WINNER of 2012 Bride's Choice Award

Friday, July 30, 2010

A simple wedding done in 3 weeks!

A very young couple, in love, with a very small budget, called me and pleaded for assistance in finding a venue for their wedding day. According to family and friends, they have been together "forever" and now felt that getting married, well, it was the right thing to do. My heart went out to them and I agreed.
So the task was put on to me to find them a venue that would have the elements that they wanted, at a price that was affordable for their 65 guests and as stated earlier, within 3 weeks.
Off I went with the check list- first- "How much can you afford? What??? $2,500.00 for the venue and it should it encompass food, drinks, music, flowers and cake?"
With a tremble in my voice, I mustered up the words "ooookkkkayy".
I asked, "So, do you mind if the banquet hall is in Hialeah? In a shopping center?". I had to straighten up, I had to be firm- because unless they were looking to have their wedding at Aunt Betty's backyard and they had friends and family doing the rest, a banquet hall in Hialeah will probably be the best bet.
Afterall, this is not "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera", where vendors will give them everything for free for a chance of TV stardom. This was reality without TV and David Tutera.
Luckily they were completely open and understanding to the situation that they placed themselves in by wanting to get married in 3 weeks!
After several tours of several banquet halls- we found one. The food was.... very good- rice pilaf, steak and vegetables.And they offered a nice package deal. Food for 65 guest, 4 hours of bar- one hour of appetizers- cake, flowers, linen, chairs, table ware, flatware and DJ for under $20.00 per person. Not too bad.
Needless to say the wedding was beautiful and the reception... well everyone ate, drank,danced and were merry.
Congratulations guys...