PLEASE I NEED MAJOR HELP!!!!!

If anybody has any ideas, please let me know.

I have been with my boyfriend for aprox 2 1/2 yrs. I am 27(divorced) and he is 33(never been married), My first wedding was crazy!!!! 200 people $50K and the works. We have decided to have a small, simple but elegant wedding but we are doing it in September.......we have aprox 2 months. He is a volunteer fire fighter so we will be having the reception at the fire house.

My question is........

When your doing a wedding NOT at a catering hall, how do u organize it. Do you hire somebody to act as a Matrede (sorry not sure how you spell it) and communicate with the DJ?

The firehouse often has parties and they have a restaurant cater their food, so we're looking into that, but how is the best way to make this day go smoothly?

I'm so confused, though I had put so much time and effort into my last wedding, I feel so out ofthe loop!!!!
Please any info is appreciated!

Thanks
Dani

welcome to LIW.
there are a few girls who have gotten married in Knights of Columbus Halls etc. if u do a search, FM the girls who got married at those kinds of venues.

good luck!

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Posted by MrsB2B

If anybody has any ideas, please let me know.

I have been with my boyfriend for aprox 2 1/2 yrs. I am 27(divorced) and he is 33(never been married), My first wedding was crazy!!!! 200 people $50K and the works. We have decided to have a small, simple but elegant wedding but we are doing it in September.......we have aprox 2 months. He is a volunteer fire fighter so we will be having the reception at the fire house.

My question is........

When your doing a wedding NOT at a catering hall, how do u organize it. Do you hire somebody to act as a Matrede (sorry not sure how you spell it) and communicate with the DJ?

The firehouse often has parties and they have a restaurant cater their food, so we're looking into that, but how is the best way to make this day go smoothly?

I'm so confused, though I had put so much time and effort into my last wedding, I feel so out ofthe loop!!!!
Please any info is appreciated!

Thanks
Dani

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We are both divorced and also wanted something on a very small scale but we did not want to cheat ourself of our own wedding either.

This is my research:

For the cost of our RH, it would have cost us the same or about to do it at our house. Rent tents, tables, chairs (I don't have 40 chairs at my house), food (caterer), waiters (optional but I would not go without if I want my guests to enjoy themselves and not be on cleaning duty).

As a ball park ( I work for caterer), count about $15/person plus waiters (1 or 2 depending on the number of your guests) $20-25/hour (most will impose a minimum of 4 hours + tip). Add a person for bartending. You are not going to be stuck with the blender all afternoon doing pina colada. Trust me... you need waiters (cleaning tables during the party, etc.)

We have 35 people and going to a smaller banquet room at the George Washingtong Manor.
They have a small chapel on site with a bridal suite upstairs. Cost of our food $45-55/person (+18% tax).

It was not worse it for us. Plus you need to coordinate the pick up of the chair, tables, tents, linens.

Cost at home:

Food: $525
Waiters:$100
Add all the rentals, decorations
Make the yard in a great shape (flower beds, etc..)

Chapel: $500
RH: $1750

....it's about the same.

I would suggest you do your research on the cost. Found someone who is willing to let you use THEIR house and is willing to coordinate the return of all the rentals if you have your HM right after the wedding.

I think it's a great idea to have your reception at the fire house - your pics will be amazing

If you have it in your budget, maybe look into at least meeting with a wedding coordinator who has experience planning events in non-traditional spaces. She might be able to lead you in the right direction in terms of people to contact. Some planners also offer hourly consultation rates, so maybe you wouldn't have to hire them for the WHOLE event, but just for them to give you a head start.

I know that my wedding planner (who was fantastic and I adore her) has experience planning weddings in restored farmhouses, lofts, etc. so she might be a good person to contact. Her name is Elaine Deluca, she's the owner of Exquisite Events - here's her website: Exquisite Events

I was planning a small wedding at a bed and breakfast. I made sure to look for a caterer who included waiters in their services. I would have asked an organized friend to coordinate the day for me so that I do not have to worry much about the details on that day.

HTH

where are you located? Where is the firehouse? My mom works for a caterer, and they do buffet style, as well as sit down dinners. The food is excellent. I've worked a couple of parties myself doing the buffett style.

I will FM you with details.