I'm having alot of trouble finding a TRUE budget wedding.. Meaning like 3500ish said and done..
I know it's the most expensive day, but for several reasons, Saturday's really the best day for all of our family and friends. Friday and Sunday just really isn't going to work, unfortunately.

80-100ish guests
Within the next 2-4 months, most likely late June- early August
Ceremony - have it covered, will not be in the venue and is flexible to the area of reception
Saturday early afternoon ceremony 1:30-2pm and reception 2:30-3pm. Ending around 5:30-6.
No plated meal- basically just cake and champagne (or punch, coffee, whatever) maybe some tea sandwiches. Since its almost right after lunch and before dinner. Guests will be made aware there won't be a meal.
There doesn't need to be seating for all guests - since there won't be a formal meal but some tables (maybe enough for half to 3 quarters of the head count) and a small dancing area for first dance and maybe an hour or so of dancing
Basically what I'm looking for is either a rental where I can bring the food in (I have a lot of friends and fam that will help me do this ourselves) or, if its a venue that's within budget can provide this.
The problem I'm having is the nicer rental only venues are too high before I can get anything else covered or doesn't provide table and chairs, etc. and the rentals eat up so much of the cost. Or - the venues requirer a caterer which is unnecessary, or provide everything on site and have high food and bev minimums that are meant for a meal that we're not having. Tack on 20% gratuity service charge,etc.
The Raven Lodge in Huntsville seemed PERFECT - I never visited it but now the issue is the wedding is most likely going to be in the dead of the Houston summer heat and the indoors portion doesn't look like its going to be big enough. Better accommodated for an early spring or late sept-oct but I don't think we'll be waiting it out.
I always wanted an outdoors reception, but now with the timing it's going to have to be indoors.

I don't mind doing DIY all the way. It's hard to find something that big enough with a low enough fee that's not tacky, requires too much to class it up, or isn't a complete black hole. Some sunlight would be nice

Maybe $2500 total but that would be the option of minimum decoration, floral, basically everything covered - if it was just a straight rental fee for a venue I would say $750ish max so I could do everything else
I really liked this place - gorgeous- a good example of what i wanted but unfortunately the rental fee alone was basically the whole budget. and had to do rentals, catering etc. It doesn't have to be THAT fancy, but a good basic space like that, that I could jazz up myself.
http://5226elm.com/So far this is what I've found that seems interesting - I haven't visited anywhere yet, just research and price quotes so far. If anyone has any experience with these venues input is appreciated

It's hard to really tell what any of them look like on the inside, unfortunately.
Memorial West Community Club
http://memorialwestclub.com/rental.htmlRiver Oaks Community Center
http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/communitycenters/cc-riveroaks.htmlNoel's Banquet Hall - Looks very close to what im looking for, but it seems to be too small

Not enough info on it either.. I filled out the email request
http://noelbanquethall.webs.com/Sorry to seemingly write a book. Any other suggestions or ideas are appreciated! Just no Heights fire station.
Re: Reception only venues
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Milford House - I'll probably have to look into a little more - for some reason and I can't remember why there was a reason I didn't think it was going to work.
Basically - seems to be everything I'm looking for, but based on pictures I've seen it looks to be too small for the amount of guests we are going to have.
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I feel your pain but I don't have an recommendations right now. But I LOVE this blog: apracticalwedding. It really puts everything into perspective.
Well this is a over budget somewhat. I think $5000 for Nouveau Antique Art Bar and that includes open bar and you can have the place until 9 if I recall but then they have to open it to the public. It's a really eclectic place with tons of tiffany lamps and funky vibe. You can bring in all your own vendors, but not sure if he requires the caterer to be licensed or not. He would provide punch I presume and I think you can bring in your cake. Neat spot, but higher than you wanted (perk is that all alcohol is included though)...
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