Frustrated already....

Finding a venue was definitely the most frustrating part for us, too! Once you get past that, it gets a lot more fun!

It'll get easier. Keep looking at other venues, I'm sure you'll find something that'll work.

They just find all of these fees that they don't mention we have to pay for, so by the end of the tour we have racked up over $8k from $2k originally quoted.

I hope you're right. I'm not having fun at this phase, and it makes me want to have FH take over. He refused to that, too. He insists on working as a team. *grumble*

That's outrageous!! We liked this one place we toured yesterday, but I either had to use his flourish for $700, or pay $275 to bring my own grown flowers.....

Check out country clubs! Ours is on a Friday in the off-season, so it's super cheap, but even in the regular season it's one of the more reasonable places we found. ETA: autocorrect sucks

Really look at off season! And maybe ask about Friday's as well. I got $3000 off my venue because it's a Friday and not Saturday!

I've been there. One venue wanted extra per chair for over 40 guests. Uuummm sorry folks you have to stand. If they start nickel and diming you keep looking! It will come together and you have time. I agree with FH in trying to remain a "team". If you find a place you love and it's "over budget" maybe have a conversation about after. You'll get there. Plenty of time left to stress. It will all work out. *high five*

@Future you can't be serious. You're really going to make some of your guests stand?

@future

I wouldn't want to stand all night at a reception.

I read that as it was just one of the venues she looked at--not the one she booked.

The venue is one of the hardest parts because it is so expensive. I understand what you're going through! After only a month, my FH and I wanted to just say screw it and elope. But we're sticking with it and we had to tear away from the venue we had been talking about well before he proposed, but we found one cheaper and even better. Just look around some more and you will find the right venue!

I'm sure @Future was being sarcastic...

I know the feeling. We have a photographer and waiting to find a venue that is perfect on the space and budget. Have two appointments this week alone.

Please don't listen to @future that is terrible advice

This is why I love my venue. They have flat prices depending on which rooms you want to use. Everything's already decorated and chairs, centerpieces, etc. are included. You'll find your perfect venue OP!

Also think future was being sarcastic.

As for OP, welcome to the frustrating world of wedding planning. Vent, girl.

The problem is that you're planning a June wedding. Don't do that. You're talking prime wedding seasons and venues can charge an arm and a leg because everyone wants to get married in those months. Look into November - March. You'll get much better deals.

Although, honestly, a florist for $700 is a steal. People pay thousands for flowers.

My wedding date is set for a Sunday, so it is keeping costs down a little. I can't just change the date to fit a time when it's not prime season, as I am teaching this year and next year I start law school, so summer is really the only time I have to get married.

I did find this historic courthouse with a gazebo and the online prices look ok. I am going to try to schedule a tour with them and make sure we can do a beer and wine reception. I find something about a law student getting married at a historic courthouse rather poetic.

You also have a winter break and a spring break. Look into those dates to save money. If you're not willing to, then you'll have to deal with the high cost of a summer wedding.

FYI, you don't have a date until you have a venue.

Always a good tip to ask venues for any additional fees that may appear, but you'll find the right place for you