Hi Knotties! I'm a newly engaged bride who moved across the country 2 weekd after my FI proposed. We're both from South Florida & are looking for venues ideally in Palm Beach/Broward counties but are definitely open to Miami if it's the right place. I get so depressed when I start looking for venues because I feel like nothing works! We did a whirlwind tour before we left and found nothing that worked for us. Our total budget is $25k, I have NO clue how much of that should go towards venue + catering (and if we start with a blank space venue, is it a different percentage than a hotel?) I'm going insane, considering hiring a full service planner bc I'm so far away and don't know where to start, but I'm hesitant to dedicate $5k (20% of our budget!!) to a planner. Is there anywhere we're not thinking of? Besides:
- Sundy House
- Delray Beach Marriot
- Seagate
- The Colony (PB)
- Tower Club (Ftl)
- Rusty Pelican
- Pelican Grand
- The Addison
- Old School Square
- The Omphoy (actually loved this venue, but family has expressed serious concerns about whether it will be around/under the same ownership by our wedding date, and it would be a tight squeeze for our guest list)
We also looked at the big hotels, at my Mom's behest (4 Seasons, both Ritzes, Boca Resort, even the Fontainebleu, which obviously don't work with our budget.) I feel so lost. We just want a place that's unique, has a beautiful ceremony space, and will fit <140? We're totally open to Fridays and Sundays so we can find the best deal on a beautiful venue....but no venue seems like the right fit. Am I crazy? Should I just hire a full service planner who's maybe thought of something we haven't? Who can magically make the Flagler museum's site fee disappaer?