Florida-North Florida — The Knot Community

Bringing your own caterer and bartender to a venue?

amandamazing42 — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:12:03 +0000

My FI and I have been looking into having a wedding at The Ribault Club in Fort George Island, FL. It's pretty close to Jacksonville and Amelia Island. The Ribault has a full catering kitchen, but I must provide my own vendors (they do have recommended ones). I really want to do a buffet style meal and am not positive of what the cost of such a thing should usually run. We're not positive about how many guests will actually attend, but our max will definitely not be more than 100 people. I would guess about 85 realistically.

They don't have cutlery and plates for rent, so we would be renting them through the catering company if possible. As far as food is concerned, it would be only the dinner being provided. For cocktail hour and dessert we have family that would like to contribute to that instead. When I say cocktail hour I mean a table with couple pitchers of sangria, some wine, beer, and a table of appetizers. I want a pie and ice cream bar for dessert which isn't a stretch to provide ourselves either.

One thing I also am not familiar with is that the venue allows you to bring your own alcohol, but you must have someone licensed to distribute it. Obviously, buying your own wine and beer is a lot cheaper than doing so through a business. I've never heard of hiring someone to simply serve alcohol and not provide it. If such a thing exists, how much does it generally cost? It seems pretty early to be contacting places for quotes when we're getting married in two years. We're just trying to budget right now, and I'm not even sure where to look for a 'licensed' bartender.

Who's your favorite band or DJ in your area?

KnotRiley — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:38:51 +0000

Hi Knotties!

In honor of our new Top 10 Wedding Songs for 2015 list, we want to know: Are you going with a band or a DJ? If you’ve already hired your musicians or DJ, tell us who it is in the comments below to help give other local Knotties some great ideas and referrals.

Oh, and if you’re getting close to the date and you’ve already made your must-play list for the reception, head over to our Wedding Music Board to share!

Anyone have recommendations for Gainesville vendors? Brass band?

fam1820 — Wed, 21 May 2014 18:23:33 +0000

Hey everyone,

I'm getting married at the end of october. I have the dress, the church, the reception, and hotel block booked. I'm trying to find the following still:
Cake vendor
Photographer
Brass band for a 30 minute or so second line (parade through downtown) with 4-6 pieces
Photo booth
DJ

if anyone has had a good experience around the Gainesville area with any of these vendors, share the tips!

Club Continental, venue help?!

castaldoal — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 17:49:43 +0000

I'm looking into the club continental for our ceremony and reception. We have a 20,000 dollar budget so I was just looking for some advice to see if the venue was reasonable for that kind of budget. We originally looked into The White Room in St. Augustine to quickly find out that the food and beverage minimum was outrageous especially for a party of only 60 or 70 people. I see that Club Continental has one too so I'm worried its going to be the same issue.

Flameless Candles

Mags2484 — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 14:56:32 +0000

Battery powered candles used for a wedding at Jacksonville Public Library. All batteries have been tested and candles are in working order with the exceptions below. Asking price $250 OBO.

Candle sizes include:
2 - 8x3in (1 candle needs battery replacements- 3AAA)
11 - 6x3in
10 - 4x3in
116 - votive and votive holder (additional 11 that need battery replacements)

Pictures attached show how they were used in our wedding.

If interested please send me a private message

Alterations in Gainesville or Tampa Florida

Knottie54764802 — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:36:38 +0000

Hey girls!

I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good place to get alterations in Gainesville! Thanks!

Waterfront Jacksonville Ceremony/Reception Site

minksterwedding — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 16:02:47 +0000

I've been engaged since August and have lived in Jacksonville my whole life, yet I can not, for the life of me, find a venue I like. The Winterbourne is an option but I've just seen it done soooo many times and you can't have your dance floor outside. I'm really looking for something fully outdoors! Anybody have any suggestions besides the beach?? Something on the St. John's would be amazing. Thank you!

wedding planner no/yes?

mlapos — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 21:14:04 +0000

Hey ladies, looking for some advice

Thinking about hiring a wedding planner. Wasn't sure if it's worth the money in my wedding budget. I was wondering what kind of questions you wish you could have spoken to a wedding planner about? Or things that would have been helpful to know or have assistance with.

Thanks!

White Dog Plantation - Havana/Tallahassee - Anyone have pics?!

m4ddy3192016 — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:28:15 +0000

Hi all,

We're getting married at White Dog in March 2016 and since it's a relatively new venue in the area I have yet to see any pics of weddings held there. If anyone has seen any or knows any photographers that have shot here, could you please send the links my way!!

Thanks!

Destin, Florida

mmcarrav — Sat, 03 May 2014 12:22:35 +0000

I'm planning to get married in April 2015 in Destin. Not sure of location yet. Does anyone recommend a particular site to plan our wedding through? Want it to be nice, but don't want to spend a fortune! Thanks!!

Destination Wedding in St. Augustine - Need Venue Advice!!!!

Knottie36820508 — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 20:57:11 +0000

Hello,

My fiancé and I are getting married September 19th, 2015 in St. Augustine. We originally wanted a beach wedding but have decided on The Rod and Gun Club. I thought I was set but my newest concern is the size. We are planning to have roughly 50 - 60 guests. The Rod and Gun Club looks like it fits way more. Is anyone one familiar with this venue? Any concerns it may be too large for my size wedding? Any other budget friendly suggestions?

Thanks,

Danielle

chiavari chair rental in Jacksonville

mokat84 — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:20:05 +0000

Does anyone know where you can rent chiavari chairs reasonably in Jacksonville?

Beach wedding in March?

bcandyfl — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 05:38:59 +0000

So I was hoping we could get married in October of this year, but my fam balked at the date. Am I crazy to consider an outdoor wedding near Panama City in March? I always consider that time of year a bit cold for the beach, but I've always dreamed of a beach ceremony close to home.

Hair and Makeup in Gainesville, FL

Knottie43636886 — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 01:14:06 +0000

Anybody have a recommendation for hair and makeup stylists in Gainesville?

Thanks!

Epping Forest

tinajohn9363 — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 19:40:37 +0000

Has anyone gotten pricing on having their wedding/reception at Epping Forest?

Jacksonville (Riverside & San Marco area) Reception sites?

steffs440 — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 08:03:48 +0000

Does anyone have any suggestions for reception locations in either the Riverside or San Marco area?

Looking for rustic barn venue in NW Florida!

jennfair85 — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:42:39 +0000

Hi all. I'm brand new to The Knot. I just got engaged on Christmas Day!!! *big grin* We've been together almost 6 years and I'm so so SO excited! We are planning for an October/Fall themed wedding in 2014 and I would love to find someone with an old, rustic barn that is reasonably priced to use for both the wedding & reception site. (Wedding outside the barn, reception inside the barn.) We live in the FL Panhandle near Destin. (Nope, I'm not doing a beach wedding! lol) Any tips on local farms/people who might be willing to rent out their barn for an evening would be greatly appreciated!

Where to elope? I need all the HELP I can get......

l1021d — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:45:06 +0000

My fiance and I are looking for places to elope. We are not sure where exactly. St. Augustine,FL has a special meaning to us. So we are thinking of considering that. Any ideas as to where we can have annice intimate ceremony/elopement with our family only?

Newlyweds?

mrsb53 — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 21:49:40 +0000

Are there any newlyweds in North Florida? I just got married and am looking for some ladies to bond with.

Also, do you know of any couples groups in this area? I am just looking for people in a similar life stage to socialize with.

Thanks!

Bad Experience with Destin Bay House

ccarney44 — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:57:15 +0000

Congratulations fellow brides! I wanted to share my negative experience about inquiring into the Destin Bay House with my fellow brides because I do not want anyone to go through the same unfortunate experience I did. With this being our one and only chance to have a positive experience planning our special day, I feel it’s important that the venues we are reaching out to reciprocate the same enthusiasm we are putting out. I flew over 500 miles and my Matron of Honor and my Aunt flew 800 miles to see the Destin Bay House as one of our top choices for my wedding. We spent over an hour viewing the venue taking 60 plus pictures of the site and discussed my special day in detail with the wedding coordinator, Erin. During our tour, I was met with opposition to my questions about what the $4500 site fee included; which at the time I didn’t recognize the red flags but later came to realize this is representative of how Destin Bay House treats their interested brides. After leaving the Destin Bay House, I visited several other venues but I already knew the Bay House was the place for me. I whole heartedly envisioned my wedding day happening there. When I flew back home, I reached out to the Bay House the day I landed to express my continued interest. Erin forwarded me the contract to the Destin Bay House; which upon our reading (myself and groom, wedding planner/matron of honor, mother & father of bride) we drafted an addendum to the contract and questions to start a dialogue about what appeared to be a self serving contract for the Bay House. This contract in no way protected our interests in the venue; in which my father would be spending 27 years worth of savings he had complied for the day his only daughter would be married. Our questions about this contract were met with complete dismissal. Erin’s initial email response was very short, as opposed to addressing any of my questions or concerns. She insulted my interest in the venue and immediately told me they would no longer hold my wedding date. My Matron of Honor and I reached out to let her know the questions we had regarding the contract were not deal breakers or even necessary changes but instead we just wanted clarification. My experience with Erin, reminds me of the scene with Vivian Ward played by Julia Roberts in a movie we all love Pretty Woman. In the scene, Vivian is simply trying to shop for her dream dress for a “special” occasion and she is met with opposition and disregard instead of compassion. Unfortunately just like Vivian, I was given the cold shoulder by Erin and told they wouldn’t be offended if I choose another venue. My fiancé believes after seeing how I was treated, this is “A blessing in disguise.” I agree… I hope that no one has to experience a wedding planning disaster like this because it is extremely hurtful during what I envisioned being such a happy experience.

Private Home Rental for Wedding Venue Saint Augustine FL

caraelizabethbrennan — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 17:26:10 +0000

Does anyone know of any property management companies or rental properties in the st augustine area that are rentable and have room for a small wedding possibly close to the beach for a group less than 50 people?

Pedicab of St. Augustine

[Deleted User] — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 19:10:34 +0000

Has anyone utilized Pedicab of St. Augustine for their wedding? I can't find any reviews of their event services online --- They're not listed on Wedding Wire and their website is under construction. Sharing of any experience, good or bad, is appreciated! Thanks

Pintuck Tablecloths for sale!

kristy3698 — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 22:24:42 +0000

I used some beautiful pintuck tablecloths for my wedding and now need to sell them. They have only been used once and now are folded and put away. Please email me at kricher@ymail.com if you're interested. I will send pics and give you all the details. I have a hard time navigating this site or I would reply on here. Thank you! Looking forward to someone else being able to use these on their special day!!!

Rustic engagement pictures in NW Florida

Knottie50309211 — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 14:43:23 +0000

We are looking for some place to do rustic type engagement pictures in NW Florida Pensacola- Destin area. We would love to find some place that was relatively close to a beach. We get two locations with our photographer, and we want really different looking feels to both locations. Any ideas will help!

Pensacola Area Knotties ~ Sound off

TaylorInPcola — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:47:27 +0000

Hi ladies,

Just wondering who all is in here and planning a wedding in the Pensacola area. I am gettin married December 2013 at 5eleven! Caterer-Mike D's, flowers-SupPosey, DJ-First Day Entertainment. Now I need cake, invites, decor, and oooh yeah the dress! I'm excited because I feel like I got a lot of big decisions done now it's all the fun stuff.

How are you guys doing? What are you working on? What are you excited about?

Anyone attended or hosted a wedding at the Omni Amelia Island?

TwinsAunt — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:38:09 +0000

Thinking of using the Omni Amelia island plantation for a 2015 destination wedding for 60-70 people. Anyone know what I can expect to pay per person for plated dinner and open bar.

local wedding magazine?

bcandyfl — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 06:25:12 +0000

So when I was in Tallahassee at Christmas I remember seeing a local magazine with a wedding edition. Does anyone know which mag that might be? I would love some local wedding flavor.

Help! Looking for a decent sized private home to rent as a venue!

Laura0010 — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 20:46:02 +0000

We're looking for a home to rent at least for the day of the wedding, if it's possible we'd like to rent it out for a a night or two. We found some great ones in St Augustine but it's just a little too far for us. We'd like to stay in the Destin are, along the coast as much as possible. But we're willing to venture out as far as Pensacola or Panama City Beach.

Any suggestions?

Navarre Beach wedding!!

bcav0937 — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 05:47:45 +0000

Hi everyone!!
I am planning my wedding for next spring in Navarre Beach! I am open to any and all suggestions, especially when it comes to catering, reception venues, and photography!

Thanks!1

WEDDING NIGHT

bcav0937 — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 05:42:01 +0000

HI! We are getting married in Navarre Beach next May, and I am looking for a good location for a honeymoon suite for our wedding night. Trying to stay as close to Navarre Beach as possible, but want it to be nice as well! any suggestions?? Thanks!!

Brittney