My fiance and I are planning to get married on August 2013. Our budget for the whole wedding is $15,000. We did our guest list last weekend and we have a feeling our guests will be around 200-250. We also want to find our own caterers since we want to do a buffet style reception. Any one have any ideas on a venue that won't punch holes in our budget and make us cater too???
Re: Cheap Wedding Venue/Reception site
Our wedding bio page (including vendor reviews) and items for sale
Planning Bio - Woefully out of date
Nonantum post 440 in Newton. Its not fancy on the outside or the main area but the ballroom is very pretty and has a beautiful chandelier.
Hellenic Center in Watertown. Nothing crazy to look at on the outside but inside is very pretty and I've heard that they have updated it a lot since 2007 by painting, changing the curtains, flooring and adding chandeliers.
Chelmsford Elks Club.
For catering:
Tony & Pennys (cheap and AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS) huge portions too.
Buffet Way
Vinwood is on the higher end but they worked with my cousin who used them in September.
I thought about stations for a more casual atmosphere and most venues that include catering do offer or will create a custom package for you for a buffet instead of plated, you just have to ask, but it is a growing trend! & a venue that you do catering through will be more open to negotiating rental prices since you are still spending $ with them.
Just an FYI regarding stations/buffet style, (I'm in hospitality industry) and I have learened that buffet style often costs more because more food actually has to be prepared. Since you have to anticipate everyone wanting to try everything, so if you have 3'entrees' on your buffet the caterer has to plan on 3 entree per person instead of 1 plated entree per person. But it will also depend on how fancy you get with the buffet.
Guess its just expensive feeding that many people, and all the little things add up! Good Luck on your hunt!