North Shore bride, need help with venues!

ajc1028

I've been looking at venues online for a month or so now and I'm having a lot of trouble finding a venue that fits in my budget. My FI and I are keeping the guest list small, as we would like to try to keep the wedding around $5K if we can. I'd prefer to buy a home in the next couple of years so I don't want to go into debt over the wedding. As of now we have 72 people on our guestlist, most of his family is out of state so we may end up with roughly 50 people in the end.

We're fairly open to just about anything as we haven't decided on too much. We would like the wedding to have a vintage/rustic feel to it, somewhat laid back.

I'm also a pretty crafty individual so any DIY suggestions are also much appreciated!

A venue where I can outsource food and alcohol will probably help keep my costs down, right? Also, open to cutting out "traditional" aspects that aren't really necessary if anyone has ideas.

Please help!

hsantos1229

try the carriage house at Lynch Park in Beverly.  They just recently redid it.  You can also get married in the rose garden there

megbrooks2011

The Hart House in Ipswich.  Website doesn't give much info or pictures, but it's worth checking out.  I had my shower there, but a friend and a family member have both been married there and have nothing but amazing things to say about it.

http://www.1640harthouse.com/

Jen6862

$5K for everything or just the venue/food/drink?

If yes, then you're options will be limited:

You could get married in a public park and then have the reception at a nearby restaurant or just find a large restaurant.

Are you getting married in a church? Some churches have banquet halls you can rent--not usually very pretty, but might be an option if you are really trying to stick to budget.

Other inexpensive wedding venues to look for are community centers and halls and american legion banquet halls.

Maybe look here: http://www.weddingreportsma.com/receptionhalls.cfm

ajc1028

Great, thank you for the suggestions! I'm definitely going to look into both of these locations.

steph20049

Also the Hamilton Community Center-  Beautiful Space, I have thrown parties there, and they are very helpful.. You can bring in just about everything of your own, and I believe the rental rate for a Saturday is about $500.... 

steph20049

And the Gould Barn in Topsfield ......