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Just Said Yes May 2021

Wedding Reception Change

Rachel, on March 16, 2020 at 11:51 AM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 5

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So my wedding is SIX MONTHS AWAY! We’ve had a venue w/ a caterer set for months now, but as costs are adding up I’m feeling unsettled about how much my FH and I are spending (we’re paying for everything out of our pockets). My new idea for our wedding reception was to rent/find an open field/grassy area, rent tents w/ everything inside them (tables, chairs, etc.), cater food from a restaurant, purchase our own alcohol from a Costco, hire a friend of ours to bartend, then have games and stuff. I know I could get everything needed together to make this new idea happen, it’s just I’m unsure where I could have it. Any ideas?!

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Latest activity by Rachel, on March 16, 2020 at 8:19 PM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on March 16, 2020 at 12:01 PM
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My thing is that this might end up costing a lot more than you think also. So another option could be to find a restaurant that have banquet halls or do weddings. I did mine at a restaurant and didn’t have any venue fees and all things were included already so I was just paying for the food really
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Dedicated September 2021
Liza · on March 16, 2020 at 12:40 PM
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I agree with Melle. What you have described can still be very costly. I had pricing from a venue where I needed a caterer to bring in the plates, cutlery, and oven... you name it. For your idea, it would be that plus a tent, dance floor, lighting, sound system, table and chairs... it all adds up. Have you considered where guest would go to the bathroom?
I got pricing on a tent with walls (for rain) and to have a nice tent (with high ceilings and walls with windows and minimal lighting) it was well over $1,000 before labor/delivery and anything else went into it.
I do not want to be negative, I just do not want you to find yourself in a bad situation with no time to change plans.

Perhaps see if your current caterer has any options for cutting costs or see where else you could cut costs? Wedding budgeting is so stressful, best of luck!
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Super July 2021
Aimee · on March 16, 2020 at 1:04 PM
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Maybe the venue will allow you to change caterers if the original ones are too expensive?
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Master August 2019
Rebecca · on March 16, 2020 at 7:38 PM
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As others have said, this new idea may well end up costing more.
You'll likely need a permit to serve the alcohol, plus for the noise, and you'll need bathroom facilities. You'll also need to provide power for the lights and sound, and pay for set up and clean up.
Also, would you lose deposits?
It's best to talk to your vendors and your family, and see where you can trim. Perhaps the guest list?
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Just Said Yes May 2021
Rachel · on March 16, 2020 at 8:19 PM
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I sadly can’t, everything has to be directly through them which is why it’s been so costly. The venue itself is only $1500 but food costs right now for a cocktail hour (just basic charcuterie) and a 2 entree, one side, one salad dinner buffet is costing us almost $5,000. That’s no alcohol or anything else included.
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