Hi Knotties!
I am new to the community boards..and newly engaged (a little over 6 weeks ago). I am so grateful for the wealth of information here! My question for you ladies is, does anyone know of a venue in the Boston area (north shore preferably) where I can have a elegant wedding for 200 guests? I have a huge family, so trimming my guest list is unfortunately not an option. My FI and I are paying for everything ourselves - my parents are not in a good financial situation so I can't ask them for anything, and I know traditionally the grooms parents do not contribute, right? I am ok with being around 20K for the ceremony and reception venue - that includes cake, catering, rental fees, chairs, silverware, cocktail hour, hor'doevres (sp?) and all taxes and fees. I have a separate budget for limo, florist, entertainment and other decor. Only other snag is my FI is really adamant about full 5 hour open bar - which adds on at leat $6K! I don't really care if we have open bar, though it would be a nice extra, its not my #1. But he is not really super opinated on anything else, so I'm trying to see how we can get this done.
I am looking at some estates where they allow you to host the bar and bring yoru own alcohol - does anyone have an estimate on how much this might be for around 200 guests? Is this generally cheaper than open bar per person? I'm finding most places are charging around $35 per person if they provide the alcohol...
Anyhow, long post - sorry. If you have any venues in mind that will work with my budget and capacity (and the full open bar req) please let me know!!!
Thanks in advance,
S