Bottom Line: I need a new ceremony site...(a long story)

ashaafi

Hello all,

so i am marrying my hs sweetheart on 8/14/2011 and suddenly I need a new, very inexpensive CEREMONY site....
*if you want to read on to know why, by all means, if not please send me leads anyway...

My fiance and I are paying for this wedding out of pocket. When I first started planning the numbers were 25 tops...we all know how the numbers can snowball, from 50 to about 75 now...anyway, we were blessed to find a really nice place to do the reception and by sheer luck the owners had a second facility to do the ceremony as only 50 people would fit comfortably if all done the same place bc of switching the layout. So we go ahead and take both never discussing how many can fit in the other facility ( I assumed she understood I needed everyone to come)...well here we are and the ceremony place only fits about 40 people comfortably...thinking on my feet i say why dont we just have a simple intimate ceremony with our immediate family and then the reception with everyone...well this is turning into a big 'ol deal, as everyone does not understand why they are not coming to the ceremony (which will be 15 minutes tops) but are invited to the reception (which will be open bar and all the bells and whistles)....

bottom line i need a cheap ceremony site in the NW region of philly (preferably  mt. airy, chestnut hill, west/east oak lane, germantown...


PLEASE HELP!!!

Bride_to_be_2011

Just saying, you can't have people come to the ceremony and then have the rest come to the reception, it's kinda rude. People love to see people get married, not just drink amd eat. So yes you do need a site for all of the guests. I guess you can't do it outside of the reception place? Where is the reception?

paprika28

If your ceremony is only 15 minutes long, I honestly would do it outside and have about 25-50 chairs for  the elderly/pregnant/those unable to stand. My cousin had her wedding outside in RI a few years ago- 15 minute ceremony, everyone stood close to the alter, and it made it a really intimate ceremony.

The ceremony is the reason for the reception, so it would be silly to invite people to one and not the other.

Unfortunately, I'm from the boonies, so I'm not going to be any help on location, but possibly a park?

spanglerwedding2012

If you were having a private ceremony at a seperate location, I could see that working. But I understand why people may be confused. They might feel like they have to wait outside while you get married, like they're missing out. That said, I totally sympathize with your concerns though - very stressful.

Would you be open to an outdoor ceremony? I think having a small garden ceremony outdoors would be gorgeous. You could do it outside of your reception site. Also, there are so many nice green areas in Chesnut Hill, etc. You could rent some chairs for guests and have family gather around. If you would prefer a facility, What's your budget on this?

jelybeancg

I agree with PPs everyone needs to be invited to both. Is it possible to do it outside at the reception venue? This way they could set up chairs and offer your guests some water if it is hot? Helping you out with the ceremony sounds like the least they can do since they knew how many you needed to accomodate and did not provide that.

spanglerwedding2012

I agree with Jelybean. I would speak with your reception site - negotiate with them. I would have them set up chairs outdoors for the ceremony - I even think this should be thrown in for no additional fee (if you're renting) due to the misconception that all of your guests would fit in their facility.

If you're worried about weather, you could always rent a small tent if there is space outdoors. I'm not sure the price on those though.

ashaafi

I see what everyone is saying....the places are two seperate locations...about 15 minutes away from each other...no one would be waiting outside...lol...that would be VERY rude....

but does anyone know of inexpensive ceremony sites??? the outside of the reception hall is not really accomodating to a ceremony, that's why i was having the ceremony somewhere else...sorry for the confusion...

so again any suggestions for a cheap ceremony site???

 

paprika28

My suggestions are still standing. A park with a pavillion would be pretty, especiallly if it has a great view. There is usually a nominal fee from the county that you would find out from each specific park's information. Fairmount park, perhaps? The Wissahickon Gorge is part of Fairmount. There's also Pastorus Park, Morris Arboritum, Creshium valley... You could also look around at the colleges/ schools in the area and see what a fee would be to be married there. (Arcadia, the lutheran seminary, LaSalle, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, St. Josephs... ) There's also the Sedgwick Theater, Cliveden, Alden Park Manor, Barron House, Concord School House, Ebenezer Maxwell House, Gilbert Stuart Studio, Green Tree Tavern (Germantown), Loudoun Mansion, The Connie Mack House, Vernon Park.


Just a few places for you to look into. I'm not sure if any/all will allow you to perform any ceremonies there, however, it's worth a shot. Good luck!

ashaafi

thank you sooooo much i will be looking into all of these!!!!!!