perfect venue? Ideas on colors/theme needed!

isabica

Hi everyone!
Got engaged recently and trying to find the perfect venue. Originaly we had in mind to do a small intimate wedding with a warm, nature related (getting maried in October 2014) theme. But are guest list got a little bigger than what we first expected, about 50-60 adults and 15 kids.

I found a nice venue, but wanted to know what you all think, because it is not at all what I had in mind in the begining, it is pretty chic, and looking for ways to make it my own. Fall/nature theme with maybe a litlle vintage or shabby chic feel to it, do you think it can be achieved here??? The only colors for linens  that are included (table cloth, chair covers, sashes and napkins) are black or white.

So anyway here is a pic of the venue, any thoughts would be appreciated!

kipnus

This looks pretty formal right now. I would suggest taking off the chair covers and switching to white linens for a more casual feel.

isabica

@ kipnus, I was thinking on putting white linens (maybe with just a dash of black in napkins or sashes). The problem is that if I take off the chair covers, the chairs are pretty ugly, and I don't want to spend money renting chairs, when I already have some included....any other suggestions on colors or how to make the wedding less formal?

allispain

White linens would definitely help with making it look less formal-chic. Achieving shabby chic, however, might be tough given those chandeliers. I think you could still go for a fall feel to the wedding depending on your color choices, centerpieces, etc. but it may not be the perfect venue for your original vision.

isabica

@allispain Thanks, so confused....can't find anything that would fit my original idea, that is close enough, in my budget or that would fit our small group...

allispain

Given that you're looking for something with a more vintage or shabby chic feel, have you looked into renting out a restaurant rather than your typical catering-hall type of place? Otherwise, I'm not sure where you're from - if it's a warmer climate, you could always try for something outdoors for the ceremony during a warmer part of day (early to mid-afternoon) and then have your reception immediately after indoors. This would put it at a non-meal time, which would significantly lower your budget since you would only have to pay for hors d'oeuvres, drinks, cake, etc. rather than a full sit-down meal.

ElcaB

It can definitely work for your vision, with some adjustments. As a PP suggested, switch the linens to white. I'd get rid of the uplighting and add lots of candles and/or white string lights, and see about placing some large potted plants around the area. If it's in the budget, switch out the chairs for something a little more rustic, like wooden folding chairs. Of course, you can also incorporate your theme into your centerpieces and table settings. 

AprilH81

You can do "fall" but it will be a little tricky to do shabby chic in that space without spending a lot of money.  You may be able to add in those touches in the décor of the gift table, guest book table, etc., but I would do it in small amounts so it doesn't look too out of place.

isabica

Thanks for your comments. I still can't decide. I'm from Quebec (Canada), so it is pretty chilly in mid-october, so I can't plan something outside.
I was planning on a non conventional venue, such as a restaurant or B&B but the problem is we are going to have a lot of small children, so not quite sure it would be a good idea if they don't have much room to move/run?!? around....