Just engaged...need help!

samiamk

I just got engaged and I am told that I need to figure out the ceremony and reception right away so that we can book the date.  I was wondering if anyone had any ideas...  I am wanting an outdoor ceremony and a reception indoors that would include an open bar.  Something that is reasonably priced.  Does anyone have any suggestions of places they have been and loved?  Thanks!

shellb1978

Congrats!!!  Sooo exciting for you.
You do want to book right away for them to hold the date, we got engaged in november, and booked the venues a month later (we're getting married in 2 months).

We went with Orlando's.  They are beautiful, and do it all, catering, open bar, etc.
I know one of them you can do an outside ceremony with an inside reception, I know the setting for it outside is beautiful.  Their prices were very reasonable, cheapest and most elegant that we found, check their website.  www.orlandogardens.com

Hope that helps some!

Future Mrs Wilson

Congrats!!!! You absolutely need to take care of this decision ASAP! I wanted the exact same thing. I visted 22 places and found Sqwires for everything. We are getting married in lafayette square in front of sqwires and then having our reception at the annex of sqwires. It is amazing!!! Bethany is the owner and she coordinated everything. Great thing is that there is a backup plan if the weather does not cooperate. You need to call her and tell her that Jamey sent you. She will take great care of you.  Good luck in your decision!

mkmccorm

Wonderful!!! Congratulations!!!

My fiance and I wanted the same thing!!! We are getting married at Caroline Vineyards in Washington MO. THe ceremony will overlook the Missouri River and site atop some bluffs...completely gorgeous!

The reception is at the same location in a beautfil ballroom; open bar is only 7.25/person for rail liquor with their preferred vendor: Champagne Wishes.

The website is: http://www.riverbendchapelinc.com/

Tony, the manager is very easy to work with and accomodating!!!

Let us know what you choose!!!

paphoenix

We went with Russo's Catering.  They have a few different locations as far as places to actually have the reception at.  My firends had their reception through them as well.  It all tasted great and it was great service.  They do book up fast though...

gwencortopassi

Congratulations!  Before you jump head first into wedding planning, take a few days (or weeks) to just enjoy being engaged.  It's wonderful and can only be matched by the warm fuzzy feeling you get from being someone's wife

My husband and I got married at the 9th Street Abbey last October.  They have a beautiful arbor-covered patio, and I know they have done ceremonies outdoors, but the patio is not very big.  If you're planning on a large guest list, that may not be the best place for an outdoor ceremony.  But do consider Patty Long for catering.  The food was great, the drinks were plentiful, but the service (both leading up to the wedding and the day of) is what sets them apart from the other vendors we considered.

jlk0219

Congratulations!!  I agree completely with Gwen.  Yes, those are the first things you want to tackle, but take a couple weeks to just enjoy being engaged and ogling your ring : )  Wedding planning will get stressful all too soon.

Before you even start looking at venues, make a tentative guest list so you have an idea of how many guests you'll have.  You'll need to know this to decide if a venue is going to work for the size of your wedding.

We got married in Lafayette Park and had the reception at Morgan Street Brewery.  There are lots of beautiful places to have an outdoor wedding.  Some will also have a reception venue onsite, but most will require you to go to a separate location for the reception.

kacarothers

Hello-

Congrats on your recent engagement.  That is so true that you will want to book your venues as quickly as possible.  Most venues book anywhere up to one year in advance. 

You may want to check the venue called "The Bluffs on Broadway."  Their phone number is (314) 231-4808.  This is an excellent venue and the level of service is impeccable.  It offers an opportunity to have the ceremony outdoors and the reception indoors. 

Another good venue for outdoor ceremonies is the Jewel Box at Forest Park.  I know the pricing is very economical. 

samiamk

Thank you so much everyone!  I really appreciate all the suggestions!

meganlee8988

My cousin had a beautiful outdoor ceremony and indoor reception at The Vineyard at Riverbend Chapel.  She was able to get a date less than 6 months after she was proposed to, though I wouldn't reccommend waiting that long. She had an open bar, and I believe that they include the linens, colored napkins, and chair covers in the prices that they charge per person for a sit down dinner.  They are definately worth checking out!