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Just Said Yes July 2020

Torn between two venues

Neera, on September 28, 2019 at 5:43 AM Posted in Planning 0 14

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Hello, my fiancé and I are completely torn between two venues and we need some help.
Venue 1) hometown/local winery: we would have a fall outdoor ceremony and the reception is inside a green house. We love the location (7 mins from home). The location is different in a good a way. There are picnic tables, and industrial tables that people can sit at to get their time away. There are three bonfire locations and we can have activities during the cocktail hour while we take pictures. Downside: we get 6 hours at the venue and it is in a residential neighborhood.

Venue 2) located approx. 30 mins from home. Some guests would need to drive an hour away. This location is in a national park and it is beautiful. It has the country romantic feel that we were looking for. The great hall of the lodge is beautiful and I could see us enjoying the space. We can take pictures on site and the location. This was our dream location until we saw the other one. Downside: We need to have a Sunday wedding because of the costs; liquor is more expensive for “well” drinks; distance; not flexible with outside vendors (we’re paying $600 extra to bring them in); lodging is one house near the national park that sleeps 30 people.
Suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

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14 Comments

Latest activity by Devin, on September 29, 2019 at 8:06 AM

Super October 2020
Megan · on September 28, 2019 at 7:07 AM
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Wow, that sounds like you have a really tough decision. That first venue sounds awesome, especially with the fire pits and picnic tables. I love the sound of it!!
Although I totally understand why you’re torn between that and getting married in a lodge in nature.
I personally would go for #1 so you can pick the date, it’s closer to home so easier for you, and then you don’t have to deal with hotel blocks 🙄 plus it sounds like a really unique place that kinda stopped you in your tracks.
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Just Said Yes July 2020
Neera · on September 28, 2019 at 7:40 AM
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Thank you for the suggestion. We were totally blown away by the first place. The pictures don’t do it justice at all. We’re going to wait a few days before making a decision.
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VIP December 2020
Amanda · on September 28, 2019 at 7:44 AM
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The second one sounds like a dream but also a logistical nightmare. If budget is not an issue and you can afford to add transportation and work with the extra cost's I would go with the second location. However, if budget is something to keep in mind and you honestly do also love the first place then I would go with the first one. The last thing you want is financial stress and the additional moving parts needed to make the second one work.
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Super October 2020
Eri · on September 28, 2019 at 8:14 AM
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FH and I are obsessed with National Parks, and looked into having our wedding at the local one here. It would've been beautiful, but logistically stressful (lots of restrictions on decorations, music volume, had to be out by 10 pm, etc. to keep the interference with nature low -- which we totally understand). Instead, we're having our wedding at a different location, but doing our engagement pictures at the park.
So for venue 1, it's 6 hours for ceremony, cocktail hour/pictures, and reception? What time were you thinking of starting the ceremony?
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Devoted April 2020
Rhianna · on September 28, 2019 at 8:18 AM
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You had me at "winery" 😏. What you described sounds like a dream. Our venue is in a residential area as well so we only have until 10:30pm which we were fine with. Our entire event will be 5.5 hours, but we will be at the venue a couple hours beforehand to take pictures. Can you pay a little extra to get access earlier to extend your time at the venue?

Try this, close your eyes and picture your wedding day. Where do you see yourself? That might be your answer.
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Master May 2019
Cyndy · on September 28, 2019 at 8:54 AM
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The first one sounds amazing and sounds like what you want. I say go for it.
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Just Said Yes July 2020
Neera · on September 28, 2019 at 9:10 AM
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Yeah that’s the total amount of time. We plan on going to a park nearby for pictures. Ceremony would probably start around 4 so we can get pictures close to sunset. FH is fine taking pictures before, but I want the traditional setting of him seeing me first when I walk down the aisle.
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Just Said Yes July 2020
Neera · on September 28, 2019 at 9:11 AM
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We plan on starting around 10. We are close to downtown so people can go out if they want. He’s fine with us renting a little extra time, but I also want to be mindful of the residents in that area.
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Master December 2020
Amanda · on September 28, 2019 at 9:30 AM
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I'd do #2 because a Sunday wedding is fairly common and driving 30-60 mins isn't bad at all for a wedding! Lodging is close, its the one you fell in love with and is the perfect style you wanted and sounds beautiful. National parks are great!
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Legend June 2019
Melle · on September 28, 2019 at 12:34 PM
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I'd go with the first venue
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Dedicated September 2019
Cardioqueen · on September 28, 2019 at 1:06 PM
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Honestly I had a similar choice and I went with the more convenient and practical option — it’s my wedding weekend (I am typing from drybar haha) and I’m so happy my fiancé talked me into this venue!!!! If you found a nice venue that makes sense for you and works within your budget, go for it! The added logistical work (and costs) of shuttles to and from the park to guest lodging can really add up.
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Expert March 2020
Michelle · on September 28, 2019 at 7:48 PM
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They both sound awesome until you mentioned the part about lodging being one house..... The winery sounds just amazing!!! I think I'd go with option #1 - you're getting more of what you want.
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Just Said Yes July 2020
Neera · on September 29, 2019 at 12:12 AM
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Thank you everyone for all the suggestions!! We decided to go with the first venue! I just can’t get it out of my mind. We plan on signing our contract and paying the deposit this week ☺️
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