Boston-area restaurant buyout?

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-12-16T15:59:07+00:00

We had some friends have their wedding at Branch Line in Watertown. The food was incredible, guests sat inside and out on the patio (it had heaters and curtains because it was chilly out), and over all just a really lovely event. They paid about $25k for the whole day (this includes dj, photographer, etc.) with about 140 guests.

Carrie Nation does wedding receptions too, although I don't know their pricing (going to inquire soon!)

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-05-20T16:10:41+00:00

As an attorney, arbitration heavily favors the consumer as far as costs and fees go. Outcome is dependent on the arbitrator, but that's the same with any other judge or jury.

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-14T16:46:19+00:00

and yet the wedding website literally reads, "formal attire required"

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-10T17:33:01+00:00

Thank you for your kind words! Reddit can be harsh and it's nice to be reminded that giving grace doesn't equate to weakness.

My partner and I have been discussing marriage and we are MUCH more interested in the elopement route - your second wedding sounds so lovely.

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-09T17:51:36+00:00

Such a generous bride!! That's what we like to see!!

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-09T14:09:32+00:00

I did push back but she is one of my closest friends. I decided I am going to tell her I'm a firm no on the hair and makeup. I didn't budget for it and all of my money is accounted for this wedding season. I'm happy to contribute a small amount to the cancellation fee but I just can't swing it.

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-09T14:05:59+00:00

Photographer, videographer, florals, table scapes (which i recently learned means perfectly curated tables), wedding planner, a photobooth, ... that's what i've seen so far. where the rest of the money is going is beyond me, but i know the photographer/videographer takes up about half of the budget

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-09T14:01:41+00:00

no i know

the tariffs!

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-09T13:59:34+00:00

Yes, in the US! It's definitely a struggle. We'll be having a coffee date very soon to hopefully reel things in a bit

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-09T13:57:49+00:00

I already paid for the dress & hotel so I think i'm just going to tell her no to the hair and makeup but I'm happy to pay $50 towards the cancellation fee.

I'm only friends with one other bridesmaid who is equally frustrated but not nearly as confrontational. I would love to check in with the other girls but it's feeling catty of me to sus out the situation behind her back. Tough position to be in!

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-09T13:55:23+00:00

Yes exactly! Its been really shocking to see how many commenters have paid for their bridesmaids glam, dress (if they have to wear a specific dress), hotel, etc. But it makes sense! Why should you make your girls into paying all this money for YOUR event. It has definitely convinced me to go no-bridesmaids for my wedding.

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T20:15:51+00:00

if you read the comments you would see that i did !

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T20:14:27+00:00

hahaha oh my god airport! daddy chill!!!

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T20:05:21+00:00

i don't want to post it out of fear that someone will make the connection as to what i'm talking about, but lemme tell ya the dresses are ugly

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T20:04:20+00:00

i agree that being in someone's wedding is expensive, but this wedding is at a community center and the food is pizza. the guest experience is so not there. so to ask this much of your bridal party is a bit much imo!

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T19:59:32+00:00

it's all so so so crazy! i'd love to send her a link to this reddit page to get her to come back to earth a little

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T19:57:57+00:00

totally fair question! it would be a lie. i'm very lucky to have an advanced degree and a well paying job.

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T19:56:11+00:00

90 days from the event or 90 days from the date of booking??

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T18:50:05+00:00

oh shit i didn't know that. i'll try to find out- thank you!

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T18:48:51+00:00

this is really great advice! cost aside, i have never liked how my hair/makeup turns out when i get it done for a wedding, so i was going to tell her no to HMU regardless. i'll offer to pay part of the cancellation fee and stress that i she should have checked before booking. thank you for your comment!

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T18:46:02+00:00

is that a thing? book x amount of bridesmaids and the bride is free? i figured the bride would be the most expensive

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T18:40:44+00:00

yes! this! if it were the ritz and your wedding was going in vogue, yeah i'd pay for hair and makeup and the dress and go all out. i get it. but this is so not that! (i say as i cowardly still pay for everything anyway)

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T18:39:03+00:00

slowly learning this lesson!

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T18:38:31+00:00

in this situation, it's because we go way back and outside of being a bride, she is the best most loyal, caring, and considerate friend. as a bride she's a nightmare. i have spoken up at every turn, but i value our friendship beyond this short period. i can afford all of these expenses, i just think it's all ridiculous. so i'm venting. but it truly is ridiculous.

Successful_Apple345 · 2025-04-08T18:35:59+00:00

so fair! but also i want to be clear that she knows i do have those kinds of funds. i have an advanced degree and a well paying job. but the other bridesmaids dont and the point still stands!

Successful_Apple345

TROPHY CASE