Trying to choose between venues.

Celles

I'm torn.

FI and I visited Sassi during a recent open house and fell in love with the venue.  It is exactly what we wanted.  Unfortunately, since our wedding will be on the small side (30-40 people), Sassi is only willing to let us book the banquet room on a specific Sunday in January.  We don't mind January -- in fact, we requested it! -- but we are very anxious about a Sunday wedding since almost all of our friends and family will be coming from out of town.  Our immediate families and close friends will be there regardless, we're sure ... but we don't want to inconvenience anyone unduly, and we suspect our already small turnout will be even smaller on a Sunday.

So.  While our hearts were set on Sassi, I've started looking at other venues.  The current frontrunner is Starfire at the Scottsdale Country Club.  It's a lovely venue, and seems to be more affordable, but it has a very different vibe.  Unfortunately, FI won't be able to visit it with me; he lives in Calgary, AB and was only down in Arizona to do "wedding stuff" for two weeks.  It's kind of up to me now, and I'm notoriously indecisive.

I don't know what to do. 

NillaWafer10

My wedding is on a Sunday, and I haven't heard a single complaint.  A lot of my OOT guests are excited to have Friday and Saturday night to see the town.  Some guests are using the extra time to go see the grand canyon. 

My very favorite plus of a Sunday night reception is that I can choose just about any vendor I like, even last minute.  It has come in handy twice haha!

ieke85

I'm having a Sunday wedding and I expected it to cut down the guest list, but we still got about 80% RSVPing yes. I wouldn't worry about the day.

Celles

Thanks for the feedback!

Sassi came back and offered us Sunday, January 16th -- which I feel a little bit better about since it's a three day weekend for the Americans.  Unfortunately, it won't be a holiday for the Canadians ... but as my MOH pointed out, they would likely have to take a day off work to travel regardless: Friday for a Saturday wedding, or Monday for a Sunday wedding.

I'm seeing Starfire tomorrow.  And trying to work up the courage to call my FMIL (a snowbird wintering in Scottsdale) to ask if she wants to go with me.  FI says she will be so excited to be asked that she will literally cry! 

lcarp203

I am sorry that you are having this dilemma!  However, I am surprised to see that someone else is torn with the same decision that I had to make! 

We really like Sassi also, in fact, it was one of my favorites, however, I had a very hard time committing to that venue due to their inability to be flexible.  We are also having a smaller wedding and they put many stipulations on our event (day/time/menu/minimum food and beverage).  I just worried that in the end, I would be working around them and thinking about things that I shouldn't have to when planning a wedding.  They almost seemed high maintenance, like they were doing me a favor for letting me have my wedding there.  However, the venue was stunning!

Then I found StarFire at Scottsdale CC.  I booked there.  Brooke at StarFire has been very accommodating.  They were affordable and were able to work with us so we could have the wedding I pictured.  I know that you are concerned about the "feel" and I was too.  I spoke with Brooke and she is allowing us to take the golfing pictures off the wall and bring in our own decorations.  So, if you think that it may be too country club feeling, that may be something to consider.

Good Luck!  Either venue is beautiful, I am sure that you will be happy!

Celles

lcarp -- That is our experience exactly!  How surreal! 

Thanks so much for the encouragement -- and for the suggestion about the golf pictures.  I am meeting with Brooke today so I will definitely keep that in mind. 

lcarp203

I hope (and I am sure she did) that she showed you the smaller ceremony lawn.  We are not using the large one, but rather the smaller on right off the club house.  With the pretty flowers and the greenery, I felt like it more intimate.

Good Luck.  Let me know what you think!

Celles

Brooke was wonderful!  She walked us through both sites and did an excellent job "setting the scene," so we could visualize what both the ceremony and reception would look like.  She also shared pictures from previous weddings, talked about some ideas to customize the space, and went over all the packages and menus and various options. 

I agree 100% re: the smaller ceremony lawn.  The trees would make such a pretty backdrop for the ceremony, and the patio is fantastic. 

I really like Starfire.  Of course, I really like Sassi, too!  I'm still torn, but either would be a good choice, so it's at least a win-win. 

alschmid

I thought it was just a hard choice overall - so many beautiful places we have out here to choose from!  At least even if its a tough decision, sounds like both would suit well!

JMejia1972

Hi Ladies, I've been lurking on the Knot and now that I'm officially engaged I finally felt I could post. Funny, I have been trying to get an appointment scheduled with Sassi and haven't had luck scheduling yet, I'm glad to hear the feedback that they may not be flexible. I have a LOT of ideas that would require some flexibility. And I too have been to Starfire and found it to be a surprisingly good and affordable option in Scottsdale. I can tell you all that my next door neighbor held her wedding there and she raved about the food and service. Good luck on the hunt! I'm just beginning mine.