Can you guys do me a favor?

Augie · #1 October 22nd, 2008, 01:40 PM

I've set up a poll in the wedding planning forum. I need all the help I can get. Will you stop over and give me your opinion?

http://www.justmommies.com/boards/index.ph...317368&st=0

..Jessica.. · #2 October 22nd, 2008, 01:46 PM

Voted!

I personally think that it is a far drive. I'm sorry.

Augie · #3 October 22nd, 2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Voted!

I personally think that it is a far drive. I'm sorry. [/b]

Don't be sorry. I want honest opinions...I'm just not sure what else to do.

..Jessica.. · #4 October 22nd, 2008, 01:52 PM

You want a 'text book' reception or just something simple? I know money is a huge thing when it comes to getting married!

Augie · #5 October 22nd, 2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

You want a 'text book' reception or just something simple? I know money is a huge thing when it comes to getting married! [/b]

Well, we have a DJ (she lives here in VA and is willing to make the drive). The food is very casual...it's a bull roast menu. I want the special dances and cake and bouquet/garter toss, but (as far as i can think of) nothing else much matters.

..Jessica.. · #6 October 22nd, 2008, 02:00 PM

Maybe find a closer venue? I don't know what else to suggest, I don't know if you've already given the deposit or not. Oh man.

Augie · #7 October 22nd, 2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Maybe find a closer venue? I don't know what else to suggest, I don't know if you've already given the deposit or not. Oh man. [/b]

No we haven't. I'm supposed to call them back after discussing the distance.

..Jessica.. · #8 October 22nd, 2008, 02:21 PM

Oh ok! That's good then!!! Have you viewed any venues closer? You can do a bunch of decorating if you don't like the way it currently is, I hope you can find something!!!!

Augie · #9 October 22nd, 2008, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Oh ok! That's good then!!! Have you viewed any venues closer? You can do a bunch of decorating if you don't like the way it currently is, I hope you can find something!!!! [/b]

Not yet. We were just talking about that. May end up paying for his grandparent's hotel that way. We'll look around...Of course that'll be 2.5 hours to wedding then 2.5 to the reception, but most guests wouldn't have far to go to get home after the reception...

..Jessica.. · #10 October 22nd, 2008, 02:28 PM

If there is a hotel nearby the reception, I'm sure they wouldn't mind the drive.

Danielley08 · #11 October 22nd, 2008, 02:32 PM

Thats what I was wondering...is the 50 mins to the reception back in the direction of home or is it another 50 mins out of the way?...With gas prices these days that may make a big difference...you may save alot of money regarding food by going with that caterer but people will have to pay for that out of their own pocket in regards to gas money...BUT...with that being said...if they truly care about you...that would put a $ sign on it...

kristajoyce · #12 October 22nd, 2008, 07:55 PM

I'm just going to throw in my "expert" opinion, but please take this lightly. I have been to over 300 weddings. I am a wedding photographer and I have seen it all!!!! I say "expert" opinion because I am completely unbiased. Couples pay me a lot of money and I do whatever they want, so I follow them where ever they go!

I have seen couples make their guest travel for weddings and that usually works out well. I have seen couples that have their reception sites far from their wedding sites and as long as it is under 25-30 miles, it usually goes well. Over that distance, most people won't show up to the reception. You could be the exception, but I have rarely seen even half of the guests at receptions that are far away. Even out of the people that say they will come, many of them will change their minds after the wedding is over.

It is your wedding and I encourage you to do whatever you want. If it does not bother you that most of your guest will not come to your wedding reception, then have it where you want. If that does bother you, then maybe you can find a location in between. Be prepared that no matter what you do, some people will grumble. Pay no attention to these party poopers!!!! This is your wedding and your special day.

I do like the idea of having the reception back near the place everyone is driving from. I have a lot of couples that have a two to three hour time period between the wedding and reception and even though you will lose some of the guest that way, most of them will come. Especially if you let people know that the reception is more casual. Then people can get into some comfy clothes and just have a great time at a great party without the sore feet in the morning.

Again, this is just based on my experiance as a wedding photographer and I personally think that you should do whatever makes you happy!

Augie · #13 October 23rd, 2008, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Thats what I was wondering...is the 50 mins to the reception back in the direction of home or is it another 50 mins out of the way?...With gas prices these days that may make a big difference...you may save alot of money regarding food by going with that caterer but people will have to pay for that out of their own pocket in regards to gas money...BUT...with that being said...if they truly care about you...that would put a $ sign on it...[/b]

Actually, you just prompted me to look that up. It is 1 hour and 47 mins from the reception site to their home town. So it's not adding any additional drive time for ANY of the guests. (Holding the reception at home would add a lot of extra travel for his grandparents.)