Not in love with my venue/ceremony site 😕

Where in Florida?

My wedding is an hour away from where 90% of guests are coming from, I did a hotel block and am providing a shuttle. I'm getting married at a golf course as well, but the room is very neutral so it can be more on the rustic side or the elegant side. I'm trying not to stress too much about the ceremony site as people will be there for 20 minutes tops, the reception is where I'm focusing my decor on. The downside of a public park is you will have unwanted people walking by or hanging around, so if that's fine with you then go for it! Whatever makes you happy and within budget! An hour isn't far at all.

Outside in JANUARY?! lmao im being dramatic. But wow it may be cold for your guests but I do not know how florida weather works. I just know here in PA its COLD COLD. Space heaters wont work like you think. Maybe a fire pit? How about renting like a tent? If you do the golf club will it be indoors or outside on the land?

I had the EXACT same dilemma and it was really upsetting to me. My husband and I met as teenagers volunteering at a ranch with horses and the whole 9 yards... so I thought we OBVIOUSLY had to do the whole barn wedding because it was literally perfect for us as a couple. Well reality check, barns are expensive because everyone thinks they’re super cute too. We ended up going with an indoor reception hall that was more in our budget and it was really hard for me, but eventually I got over it. My mother in law, who was there for me every step of the way and a huge supporter of our day, finally sat me down and was like “look, it’s way too expensive to do the barn wedding. We can go with this venue that in the budget and we will decorate it to the best of our abilities and make it your style. Compromise and sacrifice is apart of marriage and I know it’s really hard to not have “the vibe” you wanted but this is reality.” It was really hard to hear that but it’s what I needed. Our photographer ended up finding some state land that was near by that had a barn, so we were able to still have the beautiful outdoor photos with the barn that I really wanted which made me feel a lot better. I know it really sucks now, but honestly no one else will make you feel bad about not having “the vibe”, they’re just there to celebrate your day with you. Try your best to make it your own style but don’t beat yourself up because it’s not what you originally envisioned. My WHOLE wedding vision ended up changing completely from what I originally wanted and I still love how it turned out. I’m sorry you’re going through these feelings but I promise you’ll make it out on the other side!

View Quoted Comment Fort Myers/Cape coral area.

View Quoted Comment We're in SW Florida so it's not like the January you're thinking of, lol nothing like PA. But it does get chilly for us because we're used to it being hot hot. Most nights in the winter here we're still able to wear shorts, but there have been nights where it's been jacket weather and I'm not sure I want to risk that.

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Wow. Thank you much for this comment. Seriously, that helped me so, so much. You're right! No one else knows what my vision is...no one is going to show up and be like "damn, I was expecting barrels and cute wooden signs?!" My fh doesn't mind either, and he said the same thing...we're there to celebrate with the people we love, and as long as he gets to marry me, he's happy. You have an awesome mother in law! That comment brought tears to my eyes...really, thank you SO much. It will be okay, and it will be fun, regardless of where it's at. Thanks again I truly appreciate that SO much. I'm glad your day was still amazing! ♡♡♡

One nice thing about golf clubs though, is that they are designed for year round weddings, so it could be raining, snowing, or perfectly fine and your guests will be happy and comfortable! You can also put the money you are saving by doing the golf club wedding into your decor (the farm/barn look for decorations is so popular now, especially on sites like Oriental Trading)! Just remember what the day is all about, you're marrying your love!

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Small world!

That being said, keep in mind that winter is high season (read: expensive!). Would you be willing to wait until May or June to potentially save a lot of money? A lot of venues have off season discounts.

Not sure what your budget is or if it's even in your aesthetic, but we met with the Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens and it was AMAZING. Not a barn, but a beautiful outdoor tropical botanical garden and THEY HAVE FLAMINGOS.

View Quoted Comment Wait, where are you from?! Do you have a facebook? Definitely add me! I'd love to chat if you have some free time! 😊 facebook.com/obscurityislove


I think I did want to check that place out. But you're definitely right, it is a big more expensive in the winter, but we are kind of set on a winter/cooler temp wedding. Probably going for the golf club. As everyone else is saying, they're there for us. I just wanted something unique ya know? But even barns arent unique these days lol. They're pretty popular. Shangrala springs is also gorgeous but I think it was a little pricey as well. We're checking out one more golfclub today that has a lake and tree at the ceremonysite so Ithink it will suffice. 😊

View Quoted Comment You are absolutely right! Thankyou so much for that. Really means a lot. ♡♡♡

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Of course!!