Budget Bride in DC needs HELP!!!

sarahmelendrez

Do any of my fellow DC Brides know of any inexpensive venues that include a bunch of stuff in the cost? My FI and I went to a Bridal Expo today and were very disappointed with how much everything costs. It's only making us even more depressed.

m_masino

what time of year?  Are you flexible?  I found great deals in Jan, Feb, March, July, August. 

Kitcat106

I know exactly how you feel. We finally decided to look outside of DC for a more affordable place. We are getting married at the Antrim 1844 Country House and Hotel in Taneytown, MD. It's about 1.5 hours from DC. We are doing the wedding on a Sunday in the off season and are saving a lot of $. Their food is excellent! Our price includes a multi-course meal and all you can drink top shelf liquor for less than $100 pp. We are even paying a very low ceremony fee (less than $500) to have our ceremony there as well. We also get to spend our wedding night there for free. I recommend driving a little farther away from DC to get a better price.

tidetravel

What is your budget and your expected guest count?  That will help us with recommendations.  It may be cheaper to find a venue that allows you to bring in your own caterer/alcohol, as you aren't limited to the in-house caterer's prices (of course, it's also more work for you, so you have to consider that). Don't go to Bridal shows - your best recommendations for affordable and reliable vendors will be from these boards.

tidetravel

Also - make a new account without your full name in your screen name, and change your ticker.  There are a lot of crazies on the interwebz and there have been cases where brides have had their vendors stolen and wedding plans cancelled by people that have gotten information from these boards.

tracy_k

Go outside DC and think about the "off-season" (usually Dec - March). I'm getting married right outside Baltimore, at Overhills Mansion in Catonsville, four-hour open bar, stations-style dinner with 9 stations, 125 guests for less than $50 per person. It can be done, you just have to be creative, look outside the box and STICK TO YOUR GUNS.

spuliafico

My reception's at The Grand Atrium during peak season on a Saturday night. $69/pp $475 for open bar and they offer a DJ for $495. We were really happy with the price sinc ethe food is amazing and the place if beautiful.

rmichalak

If you are military or know anyone military that would be willing to sponser you, you can look at the military sites.