Brainstorming needed! Stuck between Venues.

PocoLoboBlanco

Girls, I need help.
I thought we found our wedding venue, which is Benham's Grove in Centerville. It's an old farmhouse, with a Gazabo and Barn and Tent and seems perfect for our wedding - and our budget. But we will have to do everything ourself. Find a caterer, do the decorations, take the decorations back down, get linens, etc...

Then we went to a Taste Testing for the Caterer I really want, which is Destinys Catering in West Chester, OH. They are affiliated with the Beckett Ridge Golf club and I love the location. And they would do everything for you. We would pretty much be guests at our own wedding, they decorate to our wishes, linen, chairs, food, everything will be taken care off.
Their estimate is more than we were thinking about spending, but if I calculated it up, by the time I get my own linens, etc. doing it ourself might not be that much cheaper.

Now I am torn. Benham's Grove is adorable. I love the Gazebo. I love the location. I love the property manager. But will it be to stressful to go there a couple hours before our wedding and do the decorations? And then after our wedding take it all back down and clean up?
And that all within 6 hours rental time (she said she is flexible with hours and wouldn't mind us needing 2 more or so for free, especially because we are getting married on a week day)
I am just so torn and I need opinions, please!

mookow86

I would do an actual calculation of what you'd spend at each place, and if the prices are comparable I would go with the golf club. If not and you go with Benham's, I would look into hiring someone to decorate- you don't want to be stressed about those kinds of details on your wedding day!

GoBucksOH

I agree - on your wedding day, you want to try to relax and enjoy getting ready, getting pictures, and getting MARRIED!! Not worry about decorating, timing, tearing down, etc. Go with the place that will cater to you and let you enjoy your big day

rshellyp

I would recommend Becket Ridge. They have an outdoor ceremony space if you are looking to do something outside. I went to a wedding in October where the bride and groom had to hire their own caterer, do their own decorating, etc. I saw how stressed out the couple was trying to get everything done before the wedding. And then they had to cut the reception short just to have enough time to tear down all the decorations. ENJOY your day! Relax and let someone else do all the work for you!

PocoLoboBlanco

Thanks guys

I thought so. I had a couple people that offered to help decorate and other things, but you never know and I think I am to OCD for that anyway. lol

I was thinking about hiring somebody for decorations, but I haven't found anybody yet. And if it's going to cost me $1000 to hire somebody to do it, I might as well go with Beckett Ridge.
I think I am less stressed or worried about the decorationg, then the actual cleaning and packing up after the event. It's gonna be a long day as it is
I guess it's hard for me to switch it around in my head. I was all set on Benham's Grove and had the decorations all planned out in my head and saw myself getting married in that Gazebo. We were sure that was it until we went to that Taste Testing and I got a little overwhelmed by the decision making.

Thank you for the input!

BethP937

Will you be doing an open bar? Benham's Grove allows you to buy your own alcohol, which may save thousands of dollars. The alcohol was the #1 reason why I wanted to go to a "do it yourself" type venue. It didn't work out in the end, and now hyperventilate over our bar costs every so often.

Bestfriendconcierge

if you find you need help at Benham's grove, We do day of wedding concierge help  and can set up before, check up during and clean up after...You make the plan and take it from there!  Current rate is $30/hr

Sue Glew

Best Friend Errand Service

PocoLoboBlanco

We will have an open bar. But I found a "rolling bar service" they have different options, but their completely open bar, including hard liquor, beer, wine, mix drinks and soda is 9.99 a person. With about 80 guests, probably only 50 drinking age, that isn't to bad. And Beckett ridge has an open bar service, too, it wasn't much more expensive. I'm glad we're having a small wedding. Lol

hunterneal07

I am having mine in July at Benhams and I am glad I picked them! Its a little smaller than I wanted for 80 people but they are the BEST to work with! And they will work with you and I just will have other people decorate. Its not a biggie.