Venue Search (Kinda Long)

TysWife2Be

First of all, I must ask, why the hell am I so picky?!?

Ok, so I went to see 3 places on Saturday and 3 places on Sunday.

Saturday
First place I went to was a country club. Nice but VERY expensive and ritzy...not us.

Second place I went to was another country club...it was nice and more affordable but they are doing a few new things that I think would be better but I am not certain I can wait that long or if someone else will book before me.

Third place was a privat estate. VERY VERY nice and very affordable. The y are currently fixing up a few things and everything should be done by August. It is HUGE! They have acres of land so there is plenty of room. My only drawback is everything has to be outside. Not too sure how I feel about that since it will be October and you never know about California weather.

Sunday
First place the pictures looked GORGEOUS online. When I got there, completely different. The place smelled nasty and the pictures were VERY deceiving. On top of that, the lady that I was meeting with was not there but when we walked out we saw her with another group of people. She flat out ignored us! She didnt acknowledge us or anything. It really pissed me off. Oh well, her loss. I feel like we were stereotyped because we were black and I HATE that! It sucks but in reality, it still exists. Like I said, they just lost out on my money. (As KSTURGIS said to me yesterday, ALL MONEY IS GREEN!)

Second place was about 30 miles away from where we were...when we started driving there, I said this is just TOO far...we were already about 40 miles from home.

Last place was another country club. The ceremony would take place overlooking the lake which I thought was really nice, however, they have their members come for dinner every Sunday except the first. Since our wedding is the 2nd Sunday, we would have to have our ceremony at 3 pm and be done from that specific area (with the lake and the room with a view) by 5 pm. We were there around that time and there were a LOT of golfers out there. I dont want my ceremony pictures to have a bunch of golfers in the background. No thank you. Plus I dont want a ceremony at that time.

So out of all 6, there is only 1 that has potential.

I will continue to look...

KSTURGIS

I dont think that your being picky. Those are valid reasons for not picking those places. It will all come together

cincy2011

Woooo you were busy this weekend!  Glad you got to see so many places, even if you crossed most of them off your list - it stills helps narrow your search.  I guess I am blessed that the first venue we chose, we went with.  We only looked at two b/c we knew we wanted a museum downtown - that helped us narrow down the list very quickly.  Good luck with the rest of your search, the private estate sounds like it might be a winner!  Is there a way to set up a "Plan B" to do it inside or under a tent if there are inclement weather conditions? 

MIABRIDENTAMPA

Not picky, just cautious,as you should be.I def think you have an option with the one place, tenting is an option. Also are you changing your date or still aiming for a wedding in seven months? You will find the perfect place for you

TysWife2Be

Still shooting for 10-10-10

The tent I have to call for pricing...but one place I went to said the tent would be around 3K.

I feel like that 3K can be used elsewhere...know what I mean?

essian

Keep looking until you find what you want. I don't think you're too picky. The venue is key and that's where a bulk of the money goes (i.e. if they are providing food) so you have to make sure you love it.

FI and I visited a ton of places(about 30) before we found a place that we both loved and could afford.

Enjoy! Don't worry you would find something soon!

desi2002

You will find your dream place eventually, I PROMISE! Nothing is worth having if it just comes easy. Keep looking.

amberlynned

I know October is iffy in LA, but if you look at the weather history, you can get a good idea for what to expect. 

 http://www.wunderground.com/history/

But, also, if you end up needing it, 3k is definitely a lot of money, so if you're uncomfortable about that, I'd keep the estate on my maybe list and keep looking. There is definitely something out there that will fit all your needs. This is LA!

GL girl!!!

dawnbeatty

Yep you were busy.  But at least you have one option being the private estate and it being affordable too - I know what you mean about the golfers in your pictures - that is one of my fears as we are getting married at a golf club too. 

lalatrina

Wow.. you accomplished a lot by visiting those places even if most of them didn't fit your vision.. I don't think you are picky at all....When it comes to spending money and having your special place it takes time and patience.. It will happen for you, keep up the good work

eagles347

@ Tyswife - I completely feel your pain on the venue search. Have you gotten any word from the yacht company regarding your refund?

@ lalatrina - Did you and your mom reach an agreement on your venues yet?

lalatrina

Oh thanks for asking, she has come around some.... we are still looking, but she understands the wedding is definately being held in downtown Atl

Rhoyal_1

You were very busy this weekend!!  You prob needed to take today off!! 

I don't think you are being too picky at all.  Remain cautious and look at your options.  I think the one place could be in the running if you can secure a tent for less than 3k.  Maybe the CC has a vendor that will discount.  Check around, you'll find exactly what you desire!

tamtam7

Wow!  You've been busy.  I don't think you're being too picky at all.  Searching for a venue was the hardest and most stressful part of my planning process.  I think that finding the right venue sets the tone for the whole wedding and can make or break your budget so I say press on.  You'll find the right one.