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Reception Location Dilemma...

posted 2 years ago in Reception
  • poll:
    Castle (with caterer) : (5 votes)
    21 %
    Church (with caterer) : (3 votes)
    13 %
    Castle (with family friend caterer) : (14 votes)
    58 %
    Church (with family friend caterer and many rentals) : (2 votes)
    8 %
  •  
    1.
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    S2BMrsKHS       Boston

    Okay...

    I would love to have my dream wedding, but have my cake and eat it too... and not go bankrupt...

    We've been on a few site visits, some over our intended budget, and some not...

    But we're down to the final two that make sense...

    First, is my church, which will need quite  bit on decor, and other elements to spruce it up, however there is no working kitchen, and the bathrooms are not that great in appearance... but its free since my father happens to be the pastor. We would be required to bring everything in and/or rent things to make it pretty.

    Second, is a mansion/castle about 51 minutes away near the ocean, and costs about $7,200 and including staffing, bartender, parking, and the location itself where an onsite cermony can take place. But its gorgeous, gilded cinderella type carriage, and well oiled staff (and working kitchen). Its a historic home, with tons of charm and beauty. And a setup that practically enforces our guests to enjoy themselves... and we can bring our own alcohol, caterers etc...

     

    We're looking at about a 15K budget, and100-125 guests.

    Should I go for cheap and make it work? Or should I try to make the more expensive option work out? please comment or give advice

     

    <h4>(foodwise we also have two options Caterer $8,700 or Family friend most likely under 3,000)</h4>

     
    2.
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    Miss Yap    02/20/10   Dallas

    um. Castle? But for completely superficial reasons. Can you imagine saying "I got married in a castle". Yes I think so. and go with the catering friend. It makes it more personal. And cheaper! Though, is she any good?

     
    3.
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    scissors    June 19, 2010   Atlanta, Ga

    Castle!

     
    4.
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    S2BMrsKHS       Boston

    The Catering friend is excellent... so it would be the more cultural elements of our family, plus a few surprises (i hope)

    the other catering option would be like a "wow" for friends and family as its brazilian style with lots of meats and great sides...

     
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    Future Mrs. Martin    August 21, 2010   London Ontario Canada

    Oh i voted before I read your last post!

    I thought family friend caterer would be a guest that was also working at your wedding and thats why I said go for the caterer but if I could I would change my vote!!!!!!

    But OMG I am jealous I want to get married in a castle!

     
    6.
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    nybride09    9/19/09   New York, NY

    the castle sounds excellent but what sort of wedding will you want to have? traditional / fantasy or other? how much would rentals and decor to do up the church cost? i get the idea all that's included in the castle already so the all-in price difference may not be that great

     
    7.
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    S2BMrsKHS       Boston

    the reception at the church would be in the church Gym, so we would have to find a way to disguise the hoops... getting food to the guests is another logistics issue as it would have to be prepped outside and then brought in, with minimal interaction with guests (kind of difficult if its en route to the bathrooms)...

    I would have to rent or purchase eating utensils, some sound equipment (not all), curtains for the stage, window treatments (9 large windows), and I would have to do an entire ceiling treatment as the ceiling looks atrocious and would need some "make up"....

    But the church itself doesn't have a center aisle which I also have issues with... there are two aisles coming down the sides... great for the bridal party not for the bride...

     
    8.
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    Grey56    10/10/09   RI

    Is your WHOLE budget $15K or just your reception budget?  If you choose the castle and the caterer, you're already over!

    Can you look at another option that's cool like the CASTLE but less money? 

     
    9.
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    MightySapphire      

    I think that whatever you decide will work.  A castle would be awesome, but it would have the most meaning to you.  Your guests will not think more or less of you if you decide one way or the other.  My guests loved my venue but I don't think that was what they'll remember most.  Whatever you decide to do, they'll love it because it's your ceremony!

     
    10.
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    spaniel    March 2010   Los Angeles, CA

    The church seems to be getting the short shrift! I definitely think that your budget, at that headcount, would preclude the $7,200 fee to use the castle. Half of your budget should generally go to the reception, and the castle would require *at minimum* 2/3 of your budget. Is there an in-between venue you can think of? Wedding expenses tend to add up quickly, and unless you're prepared to go *way* over, I don't think you should even consider the castle.

     
    11.
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    msbuttons    May 30, 2010   Palm Harbor, FL

    This is your big day, I'd say go for the dream! If it fits into your budget with having the family friend do the catering, why the heck not???

     
    12.
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    Helper bee
    sjbee    6/20/2009   Los Angeles/ SF Bay Area

    I voted church, just because it seems nuts to blown half of your budget on just the venue. But it is really about what is most important to you. If location is, and you think you can make it work with your numbers, then go for it!

     
    13.
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    Buzzing bee
    kjpugs    March 20, 2010   Indianapolis, IN

    I think that over 7 grand for the castle without even factoring in food is going to put you over. Use the church- reception venue and food ATE up our budget, so think of it like you're saving 7 grand- you can use that towards luxe details you couldn't afford at the castle, like great linens, more flowers, etc.

     

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