Help! Need a budget friendly venue

bukbak

OK quick synopsis, my wedding is set for august 13, 2011. I found a hall (Ivy garden) but I have never been satisfied with it. Went along with it because it was in my budget and I was a little frustrated with the search, but I just don't see my reception at the venue. I am expecting about 400ppl and I need to bring in my own caterer because we would like to serve ethnic food. Does anyone know of any good venues that can accommodate my guests and allow me bring in my food?????

chantelcutie7

I looked at Slater Mills when I was venue scouting.  I like the rustic, empty space.  I'm not sure what the capacity is.

http://www.slatermill.org/visit/wedding

Someone else on here mentioned Hope Artist Village too.

SOEngaged101

Hi Bukbak!
My name is Lauren of SO Engaged weddings and I would be more than happy to help you in your venue search!  What is your budget for a reception hall?  (Also, from your post it sounds like you already have a caterer, is this correct?)  My last question for you is how far from your ceremony venue are you willing to travel/have your guests travel for the reception?  If you'd like customized help in choosing your venue, and one-on-one meetings, I can also assist you with that!  Please feel free to contact me at lhiggins@so-engaged.com.

Lauren


www.so-engaged.com
lhiggins@so-engaged.com

KBinRI

I looked at Slater Mill, too, and it's budget friendly for sure, but there's no way you'd fit 400 people in there.

I can't think of anywhere for that size crowd that's not a hall-type place where catering would be included, which is what you don't want.

Have you thought about a tented wedding somewhere, like Fort Adams State Park or one of the vineyards? I was at Colt State Park in Bristol and someone was having a huge tented wedding there. No alcohol allowed in state parks, though. Also, the Carousel building at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick is a decent size - probably wouldn't work for 400 seated, but if you wanted to have a cocktail-style reception with some tables for people to sit at, that might work there.

A tented wedding for your size crowd could be pretty pricey given the number of tables and chairs you'd need to rent; I'm not sure what your budget is.

leahabby80

I know this is a little outlandish, but have you thought of renting a gym? At a college or a HS? I am sure that for a fee that they would allow you to rent out the area, at least you would save on having to have the event tented. If you need to have it catered, go to Blackstone Valley Caterer's or Morin's, they may be able to help you choose a venue based on your criteria. I would look into the gym idea though, it may seem wierd, but think of all the empty space you would have to work with and decorate.
Good Luck!

RoyalOrient

I was in this situation but I had 300 guests which we cut to 200 guests because FI and I bought a house so we had to cut our guest list for the wedding. We also wanted a venue that would serve ethnic food too (Chinese/Cambodian/Thai cuisine). I would definitely second Fort Adams and Hope Artiste Village. Oh and The Global Heritage Hall at Roger William University in Bristol, R.I. The tent rental is around 3 grand and I forget how much the inside is rented for but you get quite a beautiful view for the price. I believe the availability is limited to summer months when school is not in full session so your date is perfect. G.L

btw who is your caterer? I had a hard time finding ethnic caterers.

bukbak

Thanks everyone, will contact the venues asap. I don't think a gym would work, but its a good idea. I am at such loss, most venues want close to $10,000 just for the space and linens. Was hoping to spend less than $5,000 on the event space

smiley143143

CHANTELCUTIE- hey where is your venue? well that picture

tarawedding100

Do you have a caterer yet? If not, call Dean at Decadent Catering he knows all the venues and can help get the best deal.

Sarah MD

This wouldn't really help with the ethnic part, but I just read a post about someone who had a wedding at Quidnessett with 350-400 people.