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PLEASE HELP-planning long distance, outdoor venue

jazzandmuppetsjazzandmuppets member
First Comment
in Ohio-Cincinnati
I have researching so much, it's all I'm dreaming about...my betrothed and I are looking for a unique outdoor ceremony AND reception venue, same location. I'm really struggling, bc most of the outdoor places are either very expensive or not unique in the slightest. the closest we've come to liking a place was alms park, which I had never heard of before (lived in cincy for 24 years). it's beautiful, but deposit is due to hold it and then the remainder(more than twice the deposit) is due 15 DAYS LATER!!! And nothing happens to be included, tables chairs or police(required)I'm looking for something simple with a natural touch, and not expensive. mt airy is inexpensive, but for some reason my groomzilla isn't "feeling" the lodges!!! pattison lodge is booked. arghh! My date is booking REALLY quickly. trying to plan this from florida is putting me in tears! It feels like I've been through every option!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!! thank you for any suggestions!!! and I am so sorry it's so long!!!
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Re: PLEASE HELP-planning long distance, outdoor venue

  • caseyandlizziecaseyandlizzie member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    We looked at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park....its definitely unique and you can get a huge tent for the reception.

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  • GoBucksOHGoBucksOH member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    What is your date?
    What is your budget for the venue?
    How many people are you inviting?
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  • jazzandmuppetsjazzandmuppets member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Pyramid hill isn't an option for us. there is bad blood bt groom and a couple whose wedding we went to there. I just read that. that is awful, but true nonetheless.
    the date is 5-26-12. the guest list is hovering around 100 right now, though we'll be working on that over the next few weeks. I'd like to get it down to 70.
    the $1050 that is alms pavilion's 2011 price isn't completely out of range, but that will be going up for 2012, and the 15 day turnaround is a real killer. mt airy is 750 and includes tables and chairs. I'd love to keep it under 1000, but with cincy weather, we will likely need a pricey tent.
    trying not to freak out. I am just so ready to move on to the fun stuff!!!
    on top of all of this, my family cannot afford to help out financially. when I talk to him about the budget, he acts like his family will help, but won't ask them to what extent. I'd love to have a sit down with all of them, but since we're out of town I think he feels awkward asking for money over the phone. I don't blame him, I don't want to ask my FMIL or FFIL how much?
    is it my responsibility to call them up? yikes!
    thanks for your help!!!

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  • belle19dVbelle19dV
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/cheap-wedding-in-cincinnati-ohio.aspx
    I don't know what your budget is, but this article was published on The Knot and it outlines weddings for under $10K total.  They used the Observatory for their reception site.  I hope it helps you in your decisions.  GL!

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  • GoBucksOHGoBucksOH member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Plan a wedding that you can afford on your own. If family members want to contribute, they will on their own accord. But do not call them up and ask for money. Its not a good way to start out a marriage and welcome yourself into their family.
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  • bmfleurbmfleur member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    I know your fiance is not excited about a lodge, but have you seen pictures of the Krippendorf Lodge. It really is stunning. The rental cost is 1750 for 6 hours on a Saturday. Its 500 to hold your date, and then no money is due until 30 days out from the event. Elegant fare manages the property and they take care of everything from the tables and chairs to the catering (you have to use their catering services).
    Their food prices are somewhat expensive, but according to their website they will work with you. Also, the inside of the lodge will accomodate 70-100 people, so if the weather is poor you can have everyone inside....no need to pay for that tent.

    If that doesn't work Wiedemann Hill Mansion on the Northern Kentucky side is very beautiful and will accomodate your size party. I'm not sure on prices though.

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  • melanieandbradmelanieandbrad
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm holding my wedding at Krippendorf Lodge this September.  It's $500 cheaper to do it on a Friday night, which helped a lot.  There is a tent they can pull over, but at $1200 it is not cheap.  Our rain plan is to go inside the house and on the covered porch.  We're expecting around 100 guests.  Elegant Fare initially quoted me some really high food costs, but have worked with us to still offer a great meal at a price we can afford.  Definitely worth it to call.  You can see pictures of weddings there by google searching "krippendorf lodge wedding"--Kim Long Photography has some wonderful photographs.  HTH!
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  • jazzandmuppetsjazzandmuppets member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    Thanks everyone for the advice. The plan wasn't so much to call and ask for money. I mean, who the #%&@ wants to do that??! anyway, he and I had a nice little argument last night about all of this and looks like we won't be asking anyone for anything. Which I am totally cool with. I just wish he hadn't implied otherwise from the beginning. So budget went down, and we discussed moving everything back a few months so that we can save. I'll look into Krippendorf a little further and see where he stands on that front. their patio area is beautiful. It's so jungle-esqe!
    Thanks for your level headed responses!!!
    Thanks go bucks for talking me out of the phone call. I didn't want to, but you're right. That is not the way to start things. Oh, and I want to kiss your dog's face!
    Thank you belle19dv for the link. That made it all feel more doable!
    His mom actually works at CCM, so we were planning on using a student ensemble from the school!
    Thanks

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  • JMWiesMomJMWiesMom member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I would recommend this website:
    http://premierparkevents.com/

    They handle the contracting for the parks in Cincinnati and the website has the calendar for events and costs of each facility.  I contacted them last week and they were quick to respond. 

    Also, one venue I love is Friendship Park!  It is somewhat connected to Sawyer Point but past the Montgomery Inn Boathouse.  It is one of my favorite spots in Cincinnati!  It is on the river and they have a great garden.  The indoor pavilion holds up to 120 people so it sounds like it could hold your numbers.  I have no idea what the catering options are but I know they do several weddings there a year so I'd imagine it wouldn't be hard to find out pricing. 

    I'm planning my wedding from out-of-town so I understand the pressures you are facing.  This board is really helpful so definitely ask the questions that you have!  Good luck with everything!!
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  • mrs.dilligafmrs.dilligaf
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Best of luck planning!!  I did want to add that I had a HORRIBLE time trying to plan with Elegant Fare.  So bad, that I cancelled my venue 93 days out and found a new one.  I have heard others having good experiences, but mine was really, really bad.

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  • weishaslweishasl member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Have you looked in Ault park?
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  • jazzandmuppetsjazzandmuppets member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I LIVE on premierparkevents website!!! That's how I found Alms pavilion. I've had issues with one of the coordinators getting back to me, but have been corresponding with someone else there. All of those premier facilities have the same 15 day turnaround issue. Ault park is too expensive and not inclusive, plus my sister and best friend both got married there(both are going to be in the wedding). I've not been to friendship park, and haven't been able to find really any good pictures online. Friendship is on the premier list, and the caterer we're planning on using is on their list, so that works. Is it all pretty open, or are there trees or much green growth? the pictures I did find made it seem more lawn-ish, than garden like. any thoughts?
    Thank you everyone!!!
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  • JMWiesMomJMWiesMom member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Friendship park has a lot of growth but it is definitely unique.  It doesn't have the gardens that Ault park offers.  I'm trying to remember all the landscape it has to offer but I apologize if I'm wrong on any of my description.  The park is laid out to reflect different landscapes so it has sections with diverse greenery. The park is long and narrow and the paths wide and cross over each other.  There are trees that sit along the River that offer shaded area as well.  Sawyer Point is right there as well so it has a similar landscape.  I hope that helps a little!  Wink Feel free to PM me if you need more description or help getting pictures.
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  • CrysJacob11CrysJacob11 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Have you looked at the hamilton county parks? greatparks.org

    Another beautiful location is spring grove cemetary but I'm not sure if they allow receptions - http://www.springgrove.org/sg/weddings/sg_weddings.shtm

    I haven't looked into them too much because I am planning a wedding in January. but I hope that helps a bit.
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