Venue in Central Mass??

futuremrsmason1

Hi everyone! We just got engaged two weeks ago, and are quickly realizing we are in over our heads with the wedding planning bit. We want to get married in the spring of 2013, and are estimating about 125 guests. I am realizing that our budget is considered pretty small at 10,000 for the whole shebang.

Any advice on venues? We would really like things to look nice even though we are not rich... Trying to avoid halls/etc. We looked at Wachusett Mountain and it was nice there but I wasn't 100 sold due to the bathrooms and the fact that they have multiple events going on the same time.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated! I feel soooo lost am overwhelmed when all I want to do is to celebrate!

Ashleigh828

What type of wedding are you thinking? Indoor, outdoor, rustic, formal? This would help in getting reco's.

cehuxs9701

A friend of mine got married at the Westford Regency on a limited budget - might be worth checking out.

julibug86

What towns are you near?  We are also on a budget and are looking at the following...

1.  Milton Hoosic Club (Milton)
2.  Warren Conference Center (Ashland)
3.  Connors Center (Dover)

They're middle range of prices, but beautiful views!  We aren't into the hotel wedding and were looking for something out of the box.  My sister had hers at the Norton Country Club which has very affordable packages.

futuremrsmason1

Thanks! We are not really into the whole country club thing, but I'm trying to be open minded as well. My dream wedding reception would be in a tent or a place with lots of windows that has an outsoorsy/ tent feel to it. I want to save money but I don't want it to seem cheap or tacky... We both have pretty laid back personalities so I guess the theme would be laidback and fun. My biggest concerns are the food bein good and everyone being able to dance and have a great time!

futuremrsmason1

Oops and we live in Shrewsbury but have guests coming from everywhere from Springfield to the cape and out of state.

Ashleigh828

I centered my search in Worcester as I have family coming from the South Shore and from Upstate NY. We also did not want the country club / hotel venue. Here are a few venues that we considered:
1. Worcester Ecotarium - tons of large windows, close to several hotels
2. Union Station - very unique, also close to hotels
3. Tower Hill - has the option of outside ceremony
4. Worcester Art Museum - very nice
5. Tuckerman Hall - where we booked! gorgeous space but above the $10k budget.

There is also Old Sturbridge Village which has outdoor space and is extremely budget friendly. It is also centrally located and close to hotels. The packages here were the best around and the space is gorgeous. Definitely worth a look, I thought.

Hope this is somewhat helpful. Good Luck!

futuremrsmason1

Thanks ladies! I LOVE the Warren Center... it is just a little over our budget but I'm going to see if they offer discounts for off-season dates.  I like the idea of the Ecotarium too!

Westford and Norton Clubs include aboslutely everything which is great- they don't have too many pictures on their websites though so I couldn't get a feel for what you get for the money.  Both were very reasonable and we might come in UNDER budget if we went there! I'm definitely feeling more excited and less overwhelmed now that I've gotten my feet wet a little with looking at places. 

Another place we are going to check out is the Log Cabin in Holyoke.... it's $53pp and looks aboslutely gorgeous. 

Has anyone been to the Essex conference center? I love, love, LOVE the idea of having a campfire/ overnight party but again, a little out of our price range.  I wish I could find somewhere like that but a little less pricey. 

Thanks for the auggestions! Keep 'em coming if anyone else wants to share their venue

luellaq06

You can get married at Union Station!!! That's so cool!  I was going to suggest Sturbridge as well because of the Public House.  I am not sure though how much that costs...

I am having my ceremony in Central MA too but we are thinking we'll have it at my parents house or my grandparents church.  Why pay for a venue if I don't have to.  If I could have my dream wedding I would have prob done it at Mechanics Hall or Elm Park (but I don't think they allow weddings there only pics).  

luellaq06

Also I found this dunno if its any help but thought it would be cool to share:

http://voices.yahoo.com/free-wedding-ceremony-sites-central-massachusetts-46686.html?cat=7

julibug86

Warren Conference Center is my front runner right now and we are going to view it this weekend.  It's a little more than I wanted to spend, but I'd rather be $2000 over my budget than look back and be upset that I settled for a wedding I didn't love.  Yes, $2000 is a lot of money, but not so much in the grand scheme of life.  (or at least this is what I'm telling myself!)

For the Norton Country Club, I can send you pics of my sister's wedding.  It was in 2006, so am not sure how much has changed.  She wanted a place where they took care of it all (which they did).  For me, it was too cookie cutter.  There was nothing special.  Some of this is my sister too though, as she wasn't interested in DIY or doing too much. 

HockeyFan4

Check out Zukas Hill Top Barn

http://www.zukas.com/

futuremrsmason1

Thanks for all the advice!

We have narrowed it down to three places and are in the process of going on tours.  We are looking at:
 
Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield (BEAUTIFUL landscape with a gazebo for an outdoor ceremony, and gorgeous old post and beam area for dinner- they also do roast beef over an open fire for your guests to see/smell their meal during cocktail hour)

Smolak Farms in North Andover (top choice right now.. they are so super nice there, have a gorgeous ceremony and reception area, AND you can use their barn for cocktail hour)

The Warren Center in Ashland - going to check this one on Friday!


Let me know if you have questions about these places

janiepc

Hi, How did you like the Warren Conference Center?  We're trying to plan for next year and since we have people coming in from out of state we liked the idea of people being able to stay onsite.  Love to hear your thoughts!

janiepc

By the way, we're also trying to fit 100 or so for <$10,000 so I'll share whatever I find!