Last night Matt and I Googled our hearts out trying to find some more wedding venue options since our Tampa visit was a flop. During this Google marathon a few things popped into our heads:
- This would be A LOT easier if our guest list was under 100. But unfortunately for us we are blessed with huge, loving families and friends that we could never dream of not inviting. Shucks
- This would also be easier if we lived in the city we want to be married in. Venues look very different in person vs online and driving 4hours to Tampa or 7 hours to Miami isn’t an everyday option.
- I am a lot pickier than I thought I was. In the beginning my only requirement was “No banquet hall”. I have spent my life in bar mitzvahs, quincineras, weddings, anniversary parties, dances, etc and would be perfectly happy to never see a banquet hall again. But apparently I am also not interested in country clubs, hotels, certain restaurants, or most indoor options. Yes, I am annoying.
- South Florida summers are actually May-November and since I don’t want a wedding during the holidays I am limited to February-April for the wedding date….like every other bride in South Florida. ugh.
- Buffets are more expensive than plated dinners. My favorite weddings are buffet style. I like to see my options and choose what I want and not be stuck at the table as long. So we agreed that buffet is right for us. I figured this would be cheaper because buffets are not considered as formal as a sit down dinner. I was oh so very wrong.
- Why can’t we elope? No really, why can’t we?
- There is no way to explain to Matt what I mean when I say I want a place that “feels” like my wedding venue and I feel like an absolute crazy person trying to. One day someone will invent a mind reader and I will buy it for Matt so that all of our problems would be solved.
- Some venues consider Jose Cuervo a top shelf tequila. For $30 a person for an open bar I would expect some Patron.
After hours and hours of this, my stomach demanded food so we took a recess for spaghetti and meatballs.
hm, I was too busy to make this look appetizing I guess.
I then snacked on dark chocolate covered pomegranates while trying to explain to Matt why I didn’t want to get married in a casino. Bless his heart. One thing we do agree on is that we want to find a venue ASAP. Once we have the venue we can finally move forward with the other things i.e. FOOD. And I can get back to my usual postings of blurry pics of my feet and ladybugs.
How much say did your significant other have in the wedding planning process?
Are you tired of my wedding talk?
You can be honest because even I’m kinda tired of it. But I could totally talk about this forever too.
Jade
/ February 20, 2013You can elope if you want to!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 20, 2013I joke about it but I do actually want the wedding.But it is fun to daydream about running away!
Amy @ Writing While Running
/ February 20, 2013Wow. This sounds intense. Based on the experience of many of my friends, I am totally eloping or just having a private family service. All of the stuff behind weddings just seems too much for me to worry about, but I totally applaud all of those who can make it through the process. It’s like training for and running a marathon!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 20, 2013I have definitely thought about eloping but I think the planning will all be worth it eventually
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
/ February 20, 2013You can elope and then have a big party afterwards..but you’d still need a venue so I guess that kind of defeats the purpose. You just started your wedding talk, so there’s no way we could be sick of it! A few months down the road, maybe
I’m kidding! Weddings are exciting!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 20, 2013haha as much as I joke about eloping I do want the wedding. Once I find the venue my stress level will drastically drop.
Emily
/ February 20, 2013Hey there! So I live in Canada and have no actual clue… but what about these places:
http://digclub.org/services.html
http://tampa.therustypelican.com/rustypelicantampa/event_planning.aspx
They look pretty neat!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 20, 2013The rusty pelican was the first place we looked and would be perfect if we had less people but with our current guest list is too pricey and they were completely booked for February- the first half of april already :/ We’re planning on looking at the Davis Island Garden this weekend
thanks for the recommendations!!!
Katie
/ February 20, 2013Have you thought about renting a really large private beach house and getting married right out on the beach. Having the immediate family stay in the beach house could justify the extra cost? Just an idea. Good luck with the wedding planning and as stressful as it is you a definitely right it WILL be worth it in the end =)
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 20, 2013That was actually my first thought, too! I am still looking but having a hard time finding something in the area that would be large enough.
pickyrunner
/ February 20, 2013Man… you’re making me realize that weddings take a TON of work! I know you’re going to make it an absolutely perfect evening. No doubt in my mind
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 20, 2013I think that the venue is the hardest part. Once I find a place the rest will come along
Brennan @ Yum Run
/ February 20, 2013Wedding planning is NO JOKE! I got married a year and a half ago and the whole planning process was crazy stressful. Just keep your man by your side and you can get through it. Also, I am super happy I found your blog!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 21, 2013Aw thanks! I have found a place that I think might be the winner…I just need to get Matt on board with it!
arrienne
/ February 20, 2013I LOVE hearing wedding plans! Although, I know it is stressful and you just want someone else to do it, but it has to be everything you want still and they should be able to read your mind right? I hope you find the perfect place. It will definitely all come together. Excited to hear more about it!! You just make sure it’s what YOU want…so yes eloping would be fine:)
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 21, 2013This is the biggest stressor for me! I think the venue sets the tone for everything else so once I book a place I will breathe a sigh of relief!
Amanda
/ February 21, 2013Haha I am not anywhere near planning a wedding, but reading things like this make me so worried about planning it! I seriously would consider eloping, but I want a real wedding with everyone I care about. So, it may be stressful now, but remember it will be worth it!
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 22, 2013Yes it will
I’m getting excited now that it seems like things are coming together 
Pat
/ February 22, 2013Hey I have no problem being right there next to Matt if you guys do a riverboat casino wedding.
Runner Girl Eats
/ February 22, 2013Did Matt put you up to this?? I think I found a place in Miami that’s awesome and does not have slot machines. We’ll know for sure Monday