We will be getting married in October 2012 and although it seems like a long time away I am trying to get as much together as soon as possible, as we are planning our Tampa wedding while living in Boston. FH grew up there and has a huge family so it makes the most sense to do it there (we think?!).
Basically I am hoping others out there can make some suggestions, whether it is places to check out or to avoid. I have been reseraching online like crazy but feel like our $10-15k budget will be a stretch for our 100+ guest list. It seems like we would have to do cash bar to even consider some places, but still would like to at least try to cover everything for bridal party, if not everyone. Even though the $10-15k is our total budget, the majority will go towards venue, food, flowers, etc, as I am only planning on spending around $500 for my dress.
For the most part I have been looking for venues that are as all-inclusive as possible, as renting tables, linens, etc all seperately while out of state seems like it could get too hectic.
We are going to be in the area in Nov and will be scouting out locations; we liked the idea of getting married in Curtis Hixon park downtown and then having a reception elsewhere, but my inital research has kind of showed me that most reception venues only tack on a few hundred dollars extra to include ceremony (and also outdoor ceremony slightly worries me). I like the idea of the beach as well, but most places in Clearwater etc seemed kind of pricey for our number of guests?! Best case scenario would be somewhere that allows outdoors but also provides back-up indoor space.
I am still new to all of this and would appreciate any feedback/ideas that any other Florida brides might be able to share with me!
Congrats to all by the way!!