Think Outside the Box (i.e., hotel, typical venue, catering, and more!)

May couples feel obliged to stay within a "cookie cutter" wedding because it is easier to do so than take some time and find an "unusual" wedding venue, and add unique details to that. As a caterer, we've seen a multitude of different venues and menus, and know what works! Guests (and more importantly, the newly married couple!) love weddings that make them feel comfortable but add that bit of elegance, that have the usual feel, but add something unique. For example, we just catered a wedding in the bride's uncle's backyard--and WOW! It was gorgeous--think the inground pool is in the way? Create an elegant space around the pool. Use the lawn as a place for the over-sized tent and guest tables. Think you're putting that relative or friend out and asking too much by having your reception at their house? Most would be honored to have you get married there--and it saves them on travel costs! Offer to have a professioanl cleaner clean up the event site when it's over, if it makes the host feel more at ease...

Or, think of local parks, beaches, historical sites. Many of these places are different, but have a beautiful, natural setting that can cut costs on decor. And, the sites themselves are usually less expensive than the "typical" wedding venue.

If you have an event planner, he or she can assist with this task of determining whether a venue will fit your feel and guest count. If not, then a tent company is a good place to start if you will be outdoors--the company will come measure the area and tell you what size tent you need and how many guests it can accomodate. Still stuck? Your caterer has many venues where he or she has catered. Ask him or her for a list of potential venues that will fit within your needs and location.

Once you have your venue, think about your food. It may sound cheesy, but what about an upscale BBQ? I can't tell you how many weddings we've done with this type of food and had so many guests, and the bride and groom, tell us that it was the best wedding food they've ever had. From New England? Try a traditional New England Clambake. It's a fun, casual way to incorporate your background into your menu. Would you like something more upscale? Add fancy hors d'eouvres to your cocktail hour. Or, try gourmet food with a seasonal twist. And incorporate something from the menu at the restaurant where you had your first date, got engaged, or had some other special event. Any caterer that tries to "oversell" you on the food is spending your money when it does not need to be spent. You can, and should, be able to order some things for only a percentage of the guests. For example, are half of your guests Jewish, but you LOVE raw bar and want it to go with your clambake theme? Discuss this with your caterer; the company should allow you to order raw bar for half your number of guests. A good caterer will assist you in menu development and fit within your budget-and make you feel at ease all at the same time!