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Just Said Yes September 2020

Wedding of 50 people of Less

Jennifer, on January 11, 2020 at 9:01 AM Posted in Massachusetts Planning 0 7

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Hi! I’m wondering if anyone else is doing a wedding of 50 people or less? My fiancé and I have a small circle and we both have small families. I’m finding that most venues either have a minimum guest count or food minimum (which with a small party has resulted in as much as $300 a head). I’m also finding that a lot of venues won’t give me the time of day because of my small party. Is anyone else in the same boat or have suggestions?
I’m looking a venue that won’t swallow my party or require a food minimum. I just can’t justify paying more for food that won’t be eaten.
Thanks!

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7 Comments

Latest activity by Jennifer, on January 25, 2020 at 9:11 PM

WeddingWire Administrator January 2030
Clíodhna · on January 14, 2020 at 7:42 AM
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Hey there, Jennifer!

I have something to share which may help you in your search. When looking at a venue on the WeddingWire vendor directory, on their profile under FAQ you can see “What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?” along with pricing information, including site fee. This may help you dwindle down the number of venues you need to reach out to.

This WeddingWire article has a ton of great options for a small wedding - The Best Small Wedding Venues Boston Has to Offer.

Are you hoping to have the ceremony and reception at the same venue?
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Just Said Yes September 2020
Jennifer · on January 14, 2020 at 9:50 AM
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Yes I have noticed that. Almost all of them say the minimum is “1” but then you ask the food and beverage minimum and they say $10,000 or more.
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2030
Clíodhna · on January 15, 2020 at 8:51 AM
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That is very annoying and makes it a lot more difficult for you to find somewhere great.
The only other thing I can think of that may help you is writing a generic email, and copying and pasting it to the venues in that article or any others that catch your eye in the directory asking the food & beverage minimum and wait for them to come back to you. It may save you some time.
I hope someone local pops in with a recommendation
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Just Said Yes September 2020
Jennifer · on January 15, 2020 at 7:13 PM
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Yup it’s extremely annoying! And I did exactly that with the messages I send and no one actually reads the message and just sends their same generic response and I have to ask them to go back and actually read what I sent.
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Beginner September 2020
Jennifer · on January 25, 2020 at 11:57 AM
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I'm having a guest list of about 50 too. I was in the same boat and was starting to getting discouraged with all the food/beverage minimums. What we ended up doing was booking a great place for a Sunday wedding. They waived any minimums and we have a stunning venue with waterfront views but without the hefty (and insane) price tag nor were we forced to invite more people to meet the min. Just a thought!
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Just Said Yes September 2020
Jennifer · on January 25, 2020 at 2:53 PM
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That’s actually what we ended up doing too! We haven’t officially booked because our venue requires a $1500 deposit that we weren’t banking on so we have to save that up before it’s official. I may use the time to make sure I’m positive about my venue and see if other places will do the same thing
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Beginner September 2020
Jennifer · on January 25, 2020 at 9:11 PM
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Great idea, good luck with your venue search!
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