Post # 1
Member
58 posts
Worker bee
Hi everyone….I posted a what would you choose poll a few days ago. My FH and I narrowed it down more and are looking for more advice. This is for a smaller intimate wedding that may have 40-60 guests. Any help deciding appreciated!
1) Brunch at Grove setting-wedding/reception 10AM to 1PM
Pros:
some cover from weather, both of our favorite ceremony site, all inclusive/maximum help from venue (low stress), can afford upgrades, fun menu, bridal suite right next to venue and reception, seems fun and creative
Cons:
Seems like it would go to fast(though FH would probably prefer faster due to nerves), we don’t love the barn reception area (it”s okay but we don’t love it), no night time reception (though this might work better with our guest demographic who mostly don’t stay out late). Seems low key for out of town guests (would they be disappointed coming this far?)
2) Nighttime wedding botanical garden-5pm to 10pm
Pros-area surrounding venue cool for guests, night time reception/better reception area than barn, unique setting, longer event time
Cons- outdoor entire event, no cover except sun/rain umbrellas for tables if needed (though our area usually has good weather this time of year), bridal suite would be far (inaccessible during wedding), we could afford very few upgrades here, very DIY (venue will not help with planning or coordination . I love planning the wedding but FH and I keep pretty busy the way it is)
Post # 2
Member
58 posts
Worker bee
For some reason I was not able to update to add more pictures. Here are some of the barn reception venue for choice #1;
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Post # 3
Member
310 posts
Helper bee
I like the brunch idea- it’s different, especially if your guests aren’t late-night party type people. I’m also a huge fan of taking as much stress as possible out of the equation, and it sounds like option #1 really does that for you! Plus the ability to upgrade- that’s great!
Good luck deciding!
Post # 4
Member
2853 posts
Sugar bee
I would save yourself the time from planning and the headache and just go with the grove with the barn. Not only does this have an inside option (deciding factor for our venue) but it’s also very quaint and beautiful. It’s a barn but it doesn’t really look like the tub of the mill barn venues where I live. Brunch weddings have the potential to be amazing and if you can afford the upgrades at this venue then I’m sure yours will be.
Post # 5
Member
58 posts
Worker bee
peacebethejourney : thanks for your advice! One concern I have would be the brunch being to short….I’m still talking to the venue, but I believe our rental time would be 9-1…I’m thinking that there would not be additional time for pictures either, it might have to happen in that time frame…
Post # 6
Member
58 posts
Worker bee
rvrmtn10 :
smalltownbigworld :
Thanks for the advice! Do you think 9-1 venue rental time (including for pics) would be too short? I don’t think we can extend it…
Post # 7
Member
2670 posts
Sugar bee
rvrmtn10 : Option 1.
ALWAYS have a rain day plan. This makes the second venue a big no-no.
Post # 8
Member
297 posts
Helper bee
What time of year is your wedding & what is the weather typically like at that time where you live? I voted for the botanical garden, but the lack of a rain plan does make me VERY nervous, so I’d probably switch my vote if you don’t live in an area where the chance of rain is very low and the temperature will be pleasant at the time of year you’re having your wedding.
Post # 9
Member
1192 posts
Bumble bee
I think both options are very beautiful so I would say save yourself the stress of DIY and go with option 1. If you like the ceremony site better AND it’s cheaper AND it has a bad weather contingency plan AND it would fit your low-key guest list who don’t like to stay out late AND the venue plans everything for you, I think option 1 is the clear winner.
Post # 10
Member
2853 posts
Sugar bee
rvrmtn10 : 9-1 should be plenty of time. I would definitely give a shot list to your photographer so that they can make a definite schedule for photos just in case but it should be fine.
Post # 11
Member
4597 posts
Honey bee
rvrmtn10 : Brunch please!
We’re having a morning wedding too because I don’t want to wait that long, means people who are travelling a couple of hours don’t have to get a hotel room. If you think you’ll miss out on the evening then you could host an after party elsewhere?
I should add, I’m a UK bee and us Brits like things to go on! Most weddings are at about lunchtime and continue until midnight (or whenever the bar closes).
Post # 12
Member
2675 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: September 2012 - Southern California
I like the look of venue #2, but I LOVE the idea of brunch & the back-up for extreme weather for venue #1 is invaluable. Is the venue willing to extend the time from 8am-2pm? That would be ideal imo.