Big New England DIY wedding

michbrad3

I originally posted this under budget weddings, and some of the lovely ladies on that thread suggested I post it here... so here goes  

I just got engaged over the Christmas Holiday and couldn't be more excited! However, I know the stress/panic of planning a wedding is imminent.... Like many of the bride-to-be's on this website... I want it all, for less I have a huge family, so our already pared-down guest-list comes to about 220. There are a few things that we need to have: open bar (I know it makes it more expensive this way - but we're hoping to find a place that will let us bring in our own beer -maybe even kegs?? and wine), off-site catering (my fiance is a chef and hates wedding food - so we'd love to do buffet style with Italian or Chinese or something budget friendly) and simple ceremony onsite (we wont be hosting it at a church, etc.) We are aware that off-season months would be cheaper, so we are thinking spring (particularly May if the rates are do-able) in 2014. I know I can cut costs on flowers (not a huge flower person to begin with), my dress (looking to alter my moms), and cake (don't have strong feelings on the cake cutting/feeding traditions) but  know the venue/catering/liquor portion will be the big hitters to our budget.

Are there any suggestions for a venue that will allow outside catering and outside liquor in the New England area (maybe 2hr radius from Boston, ma) that anyone has been to, worked with, heard of, that might fit our needs? Our budget is not set, but I don't think we could/should go anywhere above 20K.

conflictedmaid

I posted this in your other thread, but the off season for weddings is January, February and March.  May is not an "off season" month, it is actually a very popular month for weddings and you won't get any discount rates for it.

cristin517

These are in RI
Chace Farm in warren ri.  www.rusticbride.com and try www.solitudesprings.com

spud16

I would suggest the MA Horticultural Society in Wellsely, MA. Check out my blog review of the site: http://anewenglandwedding.blogspot.com/2012/12/ma-wedding-venue-ma-horticultural.html

 I think they have everything you are looking for, you have to provide your own alcohol and food but you must use thier approved caterers and liquior distributors. I think you can still do it on the cheap with those options. You can have your ceremony onsite and they hold up to 225 people with a tent. Their off season ends in April, so if you want a discount look at Nov-April dates.

MrsGandthebeag

I believe I posted in the other thread and suggested camp kiwanee.  This is my most favorite wedding I've ever attended out of 20 or so.  As the pp said, the MA Horticultural Society is awesome too.  I went to a wedding there in October and the food was amazing!  The place itself was beautiful and the service was great.  I'd be surprised if it's that cheap though.

**cantwait**

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_massachusetts-boston_big-new-england-diy-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:89Discussion:da2583e7-8cbf-4358-b768-6b19987faca6Post:285527b6-a529-44af-b832-6b1c11b2405d">Big New England DIY wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]I originally posted this under budget weddings, and some of the lovely ladies on that thread suggested I post it here... so here goes :)  I just got engaged over the Christmas Holiday and couldn't be more excited! However, I know the stress/panic of planning a wedding is imminent.... Like many of the bride-to-be's on this website... I want it all, for less :) I have a huge family, so our already pared-down guest-list comes to about 220. There are a few things that we need to have: open bar (I know it makes it more expensive this way - but we're hoping to find a place that will let us bring in our own beer -maybe even kegs?? and wine), off-site catering (my fiance is a chef and hates wedding food - so we'd love to do buffet style with Italian or Chinese or something budget friendly) and simple ceremony onsite (we wont be hosting it at a church, etc.) We are aware that off-season months would be cheaper, so we are thinking spring (particularly May if the rates are do-able) in 2014. I know I can cut costs on flowers (not a huge flower person to begin with), my dress (looking to alter my moms), and cake (don't have strong feelings on the cake cutting/feeding traditions) but  know the venue/catering/liquor portion will be the big hitters to our budget. Are there any suggestions for a venue that will allow outside catering and outside liquor in the New England area (maybe 2hr radius from Boston, ma) that anyone has been to, worked with, heard of, that might fit our needs? Our budget is not set, but I don't think we could/should go anywhere above 20K.
Posted by michbrad3[/QUOTE]

<div>Just as a note...any MA venue that holds a liquor license will not permit you to bring in any alcohol.  Not sure how the other NE states handle this.</div>

Goofs13

The site fee at MA Horticultural Society is pretty high.  I looked there and I think it is between $5K-$7K and you have to bring everything in yourself.

marshallra

There are many sites that allow you to bring in your own food and liquor. Many of the non profits operate that way, some require you chose between a specific list of caterers, others give you pretty broad latitude. The site fees vary widely, but make sure you know what is included. Some have nothing, others table and chairs are included. Also with your numbers many of the places won't work unless yu do a tent in good weather. The cost of a tent will increase your costs considerably. Some ideas: Artists for Humanity in Southie The community boathouse inBoston/watertown The community sailing school in Duxbury ( can't remember exact name) The cushing center in Norwell Arlington Town Hall Charles River Museum The hoosic House in Milton ( they do their own liquor but very reasonable)

marshallra

Other thoughts: The commadants house in Watertown, they have a tent set up already The bradley estate in Dedham I can also recommend South Shore Science center. They have a building with a kitchen and bathrooms, a very pretty site and a very reasonable site fee. You will have to rent a tent and everything else but it gives yu total flexability. Finally when you look at liquor consider using the place in Waltham, name escapes me ( mind blank again!) they will deliver and take back anything unused and provide very good prices. We had about the same numbers and estimated a full bar would run 2-3000 with wine etc. Also in DIY consider bamboo plates. Less expensive than rental, classier than paper and disposable so no hassle.