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Help! Can't decide where to have wedding

posted 4 years ago in Beehive
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    1.
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    Blushing bee
    sphbride    August 8, 2010   Seattle

    I have been engaged for over 4 months now, but yet I still cannot decide where to have my wedding.  Ideally it will be for summer 2008.  I am hoping to spend around $10K on the wedding, is it possible? 

    My ideal wedding: small (maybe at most 50 people), on a white sand beach with blue sea as background.  Private - so I don't get random beach goers joining the wedding.

    But! this is technically impossible in Seattle (where I am from).  There are no white sand beaches here.  This implies option 1 would be in a remote location - any suggestions?

    Or are there utterly romantic places in Seattle anybody would recommend - that's not a wedding "factory"?

    Thanks!!  Am I too late to decide on something?

     
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    Busy bee
    smartl    August 23, 2008   Vancouver, BC

    I don't know Seattle at all so I can't speak to that for your ceremony.  But I will tell you that no you are not too late.  I planned my best friend's wedding from scratch in 6 weeks on a $5000 budget with 50 guests, so it can be done ;) 

    Your biggest cost will be the food & beverage at the reception, so do a careful budget to figure out exactly what you can afford per person and start looking at reception location options.  Narrow it down based on minimum spend costs and menu prices, and maybe think about doing hors d'oeuvres only or a brunch or dessert reception to lower your food costs.  We are in Vancouver and my friend found a really affordable buffet dinner option on a harbour cruise for a reception, so if that appeals to you, you might look into a similar idea for yours?  And call in favours from all your talented friends.  If you know anyone who does graphic design, use them for your invites or a talented photographer, use them and save big money on a photographer.  It all helps.

     
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    Busy bee
    TallBride    January 24 2009   Westlake Village, Ca

    I have been to seattle but it was a few years ago. I remember the Sound made a huge impact on me, it was just beautiful. You're right about the white sand beach though... are there any lakes near by? while i was in spokanne we went to a lake that was very nice.... What about Victoria?

     
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    Helper bee
    EK    October 12, 2008   Seattle, WA

    Have you consider something on the San Juan Islands?  I haven't been there, but I heard it's beautiful and I'm sure there are some great places where you can get married on the water.  I look around a bit and found this place:

    http://www.rosarioresort.com/

    I'm not sure about pricing, but it could be worth a look.  I'm sure with a bit more searching you could find plenty of places out there if you're interested.

    Good luck!

     
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    Busy bee
    jilian    April 28, 2007   Blacksburg, VA

    I second the lake idea - could be just what you have imagined in your head :)

    Water is an amazing backdrop whether it's the ocean, a lake, or a river.  The bonus with a lake is that you can also have some amazing mountain views!!

    PS - I got engaged this weekend last year and was married at the end of April - so your definitely not too late!!  I also stuck to a 10k budget with 51 guests.  You'll be amazed at how quickly the planning can go once you nail down a couple key things - like the venue.  Best of luck!

     
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    Blushing bee
    sphbride    August 8, 2010   Seattle

    Thank you for all your suggestions! 

    I will definitely look into the San Juan islands.  I have been to some gorgeous places there.  I will also check out other lakes around here :)  

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    Blushing bee
    SirenLover84       Washington, DC

    I would check out Puerto Rico, or even Lake Michigan. Mackinac island is a cute island that is very traditional (no cars, just horse and carriage) with Victorian homes all over the place. It's a little hard to get to, but there are a lot of summer communities along Lake Michigan and elsewhere that are a much cheaper option and can be very fun!

     
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    Newbee
    affairesofsplendor       Riverside, CA

    While I haven't been privileged enough to plan a wedding in your area yet, I have looked into a few of the "lake view" sites.  There is one that stands out to me the most - The Golden Gardens Bathhouse.  It is in the Seattle Parks and Recreation area but it is supposed to be the "best kept secret" by Seattle Bride Magazine.  You can have the ceremony out near the lake and have the ceremony indoors but with spectacular views.  Also, regarding your budget, you can do a very beautiful weddding with your budget.   If you are willing to do some of the work yourself (i.e. favors, place cards, etc.) you can keep the cost down a lot!!  If you need any other budget-cutting ideas, feel free to contact me privately and I'll chat with you about your options. (marie@affairesofsplendor.com)  Happy wedding planning! 

     

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