Post # 16
Member
4249 posts
Honey bee
My biggest recommendation with any venue is find one that is all-inclusive where they provide decor, catering, chairs and tables, linens, etc. The price of renting these things is SKY high but when the venue takes care of it, it’s so much easier to plan. I know you talked earlier in this thread about “price gouging” but actually my experience was the complete opposite. My venue provided catering and it was delicious and affordable (think $35 per plate). Granted I am in the Midwest as well so that probably has a factor. You don’t want to get yourself into a DIY nightmare where you have to provide and purchase all the decor and everything.
Post # 17
Member
179 posts
Blushing bee
I think location is a factor as we’re tri-state area. my last post was all-inclusive but $90,000 is absurd. I think the balance of rustic barn with some inclusions is what we’re looking for. I will keep posting if you all keep reading 🙂 More to report so please keep checking back.
Post # 18
Member
179 posts
Blushing bee
We selected our wedding venue!!!!!
After heartfelt chats my fiancee & I are taking that big step together in PA. The venue includes an awesome classic farmhouse for one week, a lakehouse for some guests, a barn stocked with antiques for decorating(at no extra cost), built-in classic soda jerk fountain bar, and being a B & B, we get some food, too. ha ha.
The owners & I bonded for nearly 3 hours so I felt very comfortable. The outside grounds are level and offer numerous options for outdoor ceremonies. The barn itself was nice, the flooring not so great but I dunno if that was such a dealbreaker. We will pursue our carnival-themed vision and the price point for the venue and accommodations was very reasonable. I did not freak out.
You keep reading and I will keep the updates coming!
Post # 19
Member
179 posts
Blushing bee
So here’s my update. We will be making our deposit soon. Just trying to make sure the stress level doesn’t go too high. I know we’re going to be doing the barn decorating but if we pace ourselves it could be ok. With the price we’re paying and some favors I’m calling in I think we MIGHT be able to make that lower-end budget I projected.
I think our next order of business is the catering plans. The two biggest things; venue & catering done and set would def. have everything else fall into place easier.
I did secure a new on-site job so that is some relief, not the $ I hoped but seemingly less stress than before.
thoughts? Thanks!
Post # 20
Member
252 posts
Helper bee
Congrats! The detail planning portion is so much fun! We especially enjoyed the tastings. 🙂
Post # 21
Member
178 posts
Blushing bee
Happy that you found a venue you love!
I don’t know if this matters anymore, but cost was a much more significant figure for us. We found a lovely Amish barn converted into a restaurant. It was in a small town, too. The hall fee was 1,500. But since it was a restaurant, they included china, glassware, linens, table lamps, tulle and globe light decorations. All of the food and beverages had to be catered through them, but we got a super reasonable price for that as well. Having an all-inclusive venue for us was HUGE because I am a full-time grad student and the only one who is local.
So, if you’re still not 100% sold, I’m sure you could find a similar venue. There were many refurbished barns I looked into (that were probably a little more stylish and shabby-chic). But they were easily 3-5x the cost of our venue. And the headache of coordinating every single rental was so not worth it, to me.
Post # 22
Member
179 posts
Blushing bee
thanks for the replies. What we discovered was this venue offered more bang for the buck; threw in the bridal suite for 3 nights at no additional cost and a ceremony ride in a classic car 😉
We felt the overall grounds were the best we seen, the owners the most comfortable and not nickel & diming. Many affirmed we had to work with their exclusive vendors, not so here. I believe that when a vendor already has your business guaranteed they won’t strive for excellent service. I feel my original lowball budget could happen…..In total, we’re actually going to be in the b & b wedding venue for a week so it won’t be like poof! Wedding and out the door you two go.
My old pal is a pro caterer and he offered us a great quote for booze and cheeseboards. I think this offers the opportunity to customize it and save $. I know going in, no matter what there will be some stress with weddings but this route I feel we have more control over $ and what the big picture is.
I will keep the posts coming.thanks all!
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