Community› Local Wedding Boards› California-Los Angeles
California-Los Angeles
New Discussion

Eek!! We reserve our venue NEXT week! Any advice???

JJsGirl24JJsGirl24
10 Comments
in California-Los Angeles
I am totally new to this wedding venue hunting and we are flying out to California to reserve our venue for our Sept 15, 2012 wedding! We are active duty Marine Corps family and are currently stationed in San Antonio, TX (fiance is on recruiting). I have a list of places I want to go look at that i've seen only via internet. We will be in California for all of next week from the 11th-16th and have to find our venue during that time frame.

Are there any venues that are a must see? My budget is $20,000 and that includes flowers, dj, catering, etc....all except for our wedding attire. We are inviting a little over 200 people but know we can cut at least 30-40 people out from coming because they won't be able to. I am wanting an indoor reception and an outdoor ceremony. Right now, my #1 choices are Sherwood Country Club (BEAUTIFUL!) and Etiwanda Gardens. I have a couple close #2's I want to look at, but Sherwood is the top one right now. Anyone have a wedding there?

What are some other venues that would fit this budget and is absolutely stunning? Anywhere from LA to San Diego is fine. Thanks for all your help!
Report Reply to Post

Re: Eek!! We reserve our venue NEXT week! Any advice???

  • delila3451delila3451 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    The biggest advice I can give you is: read, read, READ the contract you are signing. Twice! And then have your fiance read it too... Ask any questions you may think of, even if they sound silly to you!

    And remember, you can negotiate for things. We negotiated to lock in the 2011 prices, just in case they raise them next year, we're not out any extra money. We also negotiated that they include the dance floor for free (they were going to charge a rental fee, even though they already owned it - silly!). At some of the other venues we looked at, they were going to work with us on their Saturday minimums. We weren't sure if we would hit the minimum with just food, so they agreed to include the cost of drinks/alcohol as well.

    Good luck!! :)
    Report Reply
  • mikimoto6mikimoto6
    500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    You also have to ask for EVERYTHING you want in advance of the contract being prepared or signed. If you think you want them to comp your wedding night (if in a hotel), upgrade your linens to floor length, include chair covers or give the option to outsource if desired, extra time for set up/clean up. extra time for the event, a dressing room space, whatever you are asking for, get it in writing up front prior to signing your contract.  If you start asking for things after the fact, they will say no without hesitation because there is no incentive for them to accommodate you at that point.  

    Other things to ask about are deliver/pick up times for any external rentals, storage for wedding items, shipping items to venue prior to event (2-3 days in advance), and any audio.visual needs.  Negotiate AV rates now because they will cost you a mint later. 

    If the venue provides food and beverage, then you should not have to pay for a rental fee. If you are in a facility that doesn't provide its own catering, you kinda have to pay the fee.   

    Anniversary
    Report Reply
  • mikimoto6mikimoto6
    500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    @JJsGirl24: Do you have a geographic preference for venues?  If you are looking in the Inland Empire, I would check Sierra Lakes Golf Club. They are affordable and the property is lovely.  Once we know your specific neighborhood or local preference, we can help you more. 
    Anniversary
    Report Reply
  • losspre6682losspre6682 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    hello my name is cynthia. we have a excellent location in Northridge, CA. its a beautiful mansion house. go to franksvenue.com and check out pictures of recent events we had and pictures of the house as well. if you have any questions please call me at 818-926-5502
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards