Cheap Venues - Somerville City Club, Anthony's Functions

mt4sbwy · March 2010

Our budget is $8000 for everything, guest list 80-100 (80 with family only, but we may decide to invite more people if we can swing it). Better than half of our guests are from out of town and may be uncomfortable driving in city traffic, so I would really prefer to find a venue that's close to our ceremony site in Cambridge. The other half lives on the North Shore, so I'd rather avoid making them drive even further south. So far, I've only been able to find two places that look like they'd work. Does anyone have any experience with either Anthony's Functions or Somerville City Club, or suggestions for other places we could look?

Also, if you were at an out of town wedding, would you appreciate directions on how to use mass transit to get to the reception site, or should I assume that people will rent cars?

vtbm · March 2010

I went to a bridal shower at Casa Lucia in Revere recently and it was quite nice! It used to be the Italian American and was pretty dumpy so I was shocked. It's been totally renovated and you can bring in your own caterer. I've been to Anthony for many things. It's hit or miss. Good luck!

Karen's MOH · March 2010

I don't know either of the places, but to answer your second question, it depends where people are staying. If the hotels, ceremony and reception hall are all easily accessible by public transportation, I would appreciate it. But if it would be a hike in high heels, it might not be necessary. Is there any room in your budget to provide a shuttle? That would be my preference but I know it gets pricey.

DirtyWater · March 2010

Anthony's looks like it hasn't been updated in forever. Somerville City club isn't on the nicest street. Parking should be ok. I'd prefer the City Club over Anthony's because of its looks.

emilyinboston · March 2010

Growing up in Somerville I've been to many an event at Anthony's. The unfortunate thing about Anthony's is that there is very limited parking in the lot across the street and as of January the whole city is permit parking; so unless you're planning on a Sunday function parking is a big issue.