Skip to main content
ARE YOU A VENDOR?

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

A
Beginner October 2023

Venue or Restaurant?

Aisa, on September 21, 2019 at 7:42 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 8
Saved
Reply
Hey everyone!

I'm reading through all of these forums and bow my brain is starting to get confused on the best option for my wedding. We only have about 45-50 guests (all verbal confirmations since it's so far out), and we already put a deposit on a beautiful venue. But now that I'm thinking, is a big venue costing around $3700 worth it for the wedding/reception for only 45ish guests? The total for everything, including the catering, cake, etc will be about $****, depending on what the photographer costs.
So, is spending $8500 a normal thing for a small wedding/reception? Should we start considering a small wedding ceremony and then maybe a restaurant reception? I'd love to have the wedding and the reception in the venue we picked because it is private and I can customize the decor and have the DJ, etc.
But is it a little overboard to spend that much for such a small group of people for only about 5-6 hours?
Thoughts?

8 Comments

Latest activity by MrsD, on September 23, 2019 at 4:49 PM
  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    If you can afford the venue wedding, I would stick with it. I don't think there's any such thing as going overboard just because of your guest count. If anything, it means that you can host your guests even better. If spending the $8500 is going to overextend you financially, maybe consider a change of plans.

    • Reply
  • C
    Dedicated September 2019
    Cardioqueen ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I think if you can afford it you should keep the venue you love. A restaurant wedding could be great, but it sounds like you really love this venue and want the ability to customize everything.

    I am doing a cocktail hour the night before my wedding with about 40-50 guests so I researched local restaurants a bit. In my area a lot of the restaurants that can accommodate that large of a group have a sky-high bar minimum — so I’m not sure how much you’d really be able to save.

    That said, maybe it would be a good idea to do a walk through at a restaurant or two to see if it’s a good option? Maybe they are more customizable than you think?
    • Reply
  • Chandra
    Master May 2019
    Chandra ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    We spent about $13k for a wedding with just over 50 guests.
    It really just boils down to your vision of your wedding and what you can afford.
    • Reply
  • Keri
    Expert November 2019
    Keri ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    $8500 seems completely reasonable for 50 guests. I'd keep the venue. You probably would only save $1000 or so and wouldn't have the same wedding vibe with decor and decorations.

    • Reply
  • Amanda
    Master December 2020
    Amanda ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I'd say stick woth the venue because thats a lot of people for a resturaunt and you may add more people a long your planning time. I have about 85 guests I'm inviting expecting 70 or less to come, and we have a 10k venue then 2k photographer and the other 8k budget is honeymoon and extras like dress, rings, etc. At a resturaunt you wont get a DJ with personalized music, you can't usually set it up with florals and stuff like a wedding, etc.
    • Reply
  • Watts
    Super March 2020
    Watts ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    We are spending about 10k for 60. It's a restaurant/venue. It's absolutely beautiful and it's worth it. You deserve the wedding you always envisioned even if it's small. I keep panicking because I'm spending a house down payment on one day 😲 if you can afford it, do it!
    • Reply
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    If you love your venue, but would like to save a little, would a Fri or Sun evening (or Sunday brunch) cost less? You could save 30-50%.

    If it’s in your budget, go for it. We spent about $14K for our wedding with 15 guests, and about $14K for our local reception for 50 guests.
    • Reply
  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Do you want dancing? If not, I think a restaurant is fine. If you do, I'd look for an actual venue.

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

30 Mountain Wedding Venues in Colorado With the Most Jaw-Dropping Views
Places to Celebrate 30 Mountain Wedding Venues in Colorado With the Most... Find the perfect views for your wedding weekend with these scenic and...
Everything You Need to Know About All-Inclusive Wedding Venues
Places to Celebrate Everything You Need to Know About All-Inclusive Wedding... Do you know everything that comes with an all-inclusive wedding venue? Here’s...
20 Forest Wedding Venues for Couples Who Love the Great Outdoors
Places to Celebrate 20 Forest Wedding Venues for Couples Who Love the Great... If you're looking for stunning scenery to serve as your wedding backdrop, check...
Read more articles
WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Explore how we embrace diversity

Groups

Show more

WeddingWire article topics