Post # 1
Member
5 posts
Newbee
Hi all!!
I’m a boston girl currently residing in southern cali. I need to find a venue for my wedding (budget is 25k) and feel like it’s impossible to find anything in my budget for 150 people!! I feel like I must not be looking in the right places… any suggestions? I’m planning to go back east at the end of January and I want to narrow it down to a few venue ideas.
I’m pretty flexible, but since many people will be traveling from out of town, I’d prefer somewhere that’s easily accessible to lodging OR transport. I don’t want to make guest drive all over the state of Massachusetts.
I’m just uber overwhelmed.. i’ve been engaged for almost a year and the idea of finding a venue so far from where I live is very daunting! Any local gals want to help me out? Thanks!!!
Post # 3
Member
1766 posts
Buzzing bee
Nahant has some venues that are really reasonably priced, but it might not be as accessible as you might like. However, if you plan to book a hotel block for your out-of-town guests, some hotels offer shuttle services to the wedding.
Post # 4
Member
6350 posts
Bee Keeper
You can def do 150 for 25k in Boston! You could rent the Museum of Science even. A lot of hotels in the area can accomdate that budget.
Post # 5
Member
6350 posts
Bee Keeper
I love the Millenium Hotel but it might be too expensive.
Post # 6
Member
1205 posts
Bumble bee
Are you talking about 25K for the venue, or 25K total? That’s about my budget (mine’s 21) but I’m looking at 100 vs. 150 people, and I can see why you’re having a hard time!
Have you tried looking at old estates? Since you’re a spring wedding, you might also try summer camps or state/national parks in the area?
I ended up at the Wesson Estate and am really pleased so far–and the pricing seemed very reasonable, especially compared to other venues I looked at. I think if you can find something outside the city but near lodging, you’ll have an easier time sticking with your budget. The city venues seemed a little higher-priced when I looked, even at hotels. I helped my Future Sister-In-Law find an outdoor venue also outside the city, so I know a very little bit about it, but I didn’t look as extensively since December in Massachusetts meant I knew I had to be indoors!
Post # 7
Member
5 posts
Newbee
25k total. I know people have different views but since it’s kind of a big destination wedding for many of our guests I don’t want to do a chain hotel that you could find anywhere… I get that it’s the most budget friendly but yeah, I’m looking estate, or something along those lines. It’s discouraging how such a large sum of money does not take you very far in the boston area
Post # 8
Member
5 posts
Newbee
and the date is flexible… i just filled in an ideal date b/c weddingbee made me do it 🙂
Post # 9
Member
7 posts
Newbee
@stbdub: You can totally find a place for 150 with a budget of 25k. My fiance and I are having 150 and can probably only spend 8-ish which is ridiculously low for this city. But I’m a student and he works in music so … tight budget it is.
I’ve done A LOT of venue searches. Some techniques I have found helpful in the venue search: Look at historical sites (Stonehurst, Commandant’s Mansion) and museums. These are the easiest options to find through google or venue listings on wedding sites. Other than these, google isn’t too helpful at finding off the beaten path venues. Look at lists of venues local caters have with and listed on their sites. I found several places I hadn’t heard of this way. Also, local photographers’ blogs are a good place to click around. Usually the post titles list the venue names and you can scroll through their archives to find more options. Plus pictures. Which is helpful. Finally, think about Arts centers. Artists for Humanity, for example, is in Boston. Has a cool open gallery feel, big windows, and hosts events regularly. I think they run about 5000.
Post # 10
Member
1205 posts
Bumble bee
Codman Estate in Lincoln might work–they have reasonable fees, but you’d have to be willing to set up a tent (that’s why we didn’t go with it…no tents for me in December!).
Also in Lincoln, the Pierce House–again, you’ll need a tent, but I recall the pricing being not outrageous (we didn’t look deeply into it because of the time of year).
Wesson Estate (aka White Cliffs) in Northborough was where we ended up…very reasonable pricing and no need to hire outside caterers; inside the venue is all carved wood, stained glass windows, Victorian feel (love it!)
Commander’s Mansion in Watertown had good reviews but for whatever reason we weren’t feeling it…it’s supposed to be fabulous and the people who work there are rumored to be very helpful.
That was our short list…but we’re in the suburbs. There are a lot of hotels etc. and things for people to do and see out in the suburbs, too, and the pricing is a little more reasonable since they don’t have to pay city real estate pricing.
Good luck!
Post # 11
Member
43 posts
Newbee
What part of MA are you interested in? North of Boston, Cape, in the city?
Post # 12
Member
94 posts
Worker bee
My original plan was to have my wedding cap at $25k…but that’s not gonna happen…LOL
Apparently venue and caterer alone will cost $25k (for around ~80 guests)…not including the dress, accessories, music, flowers, photographer….etc.
By the way…Museum of Science is EXPENSIVE…I called for a quote already =P