Reception and ceremony Site in RI

momof3RI

Hi everyone!

My lover and I have been together 8 years. We have three young children and a home together. We have attempted at planning a wedding once before and failed miserably. I'm so bad at this, but cannot afford a planner or anything at all really. My mom says she will help as much as possible. I'm also sure his parents will pitch in. I really am not sure on budget and really do not know how to ask how much they feel they can help with. But I will. The plan is to get married this year. I'm shooting for August 4th. I know, its really soon. It is much easier for me to work under pressure. I tried with 18 months and after 6 months gave up. The place I fell in love with was so expensive. (Lake Pearl) 

I want the budget to be $2000. But that seems so unrealistic. It is so expensive. It is looking like we are going to have to just rent a hall and buy paper cups and plates. 

Which makes me not want to do this at all. It really isn't horrible if we have to put it off a few more years. But My children also deserve this. We should all share a name for one. 

I just have no idea what to do. 

I found one place called Crystal Lake Gulf course in Mapleville which seems much more reasonable. 

But after factoring food cost it puts me at 3,000. That is just the cost of the site and food!

I could easily get a hall for under $500. But after factoring in all the costs for party rentals, I just don't know what to do. 

Brina105

Have you considered having something at a restaurant? You may be able to do something in a private room at an affordable place.
I wouldn't hold off on getting married because you want a big wedding and are worried about financing. Like you said, its important that you are married for your kids, and that is what is important here- not the hooplah of a reception.

What abouts omething casual, like catered in a backyard?

bean6687

Have you tried venues that are available during the week? or is that not really an option for you?....perhaps off season as well?

stefanielynn25

What about a morning ceremony and brunch reception? 

momof3RI

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_rhode-island_reception-and-ceremony-site-in-ri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:122Discussion:86de6f92-855f-4a6f-a675-5d808dc1c883Post:51b21108-3f43-45ff-8b90-14385ea4406e">Re: Reception and ceremony Site in RI</a>:
[QUOTE]Have you tried venues that are available during the week? or is that not really an option for you?....perhaps off season as well?
Posted by bean6687[/QUOTE]

<div>Yes I have looked at off season quotes. Even those seem expensive. Maybe Im just not understanding it. $3600 off season for just the venue seems ridiculous. </div><div>
</div><div>A place I am considering does not have an off season discount and is onle $995 to rent for both reception and ceremony. Food would put us at about $2,500 total. It's not looking good. Even having a back yard wedding would be costly and much harder. I'm hoping family will help. I'm definitely putting a college and wedding fund aside for my kids when I can. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-frown.gif" border="0" alt="Frown" title="Frown" /> This stinks.</div>

momof3RI

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_rhode-island_reception-and-ceremony-site-in-ri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:122Discussion:86de6f92-855f-4a6f-a675-5d808dc1c883Post:6fbbc5b7-3850-4e88-a22c-46cdf61b2e55">Re: Reception and ceremony Site in RI</a>:
[QUOTE]Have you considered having something at a restaurant? You may be able to do something in a private room at an affordable place. I wouldn't hold off on getting married because you want a big wedding and are worried about financing. Like you said, its important that you are married for your kids, and that is what is important here- not the hooplah of a reception. What abouts omething casual, like catered in a backyard?
Posted by Brina105[/QUOTE]

<div>It's the Fiance who wants the big wedding. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" title="Wink" /></div><div>Having a backyard wedding was a thought, but rental fees would be just as bad. With the added stress. Doesn't seem doable. I have considered a restaurant. I just wouldn't want to do a ceremony there too. Doesn't seem funtionable. Maybe I am looking at it the wrong way. </div>

momof3RI

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_rhode-island_reception-and-ceremony-site-in-ri?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:122Discussion:86de6f92-855f-4a6f-a675-5d808dc1c883Post:81fe7697-9b40-4363-8618-ff6381652d11">Re: Reception and ceremony Site in RI</a>:
[QUOTE]What about a morning ceremony and brunch reception? 
Posted by stefanielynn25[/QUOTE]

<div>The cheapest place I found doesn't have different prices for different times of day. </div>

sparkellyy

My friend had her wedding at Crystal Lake and it was beautiful.

A backyard wedding will be over budget - rentals of chairs, tables, tent in case of rain...all adds up. That is what I originally wanted but the cost & worries were too much.

Could you do just a light reception with appetizers?

Try to find a beginner DJ and photographer that provide services for a low cost.

lein70

Have you looked into a park.  Colt State Park would be great.  You can have the ceremony at Chapel by the Sea and rent out the Gazebo.  Just have to think outside the box.  Good luck.

tootsy26

Have you looked into Twelve Acres in Smithfield. You could do both ceremony and reception there. Since your planning a Sunday wedding maybe a brunch style wedding may fit into your budget. Hope you are able to find something.

MissLaura123

Hi there! 

I really feel for you, I think its great that you want to make this a special ceremony for your family. It is an important day and that family photo on that day will be a family favorite forever. Wedding planning is a lot of work and it is extremely consuming. The finances of it all can get really overwhelming: really easily... but you can definitely do it. 

It sounds like before you do anything (if you havent already)

 1. Make a mock-guest list. Find out how many attendants you are looking at. 25 vs 50 vs 75 make a big difference. Then from this number: figure out how much money per person you can spend on your venue/food costs. 

2. Pool your resources. Whose dress can you borrow, can someone make the cake? Will someone take the pictures for you? Does any family member have a lake house/local vacation home the wedding could take place at: i know that may be a stretch but it could happen.

3.  Talk to your close family members about how its looking financially and what the options are and see what they say. A little help here and there can make a big difference.

 It sounds like your best option is to get married in a pretty outdoor space (beach,lake,park)  Cost here is really nothing.  You dont have to provide seating...just a nice scenery.  And then move the party onto a restaurant.  Or.  if you find a park with a gazebo or picnic tables, you can easily just have it catered by your favorite restaurant.

Good luck!  I think its gonna be great.