First Go-See!

I was elated to go to my first venue appointment (although it I was annoyed at the whole process of getting there, I almost ended up losing my credit card at the gas station). I call this a go-see, though the term is traditionally used for models. I had mixed feelings going into it (because of the whole buffet thing not happening) so I didn't really know what to expect. I told myself that the friendliness of the coordinator and the menu would be two huge determining factors.

So my aunt and I arrived and the place was as small as I remembered. It was more quaint and intimate than I remembered though. As we waited in the lobby, I peered into the room and envisioned us having our brunch there. It was everything that FH had hoped far––quiet, small, old-school, and quaint, and I was very much on board with that now, given the financial circumstances. I never dreamed of having a small wedding, but now I loved the idea of getting hitched without losing my wallet in the process.

My vision of the fireplace room was slightly shattered since they traditionally reserved the room across from it, which didn't have as much personality, but was doable, especially since it had a long table in which most everyone would be able to sit (me, my FH, and our parents could opt to sit apart from the table). I would have to redo my seating chart, which I set up for the other room (no biggie since it was less than 25 people!).

The coordinator whisked us away to a back room near the patio and bar (also very nice!). I was relieved that they still had the brunch options, would swap out the dessert for the wedding cake at no additional cost, and would charge $100 for an on-site wedding.

I was surprised by the site rental fee (which I didn't see written anywhere), that was tacked on for a Saturday. But that didn't deter me. At $30 a head and additional $375 was more than a value for what we were getting, and definitely didn't break our budget. Anyway we could always have it on a Sunday morning, which FH wasn't opposed to, though it would be hard getting someone to preside over our wedding.

Another drawback was setting up. We wouldn't be allowed to set up the night before, so either the site coordinator or someone would have to go in and set up a couple of hours before. And since we are having a morning wedding that would be a big task. I'd prefer to set up by myself because I trust my own judgment but for sanity sake I can't be in two places at once and have to simply trust that it will be taken care of. It will be my responsibility to make sure that I provide exact photos of what I am looking to accomplish so that whoever does it will get it close, if not perfect.

I was surprised that they had so few photos of actual weddings though, which was a slight disappointment. The other big plus was that the bakery that I'd be working with to get the cake, was where my aunt had purchased many cakes  in the past, so I felt really good about that.

Overall, this place is still definitely my number one choice. I love the atmosphere, the fact that it overlooks the river and is tucked away, it's small and quaint, affordable, serves brunch (breakfast is our FAV meal) and has a wonderful backdrop for photographs (a HUGE factor). Despite my itch to really nail down the deposit and a date, I refrained from doing so, heeding my mother's suggestion that I should seriously sit down and meet with a few other places, just to see if there was anything additional that they could offer.

Although I had only one appointment today, my aunt and I went to David's Bridal to look around and just those two things alone completely drained me. It was a good move on my part to not schedule more than one appointment. And surprisingly I worked up a serious appetite. I can't wait to meet with the other places :D

Brides: The New Surfer Dudettes

Being a Cali girl, I quickly realized that you can't really surf in the Atlantic Ocean, hence why I am so surprised to find myself riding a monstrous Pacific-ocean wave––also known as wedding planning. Ah the woes of riding the waves total excitement to total dismay when you find something really great, then realize that:

a. it's just ain't gonna happen (excuse my English)
b. it simply doesn't exist
c. it will cost you an arm...a leg...a foot...
d. it was never a practical idea to begin with

I am definitely feeling the woes of "d." Let me back track a little bit. This week I have been SO thrilled when I discovered that the venue of my dreams was now affordable because of our extra small entourage (a.k.a. guest list of 25).  It solved the problem of parking (HUGE Philly problem), taking photos, and being in close proximity of the ceremony site. Plus only $100 deposit and required AND they had a brunch option. Fast forward to a couple of hours ago when I called the venue back to square out some important questions including would they have space to set up a buffet in the room. And the answer was NO––the room was too small .

Why do I insist on having a buffet instead of a limited menu? First off because I LOVE buffets because of the variety, because you can go up for seconds thirds, etc, and probably most of all because you don't have to wait for your food to be prepared. I have been to my share of weddings where you had to wait between the reception and ceremony or actually wait for the food to be prepared. Waiting means grumbling stomach. Waiting means annoyance. Waiting means an unhappy grumpy bride. I have a bad history of becoming an all out pouting, growling, borderline-hypoglycemic, pathetic mess. My FH is not nearly as bad, but he does get really quiet and his energy drops as well.

After mourning the idea of the buffet, I reviewed the menu again and frowned again at the lunch menu (which is too ritzy and "stuff" for me), then looked at the brunch banquet again, trying to conjure up a plan. After talking to my mother she said that it was best to be creative and ask a lot of questions about my options. She also said that I really need to make other appointments as well.

Feeling a little better, I realized that I was only severely disappointed because I had the wrong expectation. An ultra small room could never hold a full buffet. Lesson learned. So I will have to opt for the limited menu (a few choices for the guests to choose from) with pasteries served while we are waiting for the food to be made. Not ideal, but better then my sugar levels plummeting.

Cool Philly Reception Venues

Briefly looking through the content of major wedding websites and magazines and , and a collage of other wedding sites, all show mostly out-of-range venues that cater to the average wedding budget of $30,000. Seriously? These prices are especially in this economy that is (still) staggering in man yeconomic crisis.

On my initial search for a venue, I became extremely discouraged with trying to book a place around $30 a head/plate––it seemed like Mission Impossible until I used my brain to search for unlikely venues and even expensive ones that made me cringe when the normal bill came, let alone the wedding bill. Surprisingly enough, I found a couple of affordable waterfront and expensive places that became very affordable. And what I also decided upon my initial research is that I would be able to afford an all inclusive package (that included wedding cake, decorations, center pieces, a dj etc) up to $50 a head/plate if I kept my head count less than 100 people. Here are some cool places I came up with:

Cavanaugh's River Deck - American
This restaurant is right on the Delaware River, has great food, and a wonderful, lively atmosphere. It may be a little rustic for a super formal wedding, but could probably fit almost any occasion––best of all it is SUPER affordable. The great part is that it is covered so you will be sheltered from the rain. The only downside is that they are only open during the summer months, if you are planning a wedding off-season. Also, it tends to be a club/bar/dance club at night, so you will want to book it earlier before the happy-hour crowd.
Website: http://www.theriverdeck.com/sit-down.asp

La Veranda Ristorante - Italian
Although I have never tried the food, I have passed by this restaurant plenty of times on my adventures to the water front. This is a great alternative to the ritzy places like the Moshulu.
Website: http://www.laverandapier3.com/banquet.htm

Temptations Jazz Club, Restaurant, & Banquet Hall - Soul Food
The website does not do justice to the beautiful restaurant's interior which includes a stage and bar. This is a perfect setting for a medium-sized group. The best thing about this location is that for larger groups, there is an adjacent banquet hall. Their wedding package seems pricey but includes EVERYTHING. The owner is friendly. The ambiance is wonderful and you don't have to worry about parking.
Website: https://www.temptationsgourmet.net/Event_Menus.html

Maggiano's - Italian
Ever since I attended my former employer's department dinner banquet, I have been enamored with Maggiano's. The food is rich and decadent and the atmosphere is relaxed. The best part is that there are two locations: one is the suburbs, that is recommended for larger groups, and the one in center city for groups as small as 20. You may opt for family-style or buffet. They have excellent brunch and lunch prices. Dinner prices aren't too bad if you forgo the alcohol. Plus the banquet planners are prompt with their follow up and sending you information.
Website: http://www.maggianos.com/default.asp

Germantown Church of the Brethren Fellowship Hall
This is a great small quaint hall, recently renovated and on Germantown Church of the Brethren church grounds. It is located in Mount Airy at 6601 Germantown Avenue and rates a few hundred dollars. The Pastor there is African-American from Ghana and is friendly and warm. The is a kitchen available to cook in or you will have to bring in a caterer as well as your own decorations. There is no alcohol allowed, as it is faith based. If you are interested contact RuNett Ebo Gray at 215-495-8679 or 215-438-1809.

Spamps Restaurant
Don't let the name puzzle you before you recognize the wonderful and eclectic decor and the lovely atmosphere. The food rocks and the whole Conshohocken neighborhood gives it a quaint feeling. What I love about this place is that it is out of the way and has a private upstairs room.
Website: http://www.spampsrestaurant.com/private.html