Looking for VRBO or private property reception brides!

akrysl22

Hi everyone - after searching and searching for a budget friendly option in Chicago, we've realized it just is not going to happen! 
So, we are thinking that Vegas is the way to go - and particularly renting out a private property and throwing a somewhat casual reception.

If anyone has ANY ideas or recommendations or things that they did to save some money, please let me know.   We are planning about 100 guests coming to Vegas with us.   We will do our ceremony at a chapel with Elvis (fiance's idea!), and then the reception.  Also will try and do a Friday evening gathering at the house.

Also, if anyone has done this and can share with me about how much per person they did it for, I'd appreciate the budget help!

Thank you!

MeatAuditor

I can tell you more in about 2 weeks

We're doing ceremony & reception in a backyard of an estate from VRBO.  You are able to control costs this way. 

Most VRBO places have 3-night minimums.  Depending on the place, that can take a chunk of your budget.  But if you want, you can offer space to some guests so that they don't have to rent rooms. 

You will need to rent tables, chairs, and linens.  Those prices vary quite a bit depending on what items you pick.  There are a lot of other rental items you may or may not decide you need.  This site can give you an idea of items to consider: http://rsvpparty.com/PRODUCTS.html

Depending on the season, you may need a tent or canopy in case of rain.  That will add $500-$1000 or more depending on size of the yard.

There are a lot of catering options in many budget ranges.  Masterpiece is a great option.  We are going with Two Chefs To Go, which is more expensive but also more upscale and more full service.  They cook onsite.  Masterpiece does have some full service options, but they charge more. 

A lot of caterers will let you do the alcohol, which can save money.  Some liquor stores in town will let you return unopened bottles.

Another big budget variable is decorations.  You don't have to have any.  You can have a ton.  It depends on what you want it to look like.   We are doing centerpieces and hanging paper lanterns to help incorporate our colors.  The venue has globe lights over our reception space, and the DJ brings lighting.  We bought a $20 colored light thingy for the swimming pool.

If you're planning from a distance, you may decide to use a wedding coordinator or an event planning service.  They can help a lot but also cost.  We're doing a lot of DIY decorations to save money, but we live in town.

This is our venue:  http://www.vrbo.com/311979 Charlie & Gena are used to helping out-of-town brides with rentals and such.  They run another larger property as well. 

I know there were no specific answers in that.  Budget really is in your hands when you do it this way.  That could be good, or bad.  The sky is the limit!  But, good luck!

akrysl22

Thank YOU for all of the info!  I've sent Charlie an email, so we will see what he says.  Please do let me know about your experience - we are actually considering the first weekend of Nov next year!
Best wishes on your big day!

ambrose132

Charlie was ver helpful when I emailed him- we went with the same property mango used, but we have 30 less guests then you. Good luck!

johull2079

Hi Meat Auditor

I am also planning a private estate wedding and reception so I would be grateful of any tips you can provide and also would love to hear how your Big Day went!

Many thanks

Jo

"I can tell you more in about 2 weeks
We're doing ceremony & reception in a backyard of an estate from VRBO.  You are able to control costs this way. 
Most VRBO places have 3-night minimums.  Depending on the place, that can take a chunk of your budget.  But if you want, you can offer space to some guests so that they don't have to rent rooms. 
You will need to rent tables, chairs, and linens.  Those prices vary quite a bit depending on what items you pick.  There are a lot of other rental items you may or may not decide you need.  This site can give you an idea of items to consider: http://rsvpparty.com/PRODUCTS.html
Depending on the season, you may need a tent or canopy in case of rain.  That will add $500-$1000 or more depending on size of the yard.
There are a lot of catering options in many budget ranges.  Masterpiece is a great option.  We are going with Two Chefs To Go, which is more expensive but also more upscale and more full service.  They cook onsite.  Masterpiece does have some full service options, but they charge more. 
A lot of caterers will let you do the alcohol, which can save money.  Some liquor stores in town will let you return unopened bottles.
Another big budget variable is decorations.  You don't have to have any.  You can have a ton.  It depends on what you want it to look like.   We are doing centerpieces and hanging paper lanterns to help incorporate our colors.  The venue has globe lights over our reception space, and the DJ brings lighting.  We bought a $20 colored light thingy for the swimming pool.
If you're planning from a distance, you may decide to use a wedding coordinator or an event planning service.  They can help a lot but also cost.  We're doing a lot of DIY decorations to save money, but we live in town.
This is our venue:  http://www.vrbo.com/311979 Charlie & Gena are used to helping out-of-town brides with rentals and such.  They run another larger property as well. 
I know there were no specific answers in that.  Budget really is in your hands when you do it this way.  That could be good, or bad.  The sky is the limit!  But, good luck! "