Post # 1
Member
4606 posts
Honey bee
I have never hated where I live more than I hate it now. Seriously. I have 1 church in my hometown that meets my needs. I’ve looked around where FH lives and there’s still nothing. It looks like if I want a nice venue I’m going to have to have it hours away from where I live and pay thousands of dollars for it.
That kind of money isn’t in my budget.
I’m at my wits end!
Eloping is looking better by the minute.
Post # 3
Member
2947 posts
Sugar bee
If you live where I think you live, have you considered the capital? I used to live in MGM and I know the drive isn’t that far. They’ve grown in the last few years and they have decent venues downtown. My friend got married in the Alley Station and it was gorgeous and affordable (at the time…)
Post # 4
Hostess
23607 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@SouthernGirl: *HUGS* Venue searching is by far the most difficult part of the planning process. What is your dream venue and what are you hoping to find? It sounds like you’re thinking church wedding, and then a reception someplace?
Everything will be okay!
Post # 5
Member
2947 posts
Sugar bee
@SouthernGirl: Dunno what denomination you are, but Frazer Methodist hosts weddings too. It’s a huge building. Not sure if you have to be a long-standing member, but we’ve even used their space for non-religious events.
But eloping is ok too! I know how frustrating this process gets… ::hugs::
Post # 6
Member
4606 posts
Honey bee
@techie: I looked at Alley Station, but was concerned about their lack of parking. I’m not sure of the price either. I searched venues on the Knot and all that came up was 3 out of 4 dollar signs. And then there’s the added price of catering… It’s lovely, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to afford it. I wrote the number down anyway though, just to see.
@pengoala: I’m not really feeling the church wedding. It’s just where I live, the only places for weddings are churches…
Post # 7
Member
4606 posts
Honey bee
@techie: Frazer is a little big for my 75-80 guests…
Post # 8
Member
2947 posts
Sugar bee
@SouthernGirl: I’ll ask my friend for advice. Her agency works with the realtors in the city and she was actually one of the first to use the event space. She used A Social Event for catering and the caterer is really friendly and easy to work with. Her budget was $9k (dress, venue, catering, everything) total if that helps.
Embassy Suites might be affordable these days. Since they have competition from the Renaissance, I’m sure they’re in more of a haggling mood.
Post # 9
Member
2947 posts
Sugar bee
@SouthernGirl: The Alley Bar has an event space too, if you’re ok with it being in a bar, technically. :p The space has an entrance from the outside too. I think they allow outside caterers.
And yeah, they’re a little big for 80 guests! 🙂
EDIT: Ohh parking. They do have that space across the street, but it gets packed on the weekends. Paid parking is available a couple blocks away but that’s annoying.
Post # 10
Member
4606 posts
Honey bee
@techie: Right now I’m having to plan everything as if I was paying for everything myself, because so far my parents haven’t said they’d help at all. I’ll keep those suggestions in mind though and do some more research. I just want to have a venue booked by August, preferably before then…
ETA: Thanks for the suggestions though! You gave me some suggestions that I never would have thought of! Maybe I don’t have to panic just yet : )
Post # 11
Member
2947 posts
Sugar bee
@SouthernGirl: How about Montgomery Museum of Fine Art? Or the park at the Shakespeare Festival?
I have a friend that works at the Shakespeare Festival and can inquire for ya.
Post # 12
Hostess
23607 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@SouthernGirl: Don’t you worry! You will find a venue! Just keep in mind that this is the worst of it all and once you’ve selected a place you love, the fun will begin!
Post # 13
Member
2947 posts
Sugar bee
This thread makes me a little homesick! Sorry for bombarding it…
Are you open to an outdoor wedding? Hampstead Farms is GORGEOUS and they have event spaces now. Barn, gardens, etc.
http://www.hampsteadliving.com/weddings_celebrations.php
Post # 14
Member
2947 posts
Sugar bee
@pengoala: Ditto to this…once this is taken care of, the rest will come together. 🙂
Post # 15
Member
4606 posts
Honey bee
@techie: I think you just saved FH from having to deal with me having an emotional breakdown. Heh. Thank you SO much for the list!
@pengoala: I hope so. I haven’t been worried about anything as much I’ve been worried about the venue.
Post # 16
Member
2947 posts
Sugar bee
@SouthernGirl: Haha, no problem! Exhale! Things will come together one way or another. 🙂