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Washington

Stressed about Affordable Venue :(

Ok- So after 5 and 1/2 years of dating, my bf finally asked me to marry him 2 weeks ago.  Now because he is in the military (wounded vet at Ft. Lewis), we're having to plan the wedding around his work schedule and mine.  So we have decided that a Dec. 30th or 31st wedding (2011)  is our best option because we both have vacation then.  

So we're trying to throw this thing together quickly.  He keeps saying lets just elope-- but I have always dreamed of wearing the dress and taking the photos and cutting the cake etc. And I know if we don't do that, I will regret it.  

However, our biggest problem is venue.  I have found very few options that are in our incredibly small budget--  we need everything (to include invitations, photographer, dress, catering, venue, invitations, etc.)  to be under $5000.  I'm finding this nearly impossible.

We need an indoor venue with handicap access.  We are willing to cut the guest list down to 60 people if it will get us into an affordable space.  We might just do an IPod for music, we may do cupcakes or sheet cake, our decorations are being lent to us from my work.  But the biggest obstacle is venue.  It would be nice to have a place thats all-inclusive b/c we don't live in the Portland/Vancouver area (we need to have the wedding their because almost all of our family is in that area)

PLEASE HELP with any ideas or suggestions!!! I am getting desperate.  I don't want to cut every corner or forfeit a special day because of money!  

Re: Stressed about Affordable Venue :(

  • mrandmrsbristmrandmrsbrist member
    1000 Comments Second Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Most city websites have spaces that they rent out for parties, weddings, etc. Universities also have a lot of good space to rent for weddings. A church would also be a good, cheap option. GL!
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  • edited December 2011
    Look at public parks. We're getting married at a cruise terminal and it's BEAUTIFUL for only 100 bucks an hour because it's owned be the city.

    Consider doing just desserts and wine/coffee for the reception. That will help cut costs. Plus you can get desserts yourself at costco (like the bars.. mmm yummy) and put them on cute  cake stands. I made my cake stands for 2 dollars a piece.



    Use vistaprint for invitations. If you sign up now, you will get emails from them with free offers. Including in that is free invites! Best thing ever! You only pay tax and shipping. :)

    Wedding gown.. look at outlets places and davids bridal.

     I got this at an outlet. It fit like a GLOVE so no alterations were required at all. It was 1700 marked down to 600 and it's my dream gown. :) They had a ton that were less than 300 though.

     
    what size dress are you? I have a gown I bought from davids bridal. If we're the same size and you try it on in store and like it.. you can have it.

     It's beautiful! It just wasn't "the one" for me. Go try on some DB dresses. They have great deals on those as well, even if you don't like this one/aren't the same size as me. :)

    The photographer.. I know Heidi Caldwell is 900 for unlimited (1,100 for two photographers) and she gives you all the rights. But you may have better luck asking around local coffee shops and whatnot for people that are looking to work on their portfolio. I know people that have gotten as low as 300 for the entire day because they did this.

    I'll keep an eye out for venues for you. Will look around and ask around.
    You can make this happen, I promise. Don't give up on your dream wedding.
  • edited December 2011

    PM me if you have any questions, need any help. Military sticks out for military ;) We're stationed up at whidbey, but my father worked at Ft Lewis for about 10 years.
    I may have some things that could be helpful to you as well, such as 13095823705928357 coffee cups. A ton of cute black square plastic plates, some decor things, etc. Let me know what I can help you with.

    There is also a "military board' for support and questions under "special topic". Don't be shy. ;) 
     I may know a friend that is working on her portfolio actually.. she may be cheap.. Where specifically are you looking for venues so I have an idea?

  • edited December 2011
    tacoma parks and rec places you can rent:
    http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/page.php?id=118
    With pricing:
    http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/files/library/4bee8405a6d9f88b.pdf

    Also near you in pierce county:
    http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/Meridian.htm

    These are some restaurants in Tacoma that you may consider as well. Restaurants can be GREAT places to house receptions (if you are doing a park or church ceremony. Look into the base chapel as well.. )
    Consider restaurants because they will let you decorate, but already have the linens, tables,  chairs, etc. It's a funky fun and different vibe that makes a wedding unique, while saving money because usually they don't charge for the usage fee, or charge very little, because you are paying for the food)

    http://www.varsitygrill.com/party.php

    http://www.primogrilltacoma.com/private_appetizers.php

    If you're willing to go as far as Seattle, the Lake Union Cafe is free usage as long as you have 100 people. they can house a ceremony AND reception, wil ahve all tables, chairs, linens, china, etc. They are AWESOME and so helpful.
  • hansena3hansena3 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    i know people have done weddings at pearson air museum - http://www.fortvan.org/files/FVNT_USE_Policy_PAM.pdf this gives quite a bit of information about rates and the facilities (capacities, tables/chairs to rent etc.). this would be a great way to give a nod to his military work since it's on ft. vancouver.
    here are some other ideas for venue sites in ft. vancouver (warning - marshall house is pretty expensive) http://www.fortvan.org/pages/event-rental-see-all-spaces

    hope this helps!
  • edited December 2011
    You should try the Edmondshire Estate 253.691.0709... They have a special through March, all inclusive (venue, set up, clean up, oderves and non alcoholic beverages) for under 4k and it is at a beautiful location... the down side is that the maximum capacity is 50(my party will be over 150, otherwise I would take advantage of this)and it is in Lakewood WA... I am sure your family would sacrifice a drive for your special day! Wish you the best!!!
  • edited December 2011
    since he's a soldier....check on ft lewis/mchord...they usually have free event spaces.  you can always just do a justice of the peace ceremony with only your witnesses and invite your guest to a reception later that day to cut costs
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  • edited December 2011

    P.S. davids bridal always has a sale goin

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  • edited December 2011
    the aqua club in kenmore is only $650 I was going to get married there but I was worried it wouldnt be big enough for my guest list of 150.  aquaclub.org is the website.  They were very nice and are flexable.  they also have a small kitchen and provide chairs and tables.
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