Very new to wedding planning and I think I am just confusing myself more as the days go by??

Question

Is it generally cheaper to have a wedding site, and reception site together with the place catering or to have two seperate sites and catering brought in from a outside source? I live in Ohio and there isn't to much to choose from... Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I am from Canton, so anywhere in that area or even around the Akron/ Cleveland area. I am planning my own wedding...trying anyways!!:-)

We really haven't decided on a indoor or outdoor wedding??? I guess I was just going to look at all the places I could find and go from there?? Do have to have that decision made before I even start looking???

Also, I haven't set a budget yet, we just set a date 2 days ago! I am definatly not rich, so the cheapest wedding the better as long as I can do that and still make it nice?

Answer 1

To be honest, the vast majority of people planning weddings are new to wedding planning. Really, that's how a lot of vendors get you. They know you don't know what you're doing and you've never done it before. There is no one right answer to this. It depends on the venues. If you're going to plan a wedding yourself, you have to do the research and do the math and see what works out best for you. In my case, it worked out cheaper to have the wedding and reception in seperate places with an outside caterer. Some places give you better package deals than others. Take it one place at a time. If you keep a budget, you won't have to compare as much from place to place because you will know if they fit your budget or not. theknot.com has a budget planner that's free to use. Have a specific amount you can spend on food, a specific amount towards reception venue, and a specific amount towards ceremony venue. If you find a place that combines all three and fits in your budget, you're golden. Just make sure you take detailed notes and stay organized regarding each venue and it will be easier to contrast and compare. If you have a wedding vision in mind, try to picture it at that venue when you visit. If it doesn't fit, it makes the decision a little easier. If you can't see yourself celebrating at that place, it isn't going to work. Its not going to be that easy if you have a strict budget to stay within. If you have lots of money to blow its simply a matter of what you like versus what you don't, but when you have a tight budget, you have to be patient and do your research. Good luck. I know how you feel. I'm planning a wedding for 200 people on a budget of $8000 or less (depends on his parents - still haven't figured out their contribution yet). So I've done a lot of research already and my wedding is still a year away! Bottom line, the best way to figure this out is to get organized, take really good notes, know what you want, keep a strict budget, and use good resources. Check out theknot.com, weddingchannel.com, and a couple of others like that. They will be able to help give you ideas and resources for places to start.

I promise, once you dive in and get started, it gets a lot easier. This is the hardest part and the most overwhelming. Start with a budget and go from there.

Answer 2

if you can get one place to do the wedding and reception it's usually less expensive. If they do the catering and decorations too it's even better. That's how I did it. My wedding was smaller but still very fancy. And the food was fabulous... plus no one really had to worry about anything cause it was all done through the wedding/conference center we held it at, and everything was planned well ahead of time. I'd say find a place that does it all, you'll be glad you did. My friend had her's outside at a friend's house on the water... the caterers were dressed messy, the food was kinda cold and not so good. The wind was a little annoying, the band was a steal drum band and they were okay if you want the same kinda music for the whole reception... all in all, hers was WAY more expensive and mine was better.

Answer 3

It really depends on the type of site you're choosing. A ritzy country club that does full service weddings will of course cost you more than a local restaurant. Many people opt for on site catering just for the convenience.
What is your budget? Do you want to get married in a church? What type of reception do you want; casual or formal? These are all questions you have to ask yourself before deciding on a location.
In my planning I've learned that an outdoor wedding costs much more than an indoor... suprising as that is.
If you're not hiring a wedding planner I recommend the 'Weddings for Dummies' book. It breaks everything down in an easy to understand language and has great money saving tips.
Also try weddingchannel.com and theknot.com. Both are great wedding planning resources that list many services in your own area. Good luck!

Answer 4

I actually had the same problem. What I'm doing is catering it myself and having the wedding and reception in the same place. I'd prefer it that way because I dont want people to have to drive from the wedding to the reception.And I can have all my decorations in one place the whole time. I rented a place that has a couple different areas. Like A buffet room with a kitchen, then a big room to get married and have the reception in.

Answer 5

You sound like you're really stressing. Don't. It's your wedding, and if you follow your heart, make informed decisions, and keep the bottom line in mind, you'll do fine. Try to find members of the family who will help. The more you ask around to friends and others as well, the more resources you may find. You could find that you know a photographer or caterer. If it doesn't matter to you whether your wedding is inside or outside, then find the venue first and go from there like you said. Make your own favors, print your own invitations, I even know someone who had family cook for her wedding, and it was beautiful! Whatever you do, whenever you can, avoid telling vendors or salespeople that what you're purchasing is for a wedding-that'll get you an automatic mark-up.

You're going to do just fine.

Congratulations.

Answer 6

I am from PA and found a place in WV that is a B & B with barn and outdoor set up. I thought at the beginning it would be cheaper this way. But the place does not provide anything. We have to rent our own tent, tables, chairs, caterer, etc. It was also hard to find someone to come there to marry us. The nice part is we have the whole farm to ourselves the whole weekend. The house accomodates 5 couples(or more) and allows people to pitch tents or pull campers in. This was important to us because everyone on his side is from out of town.. So it saves the guests $$ on hotels and saves us too. I def think it depends on the your style first. I would decide if it is more important to get married by the church, in a church and then pick venue.

Answer 7

It really just depends. It may be cheaper to have the ceremony and reception at the same place and have them cater or it could be cheaper to have them different places and have someone outside cater. You really have to do a lot of researching to find out prices and things. I have been planning my wedding for about 8 months now. Look on www.theknot.com for places near you to have your wedding. Of course if you are a member of a church that is always your best bet because it would be free to have the ceremony and reception there you would only have to pay for the catering. Good luck!

Answer 8

Here in Delaware, it is cheaper to have the wedding and the reception in one place. Unless you know of a park or outside structure to get married. Alot of folks around here have them at the local elks/moose lodges. Some places only ask for a donation, not a set fee. A donation of $100 is usually good. If you are having a big wedding I would recommend catering. Then you wont have to worry about the hassle of food/drinks. Depending on the time of day you get married also makes a difference in the food served. If you do it around lunch time most likely people would already eat and just have something small at the reception. Where if you get married around 3/4 they will come hungry for dinner. Think about your options and research everything before you make a commitment to it. Some people get married at local landmarks as well. Some churches require you to pay the church, the pastor, the organist, and pay for counseling before they will marry you. Soemthing I would love to do is go away to one of those beach resorts and get married and have my honey moon all in one. Good luck and Congrats.

Answer 9

Generally you can save money having your wedding and reception at the same location. For one you save on transportation fees to and from locations. Decor can easily be relocated to a new space (if necessary). A lot of times because you are renting the venue for both events the venue will not charge you room rental fees. This usually has to do with the amount you spend on your food and beverage. Plus you may be able to get some other things negotiated into your contract.

Answer 10

What part of Ohio are you from? I am also from Ohio and have been doing a lot of research on the subject. If you are from a similar area, I would be happy to share.

Okay...I am also from Canton. Are you looking for an indoor or outdoor location? Also, what is your budget? I agree...we are quite limited!

I was going to email you, but your address isn't on your profile. Mine is, so whenever you get a chance, send me an email...it will be easier that way.