Vfw or legion hall

@Christine VFW stands for Veteran Foreign Wars and Legions are usually affiliated with them.They usually look like a church fellowship hall,they have wood panel walls or just plain white walls (no disrespect to you OP) I actually went to one ladt summer at a VFW and I'm going to one next week at one. When I find the pics I'll post them for you.

Thank you! Yeah we have a few in my area that are really nice no wood paneling etc.... I really obviously don't love the idea but at the end of the day I personally can't justify spending $20,000+ on a wedding when I could buy a brand new car for that!

Hire a Day of Coordinator, you should be able to find one that is within your budget, that way you wont be running around all over the place during your wedding.

I started at the same budget as yours, i am a bit over but that's because i did some splurging. there are cheaper options that i didnt choose lol.

keep your guest list small and that will cut down on food and alcohol costs.

Google a few ideas for "draping" the room. That might help a lot and it's not expensive. Hire a coordinator to do the work for you.

Good luck. You have lots of time to think it through.

My sisters SIL was married at our VFW. A lot of people in my town do their weddings there. I don't have any pictures but I don't really think they went crazy with decorations. We will be having my bridal shower at the VFW. My dad is a member so we get a discounted rate for the rental. I don't see anything wrong with not wanting to spend 15k plus. You're one of the smart ones

I didn't get married at a Legion Hall or VFW, but I have been to weddings at them, and they turned out great!

As far as doing everything yourself, some legions/VFWs might have an event coordinator who could help, but I would definitely try to assign as many tasks to (responsible) family members as possible.

I went to a wedding in a firehouse once. They didn't do a lot of decorating, but we still had a lot of fun. A lot could be done to make it beautiful with draping, lighting, or DIY backdrops. Like you said, at the end of it all you will still be married, and you need to plan the wedding you can afford. You can do it!

My first wedding was at an american legion hall. i have some pictures, but they will be pictures of pictures because we didn't have a professional photographer... And this was about 10 years ago..But let me tell you the hall sure had a kick-ass catering, and bakery, which everyone raved about. The hall was nice and clean, and the staff was awesome... Plus the money went to the vets.

Also, the hall had a event coordinator that came with the rental and i had a DOC, the pictures were from my DOC while they were setting everything up..i have the album somewhere buried in a closet....

I had my sweet 16 in a VFW and it was fine. I don't think you need a fancy hall just to get married.

I think it's a great option. Ours is in a church multipurpose room... some wood paneling on the walls, but oh well. I would check out the lights in the room though, because that can make a huge difference. If there's no other setting but bright lights, it can be hard to create a romantic feel. Our room has dimmers so we're just dimming the lights and putting lots of votive candles out. It's worth saving the money to us.

I would just check on their catering and alcohol rules. If you can get a good catering company that knows how to make things flow, that's a huge help.

I called they have to provide the alcohol through them we can either have a cash bar which we won't cuz I'm not a fan lol or give them a list of what we want served and then give them an amount and they cap it off at that price. Bartenders are only $40 a piece and for 150 people I think we will be fine with two! I have to actually go see it but they've had weddings there before and looked great. Definetly going to have to do some tricks with lighting and stuff but I think it will be great I'm completely turned around from what I thought before its huge fits 250 people and has a dance floor bar kitchen etc.... I can always take pics somewhere else on a different day. We live near a lot of beautiful farms historic sites etc so shouldn't be a problem. Thank you all so far for suggestions!!!

Don't leave reception halls out of the running just yet. Yeah, VFWs and stuff may be cheaper, but you have to rent everything else and do everything yourself. We are getting an all inclusive place and are paying $50.04 (after tax and gratuity) and that includes: tables, linens, serve ware, bartender, mixers and washes for bars (just not alcohol, we provide that), some up lighting, includes our cake from a local bakery, and more I'm probably forgetting. Basically, we need an officiant, DJ and photographer and that's it. And it's $50 pp. So don't rule all inclusive halls out! Thankfully, you have time to look.

What is your guest list at?

Also, are you willing to travel. When FH and I looked into our options we realized an all inclusive venue was actually a better option (we are located in NJ also).

I'm so envious at your prices. We went to a knights of Columbus and were quoted $15k for 150 people. The fiance loves the idea because according to him they're offering a great food package and premium liquor. The also offer white glove service and its already decorated. But I just can't see myself paying $100 pp for a koc. I agree with u on the pictures. A good photography will make any meadow/pond/park look great. Make sure u get a decent photographer.

I live in south jersey and there's a huge vfw (in mays landing) and I been to many weddings and receptions. The bride and groom bought the drinks and hired family member or a friend to work the bar! to rent would I believe $300-$600 and you get $200 back! If I haven't find a venue to hold my reception that's where I'm going lol ! DIY centerpieces! Anything DIY will keep you in budget.. If you look really good you could find a dj for less! There's also apps and websites you can go on for used or even brand new wedding gowns & etc!