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Small-ish wedding and reception in Portland, OR area... No idea where to start!

maryjcooper427maryjcooper427 member
in Wedding Reception Forum
So I will be getting married next year in the Portland OR area, planning for likely August or September.  My fiancee and I are planning on having a smaller wedding and reception, around 100 people at most.  I have NO idea where to start.  I began searching venues but so many are for 200+ people.  We are also considering doing a courthouse wedding, and then a reception afterwards for our friends/family.  Does anyone have any experience in this area, or have any tips on how to weed out smaller places or ideas??  Much, much appreciated!!  :)
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Re: Small-ish wedding and reception in Portland, OR area... No idea where to start!

  • manateehuggermanateehugger member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its Third Anniversary 5 Answers
    Post this on your local board (to be found in the drop menu on your right). This board is international so we have no idea where to start either. 

    If you do a courthouse/private ceremony, make sure you keep it truly private (20 people or less). Also keep in mind that many venues might state they can hold 200+ but that's 200 with 10 people squeezed in at each table and no dance floor. Our venue can hold up to 225, but we will be pretty cozy with just 150. So don't rule a venue out based on the capacity they list until you've seen it in person and know you'll have too much space to fill. 
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  • southernbelle0915southernbelle0915 mod
    Moderator 10000 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary
    This is an international board, so not everyone is familiar with your area. I would try posting this on your local board for more knowledgable feedback on your area.

    As far as general planning, I can tell you that you need to set a budget before you do anything else. Decide how much you can/want to spend on dinner and drinks for your guests. Then make your guest list. Divide your dinner/drinks # by the number of guests (always count on 100% attendance - you'll end up adding people before you send out invites, stuff comes up, etc.). This number is how you can effectively shop for venues. If they don't offer packages in your price range, you can quickly move on. 

    Some venues include linens, decorations, a coordinator, a DJ, and other services. Make sure you take that into consideration when looking at their prices and adjust as necessary.
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  • jenn77bjenn77b member
    100 Comments 25 Love Its First Answer Name Dropper
    edited October 2013

    Restaraunts are a good option for smaller weddings...some have private or semi-private rooms, or even a banquet room attached.  Also restaurants usually come with a lot of things...or options...so that you don't have to "piece together" the whole thing.  They already have tables, chairs, plates, glassware, etc., and sometimes even linens.  Some restaurants can be ruled in or out due to whether they allow DJs/dancing, so keep that in mind...not sure if you want that or not.  I've talked to some that have a separate floor for private functions but won't allow dancing/DJ because it will disrupt the rest of the restaurant.

    Also, many large hotels have several event rooms with varying sizes to accommodate all types of events, so those could still be considered. 

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  • jessicabessicajessicabessica member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    Post on your local board as PPs have suggested.  I am slightly familiar with the area, though, and would suggest checking out the Scapoose Creek Inn if it's not too far for you.  It's lovely, and the owners seem very friendly and accommodating.
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