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What would you do? (Venue question)

Hey ladies. Hope everyone weathered Irene alright!

So we are down to deciding on our venue. We are going to do it at the Union at our university. It's a beautiful building. The room for our reception is actually right across from the billiards room, which is where we had our first date!

The issue is figuring out the day. We were looking in October 2012. We had kind of decided on the 13th (a Saturday). Then we realized it's a home football game day. Downtown Ann Arbor is a nightmare on game days. Especially parking. There is a structure behind the building that we could use, but it would take some major planning and/or extra charge due to the game day. The other option would be have people park for free farther from campus and have to hire a shuttle service. We don't know what time the game is at yet, so it's tough to figure out how it's going to be at what times. Also, I don't want to deal with a bunch of drunk students while we're trying to take pictures around campus (which would depend on what time the game is).

October 6th isn't available. There are home games October 13th and 20th. The 27th is my birthday, so I don't want to do it that day. Our other options would be doing it on a Sunday, which I'm not a big fan of, or pushing it back to November 3rd, which is an away game. We were hoping to have an outdoor ceremony (they have a beautiful courtyard), but we wouldn't be able to do that if we waited until November. The back-up room is pretty, but I really would like outside.

Anyways, here are some pics!

The front of the building.



Outside patio



Indoor Ceremony Back-up (there's a fireplace at the end, not the greatest pic)



Reception Room




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Re: What would you do? (Venue question)

  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    What about September?  

    I love the venue - it's super pretty!!!
    I french with my man
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:2dead4aa-3904-4663-9f61-2372e45238ad">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]What about September?   I love the venue - it's super pretty!!!
    Posted by peekaboo2011[/QUOTE]
     
    There's no availabilty at all in September =(
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  • edited December 2011
    You may get a cheaper rate on a Sunday. Maybe see if the Sunday before Columbus Day is available and then you can make a long weekend out of it.
  • heyimbrenheyimbren member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    If I really wanted to stick with that venue and have an outdoor wedding (assuming that those are top priorities), then I'd have the wedding on a different day of the week other than Saturday.

    If you really don't want to do that, I'd have it in November.

  • peekaboo2011peekaboo2011 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Then, honestly, I would say go for the Sunday.  A venue we're seriously looking at is offering 25% off the venue rental just because it's Sunday.  So, it could end up being cheaper for you, which means you might be able to make it a little easier on your guests.  You could do a noon-ish ceremony, and then wrap up the reception by 7 or 8, and your guests would be able to make it home.  
    I french with my man
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  • cu97tigercu97tiger member
    First Anniversary First Comment 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    What about August? Or are you talking about 2011? If there is any possible way, I'd avoid a game day. It will be a huge hassle for your guests. Even if you did the shuttle, they wouldn't be able to leave whenever they felt like it. 

    The one thing that might work is if it ends up being a noon game, you could have your ceremony at 5, and go from there. There would still be traffic/parking to deal with, but not as bad as if your ceremony and the game started within a couple hours of each other.

    ETA: The venue is gorgeous!
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:a837b228-3e80-47e6-82fa-f89b7ed0cd9d">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]You may get a cheaper rate on a Sunday. Maybe see if the Sunday before Columbus Day is available and then you can make a long weekend out of it.
    Posted by GreenPepperBurger[/QUOTE]

    The rental fee for the room is a couple hundred less on Sunday, but the package pricing stays the same.
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  • Blue & WhiteBlue & White member
    First Anniversary First Comment 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    I wouldn't get married at a football campus any day of the football season.

    If you went to said school, you'd know that the ENTIRE WEEKEND is full of drunkenness and crazy college students.

    If you don't want football incorporated into your wedding, I'd get married another time of year, or at another location.  Keep in mind that any of your out of town guests will also have to book hotels months in advance and pay out the nose for football weekend hotel rates.
    I guess, to tell you the truth, I've never had much of a desire to grow facial hair. I think I've managed to play quarterback just fine without a mustache. - Peyton
  • Beads921Beads921 member
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Gorgeous venue! I'd probably push it out to August to get it on a Saturday, otherwise do a Sunday in October (just start a little earlier in the day to keep things reasonable for guests).
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    Life is good today.
  • marleylikeairmarleylikeair member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Hey, I know where that is! ::clappity clappity::

    Anyway, just to throw another idea out there, what about the Botanical Gardens in A2? Just an idea if you wanted to stick with a Saturday in a nice weather season. I know they do a ton of weddings there. It's really beautiful. Also, if you didn't know, it's part of the University, if that makes any difference. Smile
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:2352bfb0-c8bb-4fc7-bb74-bc0656dd7190">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]One of my friends got married on a Sunday, and the ceremony and reception were very lovely.  However, the reception definitely had a different feel to it, compared to other receptions in our group of friends.  I think mostly because we all knew we had to work the next day, it seemed there was overall less dancing and definitely less drinking.  I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that -at all - it just depends on what kind of mood/atmosphere you want at your reception.  If it were me, I'd consider moving it to November.  <strong>Is it a guarantee you can't be outdoors that first weekend in November?</strong>  Just my two cents!
    Posted by polo1425[/QUOTE]

    No, it's not a guarantee, but Michigan weather is notoriously unpredictable.
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:ae44331f-24e1-44b5-854f-910e564cbfcf">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hey, I know where that is! ::clappity clappity:: Anyway, just to throw another idea out there, what about the Botanical Gardens in A2? Just an idea if you wanted to stick with a Saturday in a nice weather season. I know they do a ton of weddings there. It's really beautiful. Also, if you didn't know, it's part of the University, if that makes any difference.
    Posted by marleylikeair[/QUOTE]

    Yeah, the gardens are beautiful, but I've heard that dealing with planning a wedding there is a nightmare. Especially because there is a lack of weather back up spaces.
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:05a4d37b-1e98-44ba-9ec9-f38abd89df76">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]When will you know what time the games are? I think it would be fine to do as Tiger suggested and have a later ceremony if it's a day game (which most are) on one of the dates in October. I wouldn't want to get married on my birthday, either, so I understand that. Otherwise, I'd probably pick a November Saturday than an October Sunday, just because I think it is likely more convenient for everyone involved. Is it really that big a difference in temperature between October 27 and November 3? It seems that it would likely be the same weather if you did it on your birthday or the November date. ETA: Whoops, forgot to mention that I love the venue! Love the idea of having it on campus. I went to a wedding once at my alma mater (BC) and it was awesome!
    Posted by LivLeighton[/QUOTE]
     
    They won't know game times until a month or so before. The temp difference between end of October and beginning of November isn't big, that's why we were trying to shoot for beginning of October, but the situation has made us have to consider alternatives.
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:b47c28f0-f5d7-4511-85fa-ccd7b49a6cf2">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]I wouldn't get married at a football campus any day of the football season. If you went to said school, you'd know that the ENTIRE WEEKEND is full of drunkenness and crazy college students. If you don't want football incorporated into your wedding, I'd get married another time of year, or at another location.  Keep in mind that any of your out of town guests will also have to book hotels months in advance and pay out the nose for football weekend hotel rates.
    Posted by Blue & White[/QUOTE]

    We did go to "said university". We met there and that's why it's kind of special to have our wedding there. The worst of the craziness is Friday night and Saturday leading up to the game. After the game it trickles off as people go home and pass out...lol.
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  • marleylikeairmarleylikeair member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:284d51f4-035a-4b1a-8a2d-ecd3b3ab24f1">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What would you do? (Venue question) : Yeah, the gardens are beautiful, but I've heard that dealing with planning a wedding there is a nightmare. Especially because there is a lack of weather back up spaces.
    Posted by swhite2012[/QUOTE]

    Oh, that's odd. Their website lists backup plans. I didn't click on them, though.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:a8f76979-2d87-4a90-be2c-f4f7dd98388f">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]I think Blue has a really good point about football season.  <strong>Just because it's an away game, it doesn't mean people won't be running around drinking</strong>.  If it IS a home game, hotels might be booked up pretty far in advance, so you might have to reserve a block in a hotel that's far from the venue.  (That's not a huge deal if you have a shuttle service.  My friend's wedding was not close to the hotels, but we were all in two big buses, so no one cared.) I didn't suggest a Sunday wedding because I didn't think of it.  I'm not a fan, and I know some people aren't used to them.  BF's family has Sunday events all the time.  My family only has big events on Sundays if it's a holiday weekend and there's no work on Monday.  
    Posted by yaga13[/QUOTE]

    The difference between a home and an away game is huge. Yes, there are going to be people drinking, but they are at the bars and their house parties. On home games they are all over the streets. We're not worried too much about hotel space because we have very few out of town guests.
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:d1c37628-f2be-491d-b44a-02cc776228d4">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What would you do? (Venue question) : Oh, that's odd. Their website lists backup plans. I didn't click on them, though.
    Posted by marleylikeair[/QUOTE]

    They do have them, but in a lot of the reviews I read, they aren't as nice and the capacities are much less than the outdoor options. Plus we're not really "garden" people. lol
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  • edited December 2011
    Thanks for all the input ladies. It's definitely helpful to hear outside opinions. We're going to go talk to the coordinator again tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes.
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  • marleylikeairmarleylikeair member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:57b8bff8-af82-49ca-8d7f-da72b241e8d0">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What would you do? (Venue question) : They do have them, but in a lot of the reviews I read, they aren't as nice and the capacities are much less than the outdoor options. Plus we're not really "garden" people. lol
    Posted by swhite2012[/QUOTE]

    Haha, okay, fair enough. I don't know what else to tell you, though. If it were me, I'd probably look at other venue ideas...
  • csousa1csousa1 member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    If it were me and my options were November, a Sunday, or birthday, I would totally have it on my birthday. It is definitely the lesser of all evils, in my mind. What concession do you think would make you the saddest? Having it coincide with your birthday, not having it on a Saturday like you wanted, or not having it outside? Whichever makes you the least unhappy is what I would go with. Good luck!

    ETA: That venue is gorgeous! No matter what you decide for the date, great venue choice!
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:b47c28f0-f5d7-4511-85fa-ccd7b49a6cf2">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]I wouldn't get married at a football campus any day of the football season. If you went to said school, you'd know that the ENTIRE WEEKEND is full of drunkenness and crazy college students. If you don't want football incorporated into your wedding, I'd get married another time of year, or at another location.  Keep in mind that any of your out of town guests will also have to book hotels months in advance and pay out the nose for football weekend hotel rates.
    Posted by Blue & White[/QUOTE]

    Agreed.... It's a beautiful campus, but I wouldn't want drunken students and parking insanity incorporated into my wedding day.
    www.nurseyk.weebly.com
  • Blue & WhiteBlue & White member
    First Anniversary First Comment 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_would-venue-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:bb138b96-9c2b-4294-bfcf-2c36ed7d668fPost:1eaba6f3-719d-4906-a4d5-186f5d202cd8">Re: What would you do? (Venue question)</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: What would you do? (Venue question) : We did go to "said university". We met there and that's why it's kind of special to have our wedding there. The worst of the craziness is Friday night and Saturday leading up to the game. After the game it trickles off as people go home and pass out...lol.
    Posted by swhite2012[/QUOTE]


    Sorry for being a little overly snarky - just wanted to make sure that you were fully aware of the implications of planning on a football weekend.  I imagine an away weekend would be slightly better, but I'd make it an away weekend against a team that is not a huge rival.  I.e. I wouldn't plan the wedding for Penn State-Ohio State or something.
    I guess, to tell you the truth, I've never had much of a desire to grow facial hair. I think I've managed to play quarterback just fine without a mustache. - Peyton
  • edited December 2011
    Considering that we planned our wedding on a bye-weekend, I would at least go for an away game.  There is NO way that I would deal with the stress of having a wedding ON campus ON a game day. 

    And I am not a fan of Sunday weddings.  I'd rather go to a Friday wedding. 
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  • edited December 2011
    Yeah, after thinking about it more, I think pushing it to November 3rd, an away game at Minnesota, is what I would prefer doing. I can live without the outdoor ceremony, the indoor room is very pretty. And I realized it will be exactly 4 years to the day of our first date.

    Hopefully I can convince FI of this idea and the venue has availability. I didn't even think to ask into November when we went the first time.
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  • jorja86jorja86 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I think November 3rd is probably your best option. You could try for outside if the weather is nice enough, but I think that the indoor room with the fireplace is beautiful as well. I think Sunday weddings are pretty rude for your guests unless you do them earlier in the day.

    At my school, there might be drunken students around on away game days, but like you said, they would definitely be more confined to bars/houses and not taking over the campus like a home game day.

    The venue is gorgeous!
    image
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