really know what I'm doing here.

I am planning on having 250 guests, 8 bridesmaids, 8 groomsmen, and 2 flower girls. I was leaning towards a Mid-August 2013 wedding to start, but after hearing that winter weddings receive discounts, I am now leaning towards a January 2014 wedding.

Do you have any suggestions on budget friendly venues in Lansing or Bay City (or near either of these areas)?

Thanks for your help!