Ceremony Sites ideas that don't cost much!

Most churches offer deep discounts to church members. Do you have any family members that could book a pretty church for you at a discount?

My ceremony is on the beach which is saving me tons of cash. I think the parks will work for you or even try your local community centers they are very reasonable to rent and hold events.

Thank you for the reply! Actually churches are out of the question.no disrespect to anyone.Just not for us.probly should of put that in the post!

I'm getting marry on a Friday. Which is cutting the cost down low. Also, I'm having the ceremony and reception at the same place. That will help with transportation.

Can you have the ceremony at your reception site? That is usually the least expensive option.

I love the reception site idea. I have seen the suggestion where people use the reception hall for the ceremony then the same hall for the reception, you only have to rent one set of chairs and tables, you can put up an arch for the ceremony, then remove it for the reception. You do not have to worry about transport, even skip the limo/transport costs.

Most places will allow the ceremony at the reception site.

Of what about having a private ceremony followed by a luncheon, then the huge party later that night with the DJ, cake, dancing all that jazz... Split it up. Then, you can probably use a restaurant meeting room for free (if you buy food there).

Have you looked into all inclusive venues?

I'm having my ceremony and luncheon at a historic mansion. By doing a midday thing, we are saving a ton of money!

Good ideas ladies!ill be looking into that! using the same tables/chairs for both will save lots!

Have you checked out polen farm or benhams grove. I'm also a Dayton, OH bride. We're holding ours at Polen Farm. It's big enough that you can hold both ceremony and reception and have them in different locations. They have a barn, an outside gazebo and a house with a back patio that can be used for whatever you want. Benhams Grove is pretty much the same thing. Polen farm is in Kettering and Benhams Grove is located in Centerville.

Hi tony's cuppycake!!congrats!and its awesome that you too are a dayton bride! I have looked into both places and was actually thinking how awesome polen farm was.The gazebo is what really caught my eye. Its actually pretty well priced too. Just trying to generate some more ideas here for budget concerns. But Im seeing now that I've joined this site that money is a concern of everyone's! Im thinking of actually going there to check it out soon too.They also have the "rain plan" for not much more which is awesome..since you know ohio weather in october!Really hit or miss!

We had an outdoor wedding, and so I definitely recommend caution when planning them. We got married in May in Nevada, and it didn't rain--but the storm system passing through the area DID generate, no lie, 50mph wind gusts. It was a good thing I wasn't wearing a traditional wedding gown--it would have been over my head the whole time.

If there's a site that has a good rain plan, though, and would also allow you to do the reception there, that seems like a pretty good option.

I agree with the PP. For an outdoor wedding, you need to have a solid plan B in case of rain. It is a must.

We used a Park District Facility and got married and had the reception on the same property. The guests loved it. No lag time or travel between ceremony and reception. We were married at 4 had a recieving line immediately following and directed the guests straight up to cocktails, everyone loved it!!!!

I used to live in Ohio and would be very cautious about an outdoor October wedding, it could be fantastic weather, but it could be one of those bad weather days. I would suggest that your only plan is an indoor plan, that way you do not have to pay for a plan B in case of inclement weather.

I had my ceremony and reception at the same venue. It saved money and made life easier for everyone b/c they didn't have to find their ways to two different locations!

@Ambi yes the gazebo and barn are what attracted me to Polen Farm, i originally liked benhams grove better but did not like how the barn was set up. And being an early April bride i know what your talking about weather wise. We are hoping to use the gazebo for the ceremony and the patio as the back up with the reception in the barn. They have a lot of options. If you want to look inside the barn you'll need an appointment but it is a city park so polen farm is open all the time if your ever that way and want to just stop by and look at it. The only other place I can think of is the Carrilon park area but i think it's a bit more expensive.

Awesome stuff! we're narrowing it all down within the next few weeks.I was worried about the ceremony site..but I think we have it nailed down...but now the reception.we could do it at the same place...but im not sure..gotta figure out just how many people are going to show up.lol. as much of a worrier i am...these are awesome things to be worrying about

and yes funbride...ohio weather ..so hit or miss. Could be freezing rain the day off the wedding...then a sunny 70 the next day!Ya never know..so being very precautious here.

Were having dinner with his parents tomorrow and possibly finalizing location details.Woot! Thanks again to everyone for your input!!very helpful!!