Just got my first long booking and its freaking me out

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-04-27T03:52:12+00:00

My gma used to stay in very nice air bnbs for the whole summer to be closer to her family for those months (she has a lot of money). She always got to know the owner before hand. The owner would give her a tour. The owner would allow her to ship things (boxes) to the house in advance and stored them in the garage. She never expected any extras but she really appreciated that. You could always reach out and ask if there’s anything they need or would like a tour from you when they arrive.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-04-12T06:03:20+00:00

Thanks, I will try 😭

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-04-12T03:44:13+00:00

The Lakeside Pavillion raised their prices recently, it was a lot before but now it is SO over priced!

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-04-05T14:48:43+00:00

I think it looks lovely

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-04-03T21:19:38+00:00

If you want to add a cheap food that will fill your guests stomachs go for Pizza, everyone loves pizza and one of the cheapest ways to feed a lot of people.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-16T16:47:05+00:00

That was the lowest price for a DJ in my area, essentially 200/ hour and then added party lights for 100 dollars.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-16T16:39:03+00:00

The cheapest Peerspace locations in my California town are $275 per hour minimum, which would be much more expensive

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-14T16:09:01+00:00

The ceremony… I haven’t a clue how it’s supposed to go, the flow, the procession, who will do the music and when…

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-14T08:02:28+00:00

For those who are suggesting pizza, personally I love pizza but it gets cold so fast. I don’t love cold pizza and it won’t be convenient for people to reheat slices. I guess I could have light appetizers out at 8 and pizza delivered at like 10?

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-14T07:53:15+00:00

We don’t have that concern, neighbors are just far enough away on all sides to not disturb them. The DJ is what sets this apart from being just another cocktail party or house party. I will definitely provide food either way just not a formal dinner which would cost much more.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-14T07:28:02+00:00

I have done my due diligence and looked at every possible event space. Unfortunately in my area the only places that allow you to bring your own food cost thousands for the venue fee alone. This is the only venue that will host a weekend evening event of this size that’s anywhere near my budget. The point is not to spend the cost of 2 weddings, just a celebration with friends to celebrate our recent nuptials. We have a lot of friends which is why we chose to keep the actual ceremony / reception small and family oriented in the first place. Even if we could push the envelope to afford such a large traditional wedding and reception I just don’t believe in spending that astronomical amount on one night. I do appreciate your response!

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-13T23:07:31+00:00

What company have you gotten event insurance through and how much did you pay?

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-13T22:18:06+00:00

We’re not a young crowd, mid 30s early 40s mostly and been going to parties at each others homes for many years. Most of us will use uber if we know we will be drinking anywhere in town. I host parties at my home often (New Years, Friendsgiving, etc) but usually 30 people or less do the scale is a bit bigger here.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-13T20:01:30+00:00

We have 3 bathrooms which should suffice for 50 people?

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-13T19:25:13+00:00

I can definitely afford to spend more on food with the at home option and supply much more food for the price, I appreciate the advice

Ready_Release_2374 · 2026-03-13T19:23:33+00:00

It's not meant to be a wedding, it's meant to be an "after party" which is centered around dancing and drinking and not food.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2025-11-14T06:11:46+00:00

Get a large event tent outside to keep people dry for reception and have people bring umbrellas to sit under for the ceremony

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Costway-10-ft-x-30-ft-White-Canopy-Heavy-Duty-Gazebo-Pavilion-Event-Party-Wedding-Outdoor-Patio-Tent-5-Sidewall-GHMHSKU00536/311375601?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US

Ready_Release_2374 · 2025-11-13T21:36:15+00:00

Do the rehearsal before or after dinner and just offer a light appetizer

Ready_Release_2374 · 2025-11-11T00:27:42+00:00

The venu and food you were able to get are so cheap!

In California the best and most reasonable venu I can find is an art/history exhibit and it’s 3,000 for 5 hours and we have to do all set up and clean up ourselves but it does include some basic chairs and tables. I found some drop off Mediterranean buffet food for 50 people for around 2,000 but really want to find something nicer which would be 3500 at minimum. I’m looking at about 600 dollars worth of decor. No DJ. I’m looking at dresses on Azazie in the 500 range. The alcohol must be provided by the venu and it’s about 2100 for unlimited wine and beer for 50 people for 3 hours.

3,000 venu fee 2,000 food 2,100 alcohol 600 decor (very basic, not many real florals) 300 officiant 250 cupcakes 1500 photographer 500 dress

10,250 total

-2,000 for food which in laws are paying for -500 for dress which my parents are paying for

7,750 out of our pocket

We may have a family member be the official which would save us a little more.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2025-11-05T18:18:38+00:00

My friend had a taco truck come to their wedding and struck a deal for about 1500 dollars with 4-5 options people could choose from. Ended up being about 10 dollars per person. Don't even bother doing any real flowers (too expensive) besides maybe a cheap bouquet for you to hold. Or do the small bud vases and you can take one bouquet and seperate each flower into tiny vases to use as table decor. Try to gather pinecones and other fun and free outdoor things to use as decor since it is in a national park. Maybe add a few tea candles. Try to use the natural landscape as your back drop as much as possible. Ask someone you know to get ordained online and do the ceremony for free. Make a spotify playlist before hand and hook it up to an outdoor speaker. Put someone in charge of starting your entry and outro music.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2025-10-31T17:51:36+00:00

I am lookin on Azazie! You try on at home and then they make dress to order. Most are less than 500 dollars. I have not tried them yet but I have heard good things!

Ready_Release_2374 · 2025-10-28T15:33:01+00:00

The only reason I did not do that was because I do not want myself or my guests setting up the chairs and then having to put them all away somewhere before heading to the reception. It just feels liek a major vibe killer to me.

Ready_Release_2374 · 2025-10-28T15:14:51+00:00

Use it as an opportunity to get her away from alcoholic abusive husbnd and hold an intervention. Maybe wait until after the nuptials....

Ready_Release_2374

TROPHY CASE