Hi everyone! I just got engaged 12/28/12. I always thought I would have a long engagement, and I also always thought I was going to have a spring or winter wedding. Nope! My fiance and I want to get married 8/17/13. He is in the Navy, and this is our only opportunity to do it, unless we want to wait years and only have a very short time to plan.
So how to plan a wedding in only 8 months?? I've been researching and making contact to venues, some are just ridiculously expensive ($12,000 for a minimum on food??) and others are booked (of course)
I really only want to spend about $10-12k. My fiance and I are paying for it out of our own pockets. I want to do a lot of DIY things. My guest list is about 100-120 people. I don't really care where it is, Ann Arbor/Detroit area. Family comes from all over, Ann Arbor is perhaps central to some. There will be no honeymoon, at least not for awhile, so that's not going to be a factor in the cost.
I can envision an outdoor wedding in a large tent, with lots of strung lights and classic "summer" wedding. Unfortunately, Stoney Creek Metropark is booked through this summer. Any other venues around for all outdoor? How much would something like that cost if you have to rent the tent, floor, etc??
I'm not opposed to indoor venues, either, but it would be nice if it looked decent inside! I really liked the Southfield Westin Garden Atrium, but too pricey!
Any suggestions are welcome! I'm basically planning this all by myself, since fiance has his duties with the Navy!