Community› Local Wedding Boards› Iowa-Quad Cities
Iowa-Quad Cities
New Discussion

Bride on a Budget

starbrite74starbrite74
First Comment
in Iowa-Quad Cities
I am looking for the most inexpensive places to have a wedding and reception in the QC area, I am on a budget and need to do this for as little as possible. Fiance was laid off for 3 mnths and we couldnt coem up with the $1000 that was needed in time for the place we had reseved so im at square one again on getting this donesince the wedding is in 8mnths,Undecided I feel as tho i have nothing accomplished, Any help or ideas would be very welcomed.
Report Reply to Post

Re: Bride on a Budget

  • astacey1784astacey1784
    First Comment
    How many people are you expecting and what is the price range you are thinking in terms of the rental cost of the venue.

    I am having my wedding at the Watchtower Lodge over in Blackhawk State Park. It is a gorgeous location (all wood, vaulted ceiling, balcony, fireplaces, etc.). You can hold your ceremony there as well either indoors or outdoors. They charge $700 plus a $150 dollar refundable deposit. The nice part is they only require $300 to lock in your date, the next $300 at the six month mark and the last $100 plus the $150 deposit at the three month mark.

    The other nice thing about them is they allow you to choose your own caterer (or even bring in your own food) and you can bring in your own beverages (if you want alcohol you have to purchase an insurance policy for $150 but you will probably save at least that much by being able to buy your own alcohol as opposed to going through a bartending service).
    Report Reply
  • colleengilhoolycolleengilhooly member
    5 Love Its First Comment First Anniversary
    I believe the lodge may be booked for Saturdays in 2013 but they may have had an opening since I talked to them in July. Parks are a great idea if you are on a budget. really depends on how many guests you are expecting. Let us know and I'm sure you will be able to think of something great!
    Report Reply
  • shanliannshanliann member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper First Comment
    How much are you looking to spend?
    Report Reply
  • lcattertonlcatterton member
    First Comment
    The Veteran's Memorial Park in Bettendorf has a beautiful shelter that is used in many concerts, shows, etc. It can be rented for very cheap. Less than $50. Look into it. And, then have your reception at a restaurant or something along those lines. :) Good luck!

    April 2013 - October Siggy Challenge: Venue

    Save the Date - Music Poster Inspired STD's



    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • starbrite74starbrite74
    First Comment
    i am expecting about 150 people, kind of want to stay under$1000 including food, we have anapt to veiw duck creek lodge but i dont think that will be bing enough spec if we want to dance, im in love with the lilac garden tho so i am def going with that,always wanted to use the gazebo. any other suggestions?
    Report Reply
  • bdpbridebdpbride member
    First Comment First Anniversary
    Under $1000 might be tough.  There aren't many rooms you can rent for less then $400 or $500, and even if you get one of those that leaves you with a food budget of $3 or $4 a person, and maybe you can do an appetizers or a dessert recpetion for that but I'm not sure you could do an actual meal. 

    Duck Creek I believe does rent for less but 150 is pretty tight, you could always move tables after dinner to make a dance floor maybe. 

    Have you looked at Steeplegate Inn, Home Ridge Inn and Suites, Milan Community Center, Eldridge Community Center, Tanglewood Hills Evergreen Room, the Rock or Northgate Place.

    Good luck!
    February Siggy Challenge - Bridesmaid Dresses - April 2013 Board

    No bridesmaids, just my flower girl

    image
    Report Reply
  • tawillerstawillers member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper First Comment
    I'll add that we used Catering by Sue in Donahue for our wedding 4 years ago.  It was very affordable and she has options for ANY budget.  Definitely worth giving her a call for more info.
    Report Reply
  • astacey1784astacey1784
    First Comment
    Unless you are going to do desserts only I think you are going to have a really hard time being able to rent a venue and feed 150 people for less than $1,000. The most reasonably priced caterer I have heard of is Springbrook Catering (they are located outside of Maquoketa but offer catering locally). I have heard of her being as low as $6-7 a person but even that cheap it would be pretty difficult to do 150 people at the price you are looking at and pay for a venue.

    Are you a member of a church? You may be able to reserve a community room in a church for little to no cost (but most churches don't allow alcohol). You could also try some community halls/lodges, they may be cheaper to rent as well. Otherwise, do you know anyone with a barn that you could use, the barn/rustic themed weddings are really popular right now.

    Duck Creek Lodge may be a good option if you were to decide to do desserts only or just finger foods. In that case you could setup just a few tables for people to sit at while they are not mingling or dancing. They charge $250 to rent the venue and there is a $250 refundable deposit. Also, if it is nice outside you can even have your guests mingle outside as well.

    There is an indoor lodge at Scott County Park, but I know they have rules regarding alcohol and music that you would need to check on.
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards