Non-Traditional BUDGET Wedding

First of all, super jealous of your venue.

Secondly, I have some questions: how many people? Will you have a bar area? Sit down or pub style tables?

1. Doesn't sound like you need much else.

2. Not "tacky" but a DJ is still best because they can read the crowd to know what to play next and they're also important for making announcements and keeping the timeline on track.

3. Tacos are delicious, just make sure there are enough options. We had fajitas and they were a hit. If you have any vegetarians coming, make sure there's a heavy grilled veggie portion. Rice, beans, plus all the toppings: guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, cheeses, cilantro, jalapenos, etc.

First - what a cool idea! I think minimal décor would be perfect - you don't want to take away from the museum - embrace your venue

1 No, that should be good for decorations!

2 We did this. It was A LOT of work because we made playlists for everything (one for cocktail hour, one for dinner with quieter more classical music, one for dancing). A friend had to hit play between the playlists. If they don't have a sound system in the museum already, then I wouldn't do it. My husband spent DAYS putting together the playlist. It was successful, lots of people danced. Just lots of work.

3. Tacos sound good! I think it would be a good idea to have some veggie options. I'm not vegetarian, but I eat mostly vegetarian if that makes any sense. Not necessarily a salad bar, just have something they can add to their tacos other than lettuce.

Cool ideas, I just would say if you aren't having a DJ you have to think about announcing like if you want to do toasts or anything. If there is no mic would it work? I know you said not traditional, but any kind of announcement (cake cutting, thank yous, etc.)

Thank you, ladies! We do plan on having all the makings and of course a grilled veggie option (I think portobello mushroom type deal). We're inviting 90 but around 15-20 are family that are unable to attend due to distance (our ceremony is in SoCal and most of my family is in Pennsylvania).

We're doing an open-ish style bar. Basically having a signature cocktail with some other options for liquor, basic red and white wine (because nobody we know really actually drinks wine) as well as a couple of kegs of beer (IPA...the man and his family lived in the PNW for a LONG time & a Pale Ale).

Oh, and it will be a combination of sit down and pub. Our general "theme", I suppose, is Post WWII cocktail party.

This all sounds good to me! I would be thrilled with a taco bar and a beer in my hand!

1. my reception is in a museum as well (more traditional, paints on the wall type). I'm not over doing on the decor. I think having small low centerpieces and nice linens are enough (esp if the linens touch the floor).

2. I would add something that you can eat with a fork beans & rice would be smart bc they are filling.

This is first budget wedding post I've seen in a long time that actually took guests into consideration even with a small budget. Proving you can provide a good meal, good drink and cool

Venue at a low price. Slow clap for OP!

The venue sounds like it's decoration enough! Very neat!

The iPod idea is doable but will be tons of work.

I love the taco bar I think a salad bar would go nicely and still be inexpensive for anyone looking for a lighter meal.

I just went to a wedding where they used an iPod and it was a huge regret from the couple. Just my two cents

@ JessieLensherr What was their biggest issue with it? I'm thoroughly curious...We don't plan to do much more than the father-daughter/mother-son dance as well as toasts and garter/bouquet toss, so I'm hoping to have a "general" playlist and then a specific playlist for the fun, detailed things. I should mention I have a musician cousin who will be supplying us with mics and the sound system is rocking. The venue in general is a huge ~10,000 sqft warehouse with decent acoustics. Basically we just want a bunch of big band, swing, early rock n' roll, and loads of Tiger Army (please don't judge too harshly haha)

@ JessRSJ it's at Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard. Viva la Nardia!

As far as the extra food stuffs...my parents used to own a restaurant and catering business...please forgive my assumptions that everyone knows me and mine and knows we always have a salad bar at any event involving food

@Annelore well the bride is a huge procrastinator and waited until last minute to make the playlist and was so stressed the day of wondering where the iPod was. Then, the playlist didn't play in the right order.. Wait staff pressed shuffle. The venue had bad built in speakers which wasn't the iPod's fault but didn't help the situation. Was difficult to navigate through the night as well with just random music playing and no direction or "Emcee" if you will. If you have good speakers and are laid back, it might work. Tiger army is great! I know the couple just was stressed with all the music issues.

You won't need much decor but maybe a small centerpiece would add a girly flare. And... Yay for tacos!!!!

Honestly that all sounds great, I would love to go to that wedding. I don't think you need much decor, the museum is unique enough in it's own right.

I agree with the veggie options and toppings.

I think an iPod would be fine particularly if it is a smaller wedding. I went to a wedding that was about 25-30 people recently who did this and it went very well. They had an outgoing friend making the necessary announcements. There were a couple of pauses, it wasn't quite as smooth as if a DJ were transitioning everything, but with a smaller party where you're among friends and family this really isn't an issue at all.

EDIT: Saw your second post: If your wedding is bigger, the transitions might seem a little more awkward if everyone is standing around, but really I don't think it would be a big deal. Actually thinking back, I think only 1 wedding I've ever been to had a professional DJ, it did add to the fun but not having it at the other weddings didn't like, kill the vibe or anything. It's not something I thought about after the fact at all.

Also omg Tiger Army! I used to loooove them, I've kind of moved away from that style of music these days but still listen occasionally.

Tacos! Yum! Just remember: There are a lot of food allergies and preferences out there... vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, Gluten free just to name a few. If you could do some grilled veggies (a la fajita style), that would be AMAZING. Also, if you're totally DIYing the taco bar, and are including refried beans, not all are veg-friendly.

This all sounds good to me! If you can budget in a DJ, I would just so you wouldn't have to stress about that stuff, but if not, I'm sure you could make it work with a playlist on an iPod. And yum, tacos!

Glad you're taking into consideration your guests, even on a tight budget! That's how it should be.

An iPod can work if you want just background music. But it won't completely substitute for a DJ, in terms of things like making announcements, getting people up and dancing, etc. It's just a question of what you're looking for.

Do you have a super talented friend that can play DJ for you? Maybe as their gift to you?

Or, re-reading your original post, does the museum have speakers throughout and you're looking to "bring in" your own music to play? Not just in the immediate area of the wedding ceremony/reception.