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having extreme venue anxiety - help!!!!

badcorebubblesbadcorebubbles
10 Comments
in California-Los Angeles
I got engaged Dec 4th, and am hoping to get married in September 2011 but so far I haven't found one venue that is somewhat affordable and not dumpy looking. I hate ballrooms and want to be outside in either a beach/ocean or garden setting... so of course those are always the most expensive. What do I do?? I have to have a Saturday evening wedding because all my family is out of town, and labor day weekend will be too expensive for hotel rooms most places (a lot of venues don't offer discounts for that weekend anyway).

I'm so stressed!!!
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Re: having extreme venue anxiety - help!!!!

  • jilly884jilly884 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Sorry to hear that.  I hope you find something soon that you are both really happy with.  Good luck to you!
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  • TurtlesAllTheWayDownTurtlesAllTheWayDown member
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    edited December 2011
    Have you looked at restaurants? I know that Pinot (sort of attached to the central library) does weddings and they have a gorgeous garden. 
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  • RoMy215RoMy215 member
    Sixth Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Few things would be helpful ..

    1) What's your budget? Everyone's idea of "budget location" is different. = )
    2) About how many guests?
    3) What area are you looking in? Are you willing to look slightly outside of LA? 

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  • ShiriouslyShiriously
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Congrats on the engagement! I also just got engaged and am planning for a Sept wedding.  Have you looked through the options on here comes the guide?  The Malibu Nature Preserve is amazing and the rental is less than $5K.  I don't want to deal with all of the furniture rental/catering/alcohol logistics though so we're going with a country club (totally not what I had envisioned for myself, but its affordable, customizable and loooow stress).  Good Luck!
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  • badcorebubblesbadcorebubbles
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_california-los-angeles_having-extreme-venue-anxiety?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:68Discussion:bf8b6431-fa55-46ab-b4c2-54bd81123848Post:19dd06b6-d4ba-486a-bf7f-aeac1ac74620">Re: having extreme venue anxiety - help!!!!</a>:
    [QUOTE]Few things would be helpful .. 1) What's your budget? Everyone's idea of "budget location" is different. = ) 2) About how many guests? 3) What area are you looking in? Are you willing to look slightly outside of LA? 
    Posted by RoMy215[/QUOTE]

    Budget = ~$25k
    Guests = ~80
    Area= LA/OC, willing to look in surrounding areas except Inland Empire.

    I feel like I've literally looked everywhere, and I like the Nature Preserve but they will not return my phone calls or emails.
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  • cddarcycddarcy member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Have you tried Long Beach We are getting married on Oct. 1 and were also a bit surprised at the cost. We found the Long Beach area to be pretty reasonable compared to Santa Monica/West LA (where we live) but a similar vibe, being near the water and everything. We're going with the whole hotel thing since almost all our guests are out of town, but it seems like there are nice beach/park/outdoor areas in Long Beach.
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  • lacelace31lacelace31 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm having the same problems. Garden or Beach. I found a beach site in Long Beach it's called La Palapa Del Mar. I think this is the best price I have found for a beach wedding. I'm not in love with the room you would have the reception in but I think I might have to get over it if I really want to be on the beach. I'm also looking to get married in Aug. or Sept. If you haven't looked at this place yet give it a try. Also another place to look in Here comes the Guide. I have found it to be alot of help also. Good Luck. Don't give up. I haven't.  
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  • KfmarriedKfmarried member
    Sixth Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_california-los-angeles_having-extreme-venue-anxiety?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:68Discussion:bf8b6431-fa55-46ab-b4c2-54bd81123848Post:7a5630bb-6d48-4c5c-97ef-7953c2b922f4">Re: having extreme venue anxiety - help!!!!</a>:
    [QUOTE]Congrats on the engagement! I also just got engaged and am planning for a Sept wedding.  Have you looked through the options on here comes the guide?  The Malibu Nature Preserve is amazing and the rental is less than $5K.  I don't want to deal with all of the furniture rental/catering/alcohol logistics though so we're going with a country club (totally not what I had envisioned for myself, but its affordable, customizable and loooow stress).  Good Luck!
    Posted by Shiriously[/QUOTE]

    I scouted the Malibu Nature Preserve when I first got engaged because it looks AMAZING online... but I actuallly thought it looked pretty dismal and run down in person.  Also, they don't allow any hard alcohol on the premises.  Just my opinion.  :] 
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  • missnikolmissnikol member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    I'm getting married at La Palapa in Long Beach next Saturday and I cannot wait
    Yes the reception room isnt the best Ive seen but for the price and what it includes its great. The food is also amazing, Good luck!

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  • ladyKingladyKing
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    Check out the LA River Center and Gardens

    http://www.yelp.com/biz/los-angeles-river-center-and-gardens-los-angeles

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  • BeeBee22BeeBee22 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Don't forget that September is getting into fire season, because everything is so dry.  If you want a garden venue, I'd look for a golf course/Descanso Gardens (no idea of cost), something manicured, sprinklered and maintained, otherwise it may mostly be brown...  Beach would be more predictable.  

    I agree about herecomestheguide.com - very helpful - we found our venue there.

    Would a Sunday morning wedding be possible? You would have to get up REALLY early to get ready, but most people wouldn't.  Also, a brunch reception would be cheaper than a dinner, it would be a cooler part of the day, and there would be less competition for vendors (Saturday nights are the most popular and expensive).  Then people could head home in the afternoon ... just a thought.  Good luck to you and don't panic.  You'll find something.
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  • ipoelipoel member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    long beach museum of art :) I'm going to have my wedding there, pretty affordable, outdoor lawn, overlooking the ocean.
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  • dorothieedorothiee
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    LA Arboretum is beautiful and affordable.

    Wiggy Ranch in Ventura Mountains is gorgeous.

    Look at the LA Mountains website, they have a variety of options with site fees in the $3000- 5000 range.
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  • djvortecdjvortec
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    give us a call - we have lots of great locations that can fit just about any budget. our website is www.creatieveventspecialist.com
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