my boyfriend proposed about two weeks ago, and we are planning a wedding for the end of august or early september. we don't have much time, or much money (trying to keep it under 10k) for planning, and since we want it outside we are looking into having it either at a family memeber's house in waterford, with the backyward on the lake, or at what used to be my grandparents house on 7 acres in new boston. there are new homeowners now, but they know my family and most likely would accomodate. but there are a few concerns i have about either of these locations such as :
we're obviously going to have a tent just in case it rains the day of, but could people still have a good time in a tent at a wedding if it's raining? also, are there tents with sides to them so i can make sure nobodys getting rained on? another thing.. a floor. if it's raining, anybody in a long dress,sandals, or barefoot is going to be uncomfortable walking on wet grass, can you order some kind of floor to go along with it? i really don't want rain to ruin my day what so ever, i really want to not care that much if it rains. so any advice with that is appreciated.
second, food. if it's the end of august, at an outside wedding, what kinds of food would you suggest? i'm not sure if we're hiring a caterer, but i'm assuming we'll have to. any suggestions or alternatives are welcome. we're looking at a wedding for 100-120 people.
any suggestions on outside venues that would allow alcohol, a late nite (til 2am is ideal), and is as inexpensive as possible would be very much appreciated. i'm stumped! any unique place in detroit, even if it's not outside. we love the city and love anything a little odd so we're open to a bunch of ideas, but we just have no idea where to start looking for venues other than the normal halls/golf courses which we feel have no personality. DIA, greenfield village, etc would be amazing but are too expensive, and probably booked. and also, i've heard alot of horror stories about belle isle, which is a bummer, so that's a no go as well. we are having a professor both of us had in college marry us, so the less religious, the better we think.
FINALLY THE IMPORTANT PART.
my dress.
i have looked endlessly since i was proposed to, for a wedding dress. i like nothing in any store whatsoever. the one dress i've seen online that i love is by a designer who's bridal gowns can only be found at bella donna's in wyandotte. i've called so many times about ordering this dress, and they have never gotten back to me. i'm assuming they can't get it.
this is the dress:
i love the vintage look to it, and i can't find that in any bridal salon. i've been to Paris in royal oak, but other than that i really have no idea where to find a selection of vintage bridal dresses worth driving to.
sorry for the mouthful/rambling. thanks alot in advance.