I originally thought that having a $10,000 budget wedding would well cover what I would want for a wedding...but then I looked into costs of a plantation wedding with catering and bar packages for 150 guests, and I've quickly used up a significant chunk of my dough (which, by the way, will have to be financed through a loan...anyone else going this route when family members aren't able to provide support?)
Ridgecrest of the Myrtles Plantation appears to be the most economical at $1,687 to rent the venue for the wedding/reception, and then maybe Bayou Bistro for catering/bar at $4,953 (hopefully I have the gratuity and taxes correct). If I go this route, I've already spent $6,640. I was quoted $20 PP for food and $6 for drinks. Perhaps this is the cheapest route?
The White Oak Plantation is around $7,750 I believe.
The Magnolia Plantation is around $7,900 and includes a DJ?
Greenwood Plantation is $3,750 for the venue plus catering at around $4,953. That totals around $8,703.
The Victorian of the Felicianas is $3,300 just for the venue, plus catering costs.
Mt. Hope Plantation and Lake House Reception Center is $650 for the ceremony, $500 for the DJ, and $6,572 for catering/bar...for a total of $7,722.
The Gatehouse for ceremony and reception is around $7,600
Southern Oaks, Oak Alley, Nottoway...notta-in-my-budget
What other venue options am I missing?
Then there's photography. Of course Bray Danielle does amazing work, but now we're looking at a base of $2,000 and nothing is even printed!
If I entertain a plantation-style wedding, catering and drinks at the reception, and contemporary photography...I've already spent about $9,000! Help!!!! How does anyone pull this off at a reasonable price?