Planning an LA Wedding For Less Than 15k
– Part TWO The Venue –
Hi Everyone and welcome back!!! I have had a TON of people tell me in person that they have read my previous post about a 15k wedding that I am helping my friend with. I would really love it if you guys could leave me comments at the bottom so that I know you are reading or appreciate me posting this information up! So… things have been busy around here and my friend Madison was accepted to a great college for nursing so she had been preoccupied as well. Needless to say, finding a venue that fits into the budget is extremely tricky. Here is what we have checkout so far and our thoughts on the locations:
The LA Arboretum
In a Word? Beautiful!
PRO’S: There are tons of spots to choose from and no shortage of spots for good photos. It would be easy to decorate since its already got a ton of greenery and available space. You are able to choose from the Bauer Lawn & surrounding fountains, Queen Anne Cottage lawns, Rose Garden, Waterfall/Meadowbrook, and the Sunset Demonstration Garden. They each have a unique look and this location would be good for most any event and style. The on site catering cost was affordable as well and had MANY choices. For the 2015 prices it was in the $23 – $30 ish range per head but did not include the hourly cost for servers but plan to feed 100 people for about $3000-$3500 (just an estimate based on prices I saw – please confirm with the catering company!)
CON’S : You are not able to book the venue until 6-9 months out from your date. This makes it really hard on brides. You are unable to book ANYTHING without knowing your date and without actually booking your venue, you don’t really have the date set in stone. Someone can come and snatch it up before you get down there to book. Also, you have to use their rental company. This is not a big problem but it does limit you a little bit. The lady that we talked to was very nice and said that if they don’t offer some items that you want or need, then they just have to approve the company you want to use. The biggest con for this location is the timing. You can not start setting up until 4 PM which means that you probably can’t even start your wedding till 5:30 or later. This may be ok for a summer event but before the time change you may as well forget it (unless you like getting married in the dark). This also means that you have to have a good team so it gets done fast, you can’t get ready on site & a wedding planner is a must! Last but not least you have to bring in a generator for most locations because there is no electricity outlets and this is an outdoor site only so have a rain plan.
Cost : $1700 location fee + some additional fees for tram service & staffing = $2500
The Thursday Club La Canada
Great Spanish Style!
PRO’S: This place had a ton of character and beautiful gardens! If you want an intimate location, this is a wonderful choice. They even have beautiful chandeliers hanging inside! I was not there when Madison checked out this location but she LOVED IT and said that the price was defiantly in her budget. An added bonus is that you are close to Descanso Gardens and can pay the fee to take pictures there.
CON’S: This is a small venue. I am not sure how many people it will hold but I would guess 100 people or less. This is a place for intimate weddings. Also, there is a noise ordinance so you have to close shop way before midnight. If you are a night owl, this may not be for you. Also, I believe that you can not have your reception outside but I could be wrong on that. Please double check with the venue.
Cost : $1500 (since I was not there I think this is correct) + some additional fees
Hope this helps you out and keep checking back with updates and information!