Blank canvas venues - planning for everything!

Literally my DOC (lisa) is a lifesaver and is doing all the hard work, we just get to say what we like or don like. I highly recommend one. They also know people in the industry to get you what you need for the lowest cost. Lisa is awesome. Everyone should have a Lisa.

I am in the same situation... I hired a DOC who also has an assistant. And an added bonus is that the venue comes with a coordinator. So I actually have 3 people to set-up and organize the day of. This is really important if you want to keep your sanity and also prevent your loved ones from working on your wedding day.

I'm in the exact same situation! A planner has been massively helpful as well as various checklists available! Also keeping information centralized (binder, notebook, file on the computer etc)

Definitely more work than I was hoping but it's manageable!

Yes we have one and it's saving us about 25% of our budget, we hired a caterer that did the linen rental and centerpiece rentals along with the catering packages and we have a wedding coordinator also.

Thanks everyone!

I'm hiring my coworkers I worked with at my old banquet hall job to set up and serve. They've worked a million weddings with me so I know I can count on them, and the one server has maitre d'd a ton of weddings as well when her and I used to manage bridal parties together. That's why I'm not hiring a DOC. She knows the in's and out's of wedding set up. None of the bridal party will be setting up (I'm not putting them to work.) They will just be helping with dropping stuff off in advance.

If I find I still need a DOC on top of a maitre d' I'll explore that option for sure.

@Kelsey that sounds beautiful and that's exactly what I'm doing. It does save money in the long run!

My venue is the exact same. We are purchasing linens dinnerware decorations everything. It was easier for us as my daughter is getting married 8 months before me and my best friend is getting married 8 months after me so between the three of us it was cheaper to buy and reuse. But I am going to hire a DOC just to make sure it all goes well or I will be in there setting up

I originally booked a venue that was like you mentioned but grew to hate dealing with it. Now my venue is nearly all inclusive and I couldn't be happier. Editing because I can't type on this phone apparently

My venue sounds very similar to yours. We rented ours out for the day before the wedding so I can get as much done as possible in advance.

My venue is the same as yours. I think its actually costing me more money. Thank goodness my DOC starts in April because I desperately need her.

I am doing this. My grandmother is planning my wedding, coordinating and doing everything else lol. She is a seamstress as well. A pastor she does alterations for has given us his church reception hall and we can bring in whatever we like. Chairs, tables, and sound equipment included. I checked out a country club here, there was a cost for renting tables, per napkin, and table cloths. We saved a TON!

We don't even get tables and chairs! Just the venue.