{Venue Search} Which is your Favorite??
August 13th, 2010 by Allison Silber
Let’s ALL cross our fingers that this is the last time I EVER mention trying to find a venue. Gawwwd, I am so done with this part. I am beyond ready to get onto the FUN stuff!!!!
First off thanks SO much for sticking by me this whole time in my search for the venue, and hopefully at some point, my whole process of designing and planning my wedding. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it all.
OK, take your pick. Obvi they are all great places, but each has some definite pro’s and con’s, so I have to figure out which I may not be ok with.
Taber Ranch: gorgeous barn and ranch! This one is the cheapest option by far, but there are a few major cons. 1. May not allow fire pits, 2. It is in the middle of no where! There is only one Inn to stay at, and it may not fit everyone?? 3. It is 2 hours away! I don’t know how much guests feel about such a FAR drive!
Costanoa: I actually don’t have too many pro’s or con’s with this as Ian just found it last night. It’s close and it’s cute, but I have no info on pricing and all that.
Calistoga Ranch: LOVE this place so much. This is the extremely over-budget option that I love. But, I must say that this option is not my obsession as much as it sounds. It doesn’t have a ranch or barn like I have decided that I wanted. BUT, I still love it. It’s gorgeous, but it will cut the guest list and up the budget just a lot!
Thoughts??? Which is your favorite??? Any other Northern California options that you guys have??
PS: Just for kicks, let me show the option I would DIE for….if I wanted to pay the $10,000-$20,000 site fee….plus $250++ per person for food.
August 13, 2010 at 8:22 am, Alicia@CharityWedding said:
I have to oust 1 and 3. I highly advise not going over budget this early on. There are SO many other things to spend money on and things that pop up in the process that going over on the venue will just cause added stress and force you to eliminate other things you really wanted. In regards to 1, travel time adds stress to both you and your guests. To add possibly not having room for everyone to their travels, makes it a bad situation. That would mean many people would have to drive back out of there after your wedding meaning less fun for them and you. They may leave early even. I do think it looks adorable but I don’t think you want to deal with all that. I know you REALLY want to get a venue booked and move on. I definitely don’t blame you for that. However, think about the whole process. As the wedding gets closer will you regret spending the extra cash or will you be disappointed if guests decline coming due to the trip and lack of accommodations? Just my thoughts! As always I wish you the best in the search!
August 13, 2010 at 9:32 am, A Venue Tribute « The Charity Wedding said:
[...] A Venue Tribute Jump to Comments If you are a wedding blog stalker as I am, you have probably stumbled on Engaged and Inspired. I go there often for the beautiful inspiration but I can also relate with her as she is also a planning bride. She is on the beginning of the planning journey while I am nearing the end but I remember very well some of the issues she is facing. Namely, the venue. I wasn’t one of those people that had a certain date I had to have. So we never set a date until we found a venue and the date worked with them. Therefore there is literally no other planning you can do until you get the venue set. I don’t know if she has an ideal date in mind but I do know she is having major venue drama. From distance, to budget, to horrifyingly rude wedding planners she has met endless struggle. Now from experience, I know when she does find one and of course she will, it will be worth all the trouble. There are reasons why things work out as they do and I think the best is still to come. She LOVES weddings and always provides the best inspiration so I know she has some amazing things in mind for her wedding. From couches to lounge on to fire pits to smores even. Selfishly I hope she books a venue asap and gets to move on and plan this thing so I can see pictures of the final product! I know it will blow minds. Anyway today I wanted to post some venue inspiration based on what she is looking for to give her a little hope and motivation to forge on with her search (which she may have narrowed down to three choices)! [...]
August 13, 2010 at 7:43 pm, Andrea said:
I was instantly drawn to option 2, at least over 1. 3 was quite pretty, but if your heart is set on a ranch/barn then I think you should follow that through, especially for sharing it with the people you want to :) Costanoa seems to have everything, including an outdoor fireplace that I saw in their video. Tres lovely, lady! :))
August 14, 2010 at 7:27 pm, Trisha said:
I have heard AMAZING things about Costanoa. Was Boaventura a no go? Also what about…Nestledown? Or Dawn Ranch Lodge in Russian River says they have fire pits but I know nothing about this place and it looks pretty darn cute. Or how about this other one that starts with an M that I can’t think of the name right now! Augh! I will get back to you!! Thinking of you!