Venue issues

Think outside the box! You don't have to look only at places who advertise as a wedding venue -any venue can be a "wedding venue" if you are having a wedding there! Depending on the size of wedding you are wanting to have, you can check out local state parks, art galleries, zoos, botanical gardens, camp grounds/summer camps, libraries, casinos, boats, beaches/lakes, hotels, breweries, etc. A lot of nice restaurants have rooms or rooftops that can be rented out, and even some airbnb's (and other rental places) will allow you to host weddings at their properties. Or, if you know someone with a large, beautiful property, you could see if they'd let you host the event there.

View Quoted Comment Thank you. That helps with brain storming

I agree with the first poster. I completely overlooked our venue because they do all sorts of corporate events. Didn't initially realize it would be perfect for a wedding.

I would also make sure you know everything included at the more expensive venues and compare that to anything you’d have to get separately. It’s not always true, but sometimes the venues that look more expensive at first glance are actually a better deal if they include a lot of elements that add up quickly when you book them separately.

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This is very good advice! A lot of the more expensive venues include things like tables, chairs, silverware, glasses, sound systems, bar, bartenders, wait staff, day of coordinators, staff to set up and tear down, etc. You'll want to factor that in when weighing between options.

View Quoted Comment Interesting 🤔 didn’t realize that. Thank you for that information

View Quoted Comment Do either of your families live where there are additional options? You can consider a brunch or luncheon, a weekday or a less popular time of year to save money. Of course limiting your guest list to only close family and a few close friends is the easiest way to save.


But depending on your choices what Kimberly says can absolutely be true. A blank slate venue as they are known can easily end up costing way more than a typical venue when you add everything up. Also, many dedicated wedding venues don’t charge a separate site fee.

Hey! similar to the other comment you got, im booked at one of my city’s community park buildings. the other options is looking at local churches to see if they’re willing to rent to you. my ceremony is going to be at the church i attend for free, and our reception is at a park down the road for $60/hour. good luck!

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Great to know. I am definitely considering a church at this point

View Quoted Comment Interesting 🤔 I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Thank you!

View Quoted Comment I’m glad you mentioned this because I was disregarding any venue that didn’t haven open catering. But I’ll compare prices and hopefully find a good deal. Thank you!

View Quoted Comment Good to know. I appreciate that information

What about a favourite restaurant? A lot of them have private rooms.

View Quoted Comment I’ll definitely have to check into that!

Have you looked outside the box at venues listed on Peerspace or Eventective.com? Many blank slate venues, including venues owned by the local parks department, include tables, chairs and a kitchen in the rental fee and contrary to popular belief they are a better deal for some couples because they provide flexibility that the all inclusive “wedding specific” venues don’t. It allows for a couple to locate budget vendors that they are not allowed to use at an All inclusive. By being able to find lower cost vendors, they can stay on budget without going into debt and maybe they don’t want to spend the national average. They can still have a lovely wedding. Not all regular venues such as museums, bookstores, and the like can accommodate a wedding. By flexibility, maybe a couple doesn’t want something in particular that an all inclusive says is mandatory and will not negotiate. If you want a longer party and bar hopping is not your group’s vibe, a blank slate typically has the option of running longer. A number of cultures have weddings that last into the next day without going to a different venue that is not wedding-friendly, but at an all inclusive they are told “your wedding will last no longer than 5 hours including ceremony, no if’s ands or buts”.

View Quoted Comment This is the kind of advice I was looking for! I have already ran into issues of venues making things mandatory that I don’t want/ need and shouldn’t have to pay for. And I agree, a wedding can be beautiful without costing the National average. I really appreciate this. Can’t thank you enough for commenting.

View Quoted Comment You’re welcome. Going the blank slate venue is a controversial/unpopular take on WW but with due diligence, it actually runs cheaper. What people don’t disclose is that the popular all inclusive venues typically charge 5-6 figures just for catering and bars, that you find out after you sign the contract. Each vendor is paid additionally. What is “all inclusive” is that they pick who you are allowed to work with and what is included. The final bill is not always the cheap cost that people are led to believe. The ones that are a low flat rate for everything from start to finish are a rarity.