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Massachusetts-Cape Cod
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Reception Venue Cost

Carrie0930Carrie0930
10 Comments
in Massachusetts-Cape Cod
I have started searching for a reception venue (where I also hope my ceremony will be held) by searching on the Knot's list of local vendors in my area under moderately priced.  However, some of these places I have found through this search are $50-$60 a plate.  And that's not even counting the alcohol.  I only have a budget of $10,000 so I am wondering if this can even be done booking at a traditional wedding site (I live in the Boston area).  And these places aren't even in Boston.  Most of them are South of Boston and some are down the cape (which I know can be expensive).  I am trying to keep the reception costs (assuming they don't have a package) to $5000 or less so I will have enough money for the florists, photographer and DJ.  My SIL has a friend who takes really beautiful pictures (she's more of a hobby photographer) so there's some potential to not pay as much there.  But is it even possible to spend $5000 or less on the reception venue for food and alcohol and ceremony (especially in an expensive area)?

Also, on a related note, I have heard such beautiful things about the Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich.  Has anyone had their wedding there and can tell me about it?  Has anyone had their wedding inside there and how was that? 
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Re: Reception Venue Cost

  • jme35jme35
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    My first piece of advice is to try to find a place without a facility fee.  Secondly, keep in mind that every place will charge you an administrative fee (usually somewhere around 18-20%) plus taxes - just something to do some math in your head on when you talk about per-person costs.

    We are getting married at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis.  There is no facility fee for your reception, but there's a $500 fee to have your wedding there in their outdoor courtyard - or they will set one up for you on a nearby beach for $1000 (they set up all your permits, etc. -and also provide a motorcoach to get your guests there & back).  There's a lot of menu options, and you might find something that works for you.  We really, really wanted to do a clambake - and were able to do it at the Cape Codder because they DIDN"T have all those extra fees. 

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  • jessicamutchler31jessicamutchler31
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    You should check out harbor point in Barnstable.  I believe the fee per plate is $35 and they have a great view.  The place itself isnt anything fancy but if you are looking for a true cape cod wedding on a budget-this may be a good option.

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  • lewisc2002lewisc2002
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ardeo's at Kingsway is also really reasonably priced - it's on a golf course, which is pretty and they have an outdoor deck that can be covered or not. The owner was really accommodating when we checked that place out. You can have the ceremony on the green. 

    how many people do you intend to have? I think that's another critical question when considering your budget. If you're going small, it might be better to rent out part of a nice restaurant for your reception and you can then have your ceremony wherever you want.
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  • EriberryEriberry member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I don't know if you are dead set on cape cod but we are having our reception at Cafe Funchal in New Bedford. The prices are so reasonable. All the prices are spelled out on their website. www.cafefunchal.com. You can get the most expensive package which includes linen and bar for $50 per person. The food there is unbelievable and the ballroom is gorgeous. Feel free to email me with any questions!
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  • krmillikkrmillik member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm having my wedding reception at Hemisphere Restaurant in Sandwich. You can have a fun clam bake menu or some other more traditional menus for a around 30 bucks a plate. I believe they also do ceremonies on the beach there too. The biggest appeal is that it's right on the beach. You can't get that for an affordable price in many other places. Their wedding package is really great too because theres no cake cutting fees, no site fees, or other fees, and a champagne toast and linens are included in the price. The only downside is that they have a 100 person maximum. So if you're able to cut down your guest list its really an affordable but unique option.
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  • MeaghanandMichaelMeaghanandMichael
    5000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    One of the best ways to keep pricing down is to limit the guest list. An intimate wedding is so romantic, and keeps costs way down.

    Why not try renting a private house? This way you can bring in catering and booze at your own cost point.
    image
    RAWR!

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  • nauticalgldngrlnauticalgldngrl member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    any decent venue on cape cod is going to cost around 10 grand. believe me I was not planning on 10 grand just for the venue. Good old Cape Cod will get you, although prices do drop not doing it on cape cod.
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  • rebeccahyannisrebeccahyannis
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    do you or someone you know belong to a private club - like a yacht club or country club? this might help you with a "free" space.  something to look into
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