Need help finding New Eng. site for outdoor wedding
Jul 19th, 2010, 12:18 PM
#21
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Cyanna, I like your attitude of being helpful but having them figure it out themselves.
The on-leash policy is violated often--usually only if you see animal control or someone complains, are there problems. Ticketing is less prevalent now with so many municipal cut-backs.
The most inexpensive place to rent in the area is the Footlight Club in Jamaica Plain. They have quite a large lobby and main room area under the theater. It's located about 3-4 miles from Larz Anderson.
Perhaps Larz Anderson would give them a permit for a large party--wouldn't hurt to call the Town Hall. I like china_cat's state park suggestion too.
http://www.footlight.org/rental.html
The on-leash policy is violated often--usually only if you see animal control or someone complains, are there problems. Ticketing is less prevalent now with so many municipal cut-backs.
The most inexpensive place to rent in the area is the Footlight Club in Jamaica Plain. They have quite a large lobby and main room area under the theater. It's located about 3-4 miles from Larz Anderson.
Perhaps Larz Anderson would give them a permit for a large party--wouldn't hurt to call the Town Hall. I like china_cat's state park suggestion too.
http://www.footlight.org/rental.html
Jul 19th, 2010, 01:33 PM
#22
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WHY. Why would you embark on a "destination" wedding when you (all of you, collectively) don't have the money to do it. It is bad enough when young people want this where family or friends have a "place" to do it. It requires EVERYONE to spend an extra amount of money--getting there, housing, food, etc. It is totally insensitive and unrealistic. Learn to live within your budget, beginning at once.
As for the dog, my son's dog was in their wedding IN a church. it isn't that big a deal.
Your children need to do this for themselves IF that is what they want.
Sorry if this seems harsh. It really isn't. Kids need to learn that if they want things, then they need to work and pay for them. Maybe I am missing something here, but I don't think so.
As for the dog, my son's dog was in their wedding IN a church. it isn't that big a deal.
Your children need to do this for themselves IF that is what they want.
Sorry if this seems harsh. It really isn't. Kids need to learn that if they want things, then they need to work and pay for them. Maybe I am missing something here, but I don't think so.
Jul 19th, 2010, 02:30 PM
#23
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There are so many wonderful places that people have shared here. Just such great advice and ideas.
But what was originally described as a more intimate wedding, now has 100 guests? I believe in being frugal and not getting caught up with the mass marketed wedding hype and adore barn weddings and beachside weddings.
But I would be a bit apprehensive being asked to drive a couple of hours each way and maybe paying for lodging to go to a potluck barn wedding in which I would personally feel obligated to offer a generous gift.
I hope they take into account where people are traveling from and find a venue that is accessible to most.
Good luck!!!
But what was originally described as a more intimate wedding, now has 100 guests? I believe in being frugal and not getting caught up with the mass marketed wedding hype and adore barn weddings and beachside weddings.
But I would be a bit apprehensive being asked to drive a couple of hours each way and maybe paying for lodging to go to a potluck barn wedding in which I would personally feel obligated to offer a generous gift.
I hope they take into account where people are traveling from and find a venue that is accessible to most.
Good luck!!!
Jul 19th, 2010, 03:15 PM
#24
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Another site to pass on, MA farm wedding locations:
http://www.mergeweddings.com/posts/m...ing-locations/
And a forum that has many suggestions for informal, inexpensive, or unusual wedding venues:
http://www.yelp.com/topic/cambridge-...ng-venue-ideas
That's the last of my ideas.
Good luck to the couple!
http://www.mergeweddings.com/posts/m...ing-locations/
And a forum that has many suggestions for informal, inexpensive, or unusual wedding venues:
http://www.yelp.com/topic/cambridge-...ng-venue-ideas
That's the last of my ideas.
Good luck to the couple!
Jul 20th, 2010, 06:19 AM
#25
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portiaperu, you've been a goldmine of suggestions - I admit I've tried Googling various things myself, but what you've provided has been much more useful.
Gretchen, there seem to be a number of assumptions or conclusions you've jumped to here - and forgive me, but you’re way off base except about doing things within a budget. So maybe I didn’t explain right.
Far from being selfish about all this, they are not (so far) doing what they originally wanted to do, which was to go to the JOP offices and sign papers, and then spend a little money on a trip somewhere. And I’m sure many Fodorites of a certain age or mindset would think that’s just what they should do.
But they are mindful of what their wedding means to both sets of parents (he’s our only child; she has siblings with checkered situations) and relatives (big families), and they really want to celebrate with friends and family themselves. So they’re doing the their best. But it’s tough to want dogs, space, alcohol, without huge expense and travel, and I’m just trying to help them check out possibilities for something that’s really tricky. They’ve so far asked for no money, although we’ve volunteered to come up with an amount, sadly less than some brides pay just for their dress, I’m afraid.
About a “destination” wedding: This is not a "destination" wedding, by any means; but a wedding “at home” is not feasible. They live in a very small (and rather shaggy) Boston-area apt. with a postage-stamp yard; and neither set of parents lives anywhere near anyone else. They’ve been struggling mightily with the fact that both, fairly large families are spread all over the country, and friends are all over the world. (Moreover, they are non-religious, so a church-basement wedding isn’t an option.)
SO: They’ve been trying very, very hard to figure out a way to accommodate all the family involved. Along that line: the beachhouse idea was mainly an attempt to find a way to provide accommodations for a dozen out-of-town relatives (e.g., both sets of parents) not far from the Boston friends and relatives who could drive there in an hour or two - and also have dogs -- not so much to find an impressive setting beyond their means. They’d estimated they might be able to rent a 16-bed place off season for $1500 for a weekend, while motel rooms for 14 relatives might add up to that much alone, nevermind venue rental. And there’d be a kitchen.
About the dogs: This is one area where I really hope they get more flexible, but they met because of their dogs, etc. etc.. If they asked me, I’d advise them AT MOST to have just their 2 dogs around only for the ceremony and not the reception. But they’re not asking me about this. I repeat: they’re not demanding we arrange anything, they’ve just asked for help with research. So that’s what I’m doing.
Sorry for the length of this, when so many of you have taken the time and effort to try to help - for which I'm very grateful.
Gretchen, there seem to be a number of assumptions or conclusions you've jumped to here - and forgive me, but you’re way off base except about doing things within a budget. So maybe I didn’t explain right.
Far from being selfish about all this, they are not (so far) doing what they originally wanted to do, which was to go to the JOP offices and sign papers, and then spend a little money on a trip somewhere. And I’m sure many Fodorites of a certain age or mindset would think that’s just what they should do.
But they are mindful of what their wedding means to both sets of parents (he’s our only child; she has siblings with checkered situations) and relatives (big families), and they really want to celebrate with friends and family themselves. So they’re doing the their best. But it’s tough to want dogs, space, alcohol, without huge expense and travel, and I’m just trying to help them check out possibilities for something that’s really tricky. They’ve so far asked for no money, although we’ve volunteered to come up with an amount, sadly less than some brides pay just for their dress, I’m afraid.
About a “destination” wedding: This is not a "destination" wedding, by any means; but a wedding “at home” is not feasible. They live in a very small (and rather shaggy) Boston-area apt. with a postage-stamp yard; and neither set of parents lives anywhere near anyone else. They’ve been struggling mightily with the fact that both, fairly large families are spread all over the country, and friends are all over the world. (Moreover, they are non-religious, so a church-basement wedding isn’t an option.)
SO: They’ve been trying very, very hard to figure out a way to accommodate all the family involved. Along that line: the beachhouse idea was mainly an attempt to find a way to provide accommodations for a dozen out-of-town relatives (e.g., both sets of parents) not far from the Boston friends and relatives who could drive there in an hour or two - and also have dogs -- not so much to find an impressive setting beyond their means. They’d estimated they might be able to rent a 16-bed place off season for $1500 for a weekend, while motel rooms for 14 relatives might add up to that much alone, nevermind venue rental. And there’d be a kitchen.
About the dogs: This is one area where I really hope they get more flexible, but they met because of their dogs, etc. etc.. If they asked me, I’d advise them AT MOST to have just their 2 dogs around only for the ceremony and not the reception. But they’re not asking me about this. I repeat: they’re not demanding we arrange anything, they’ve just asked for help with research. So that’s what I’m doing.
Sorry for the length of this, when so many of you have taken the time and effort to try to help - for which I'm very grateful.
Jul 20th, 2010, 07:33 AM
#26
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Here's an idea that would be cheap cute and fun, and the dog could come too. Revere Beach, there are hotels and along the beach, and right ON the beach there are several gazebos. Then have Kelly's cater the wedding.
Yea I know just dreaming,,,,,,just love Kelly's.
Yea I know just dreaming,,,,,,just love Kelly's.
Jul 20th, 2010, 07:47 AM
#28
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As you know 
it's hard to find a place that will allow alcohol, dogs, and is public/inexpensive (2 out of three would be much easier).
You might look at Taconic State Park-- just over the Mass./NY border into NY (they allow dogs in at least some areas and alcohol too I believe).
It also looks like VT is pretty well set up for weddings at their state parks. Check out this brochure. http://www.vtstateparks.com/pdfs/weddings.pdf
Most of those I think will be some distance away, but Molly Stark (listed as capacity 60) is not too far from Mass., and Camp Plymouth is around the middle of the state I think.
Congrats and good luck!
it's hard to find a place that will allow alcohol, dogs, and is public/inexpensive (2 out of three would be much easier).You might look at Taconic State Park-- just over the Mass./NY border into NY (they allow dogs in at least some areas and alcohol too I believe).
It also looks like VT is pretty well set up for weddings at their state parks. Check out this brochure. http://www.vtstateparks.com/pdfs/weddings.pdf
Most of those I think will be some distance away, but Molly Stark (listed as capacity 60) is not too far from Mass., and Camp Plymouth is around the middle of the state I think.
Congrats and good luck!
Jul 20th, 2010, 08:16 AM
#29
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"They’d estimated they might be able to rent a 16-bed place off season for $1500 for a weekend".
They might want to estimate again.......16 bed places are few and far between, especially pet-friendly ones.
They might want to estimate again.......16 bed places are few and far between, especially pet-friendly ones.
Jul 20th, 2010, 09:56 AM
#30
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A couple of my friends have had weddings at private homes on the beach on the Cape. You'd have to do a lot of Googling and calling around to find one but I'm sure you'd find something. The issue, of course, is cost. It's not likely to be cheap, especially since you'd have to rent a tent, silverware, chairs, etc., etc.
A couple of other options to consider. There are 2 Elks clubs that are very nice and on the water. They're not your typical Elks, they're a step-up with pretty scenery. But they are definitely lower cost than other options on the water.
Gloucester MA
http://www.elksatbassrocks.com/
Portsmouth NH (don't think they have a website)
A couple of other options to consider. There are 2 Elks clubs that are very nice and on the water. They're not your typical Elks, they're a step-up with pretty scenery. But they are definitely lower cost than other options on the water.
Gloucester MA
http://www.elksatbassrocks.com/
Portsmouth NH (don't think they have a website)
Jul 20th, 2010, 03:00 PM
#31
There is an historical house on the lake in Wakefield, MA that is pretty inexpensive--a wedding with a 10 hour rental is $500. Holds up to 80 with a tent.
http://www.hartshornehouse.org/
http://www.hartshornehouse.org/
Jul 20th, 2010, 04:00 PM
#32
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Yes, it IS a "destination" wedding. Everyone is coming TO the destination, away from EVERYone's homes, and it will be expensive for everyone to do it. THAT is what I mean. It is just the "truth".
Friends who could not afford a big do of a wedding actually had a "pot luck" reception at our church.
In the Italian tradition, rent a hall--the VFW, etc. and have it there--in Boston. Let everyone bunk with their friends. have a good time. Cheap hotel room shared by 3 or 4.
Friends who could not afford a big do of a wedding actually had a "pot luck" reception at our church.
In the Italian tradition, rent a hall--the VFW, etc. and have it there--in Boston. Let everyone bunk with their friends. have a good time. Cheap hotel room shared by 3 or 4.
Jul 20th, 2010, 04:19 PM
#33
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Gretchen,
I'm going to speak out against your criticism and "truth" because your comments appear very mean-spirited and may very well ruin this happy time for cyanna.
Why would you wish to do that?
And, a few thoughts:
Isn't every wedding a destination wedding for some of the party? Not everyone has family and friends in one location. And often family and friends elect to stay overnight no matter the location of the wedding to ensure they are able to party as much as they wish. I'm sure your family traditions are lovely. Key word = your
And, I understood from an earlier post that the majority of family are in MA or the region. Perhaps I'm wrong - I'm not going back to reread.
Next, why are you so so invested in Cyanna's son's wedding that you are engaging in an argument?
I'm enjoying reading the ideas people are presenting and had some fun thinking about where I might have a wedding if I did it all again (which I don't plan to do!).
There, bite my head off too! I'm ready!
I'm going to speak out against your criticism and "truth" because your comments appear very mean-spirited and may very well ruin this happy time for cyanna.
Why would you wish to do that?
And, a few thoughts:
Isn't every wedding a destination wedding for some of the party? Not everyone has family and friends in one location. And often family and friends elect to stay overnight no matter the location of the wedding to ensure they are able to party as much as they wish. I'm sure your family traditions are lovely. Key word = your
And, I understood from an earlier post that the majority of family are in MA or the region. Perhaps I'm wrong - I'm not going back to reread.
Next, why are you so so invested in Cyanna's son's wedding that you are engaging in an argument?
I'm enjoying reading the ideas people are presenting and had some fun thinking about where I might have a wedding if I did it all again (which I don't plan to do!).
There, bite my head off too! I'm ready!
Jul 20th, 2010, 08:04 PM
#35
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I don't know if it fits with your budget, but this hotel is about 100 miles north of boston. It is about 600 feet away from Higgins Beach. They have alot of experience with weddings. The food is good. The place is quaint. "Cash", the owners golden retriever will greet you at the door.
Jul 20th, 2010, 08:09 PM
#36
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I don't think Gretchen needed to be scolded for sharing their opinion. Nor do I understand that you felt it your obligation to scold them. They were being honest with their opinion as everyone on this thread has been.
Jul 20th, 2010, 08:31 PM
#37
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LittleWing,
I was taken aback at the vehemence in the tone of the remarks. Perhaps being new to the board I am unaware of what is considered acceptable among more experienced members.
I did not intend to scold, but point out that everyone has their own point of view, that it's a happy occasion for the individual posting the question which does not, in my humble opinion need to be answered by with negative remarks that were supplied as the "truth".
The remarks may have been honest, I have no reason to believe they are not what the individual thinks or believes. But they were presented in an offensive manner, for the reasons already outlined above.
I see no reason to thrust my opinion on anyone else. Express it yes, claim it as "truth" no.
If this is the type of remark that is considered "honesty" I would question the civility of board members.
And if MY remarks were not civil I will extend my regrets.
I know if I had posed the question on this thread and was met with such a response I would find my joy dampened.
And, perhaps you can advise - are there rules for engaging others that post in a thread? Is conversation only allowed between the person posing the question and an individual that responds?
My apologies cyanna, for hijacking your thread. I'm out of wedding ideas and I will refrain from further posting.
Wishing you a joyous celebration!
I was taken aback at the vehemence in the tone of the remarks. Perhaps being new to the board I am unaware of what is considered acceptable among more experienced members.
I did not intend to scold, but point out that everyone has their own point of view, that it's a happy occasion for the individual posting the question which does not, in my humble opinion need to be answered by with negative remarks that were supplied as the "truth".
The remarks may have been honest, I have no reason to believe they are not what the individual thinks or believes. But they were presented in an offensive manner, for the reasons already outlined above.
I see no reason to thrust my opinion on anyone else. Express it yes, claim it as "truth" no.
If this is the type of remark that is considered "honesty" I would question the civility of board members.
And if MY remarks were not civil I will extend my regrets.
I know if I had posed the question on this thread and was met with such a response I would find my joy dampened.
And, perhaps you can advise - are there rules for engaging others that post in a thread? Is conversation only allowed between the person posing the question and an individual that responds?
My apologies cyanna, for hijacking your thread. I'm out of wedding ideas and I will refrain from further posting.
Wishing you a joyous celebration!
Jul 20th, 2010, 09:16 PM
#38
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Just had another thought, you might look at a couple of places in Winthrop. There's the Elks Club right ON the water and 2 Yacht Clubs. The Cottage Park Yacht is on Boston Harbor and is frequently used for weddings and can accomodate 100 guests easily and you can bring in food and alcohol, don't know about bringing Fido.
There are also several hotels intown and in the area.
Another option would be Anthony's Restaurant in Swampscott, also right on the water with banquet rooms.
Winthrop is easy to get to, just north of Boston, and you can even arrange a cruise for guests of the harbor.
Ok one more idea, there is now a ferry from Boston to Winthrop, have the wedding on the Ferry and the reception at the Yacht Club.
There are also several hotels intown and in the area.
Another option would be Anthony's Restaurant in Swampscott, also right on the water with banquet rooms.
Winthrop is easy to get to, just north of Boston, and you can even arrange a cruise for guests of the harbor.
Ok one more idea, there is now a ferry from Boston to Winthrop, have the wedding on the Ferry and the reception at the Yacht Club.
Jul 21st, 2010, 03:06 AM
#39
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I apologize for any "tone" in "truth". But I was really trying to define "destination" as not what Conde Nast would say is a "destination wedding" and that this really is.
I have NO desire to dampen any happiness for an occasion as wonderful as this. But reality is sometimes not rose colored. Our kids have all faced the expense of sharing this happy time with their friends, and I do find that they find a way. It can be a real burden. I think the suggestions of the Elks hall (not unlike my suggestion of the "fire hall") is great.
I wish them a great and happy occasion and life after, which I hope they can do within their budget. Just have a GREAT time.
I have NO desire to dampen any happiness for an occasion as wonderful as this. But reality is sometimes not rose colored. Our kids have all faced the expense of sharing this happy time with their friends, and I do find that they find a way. It can be a real burden. I think the suggestions of the Elks hall (not unlike my suggestion of the "fire hall") is great.
I wish them a great and happy occasion and life after, which I hope they can do within their budget. Just have a GREAT time.
Jul 21st, 2010, 05:37 AM
#40
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Early on, you mentioned New Hampshire: my daughter was married last July at the Woodbound Inn and Resort in Rindge, New Hampshire; it's on Lake Contoocook, and the ceremony was on the beach, after cocktails also on the beach(and the bride and groom changing into their wedding attire); we then had a dinner and reception in one of the inn's function rooms--which I understand they might not want; however, I think the staff would work with the couple. There are cabins near the beach (and they are indeed cabins, nothing fancy) where many guests stayed; fancier rooms are in the main inn.
