So much good advice. She opened my eyes about the prices of venues I was looking at and how it's quite high and I can def save more by renting raw event spaces through peerspace(dot)com. I'm now looking for a space and browsing and stuff

and like, you ever look at a space and just go "this has DEFINITELY been rented for sex parties"?

Everyone’s Corner - Intimate Event Space & Pop Up St...

yes I know "Everyone’s Corner - Intimate Event Space & Pop Up Storefront w/ Sultry Cave" really kinda gives it away but I mean even WITHOUT a name like that I think you look at it and you just go "oh yeah, definitely"

I typed out my impression of the space beFORE I noticed "Sultry Cave" in the event space title

amazing

my god, there are beautiful spaces for basically half the cost or less compared to the wedding venues I was looking at...

The wedding planner basically completely demystified it and broke wide open the whole wedding inflation thing... venues that advertise themselves as wedding spaces just get away with crazy prices

she like looked me in the eyes and was like "what does the venue come with for that price?" and I was like "um... the space... and tables and chairs... though I might not use those chairs, and they have catering or open bar packages"

"Right so those are extra, so that base price is basically only for the space"

it doesn't come with any extra services really. some do, but basically her point was that most of the places you are paying grand prices for like how the space looks, and when it's nice they know that people will pay a lot just to use the space itself.

but if they don't come with extra services and I basically have to pull everything together with the help of an event planner anyway, I might as well find a raw space that costs way less cuz it's not one of those shmancy places that are primarily wedding spaces

and I'm finding quite a few cute places. I haven't visited any of these yet so who knows, but the other thing too was

she was telling me how the other places I was looking at are HUGE

they're for weddings with 150-200 people, and I have 50

this is me not being able to do math. I knew that it could fit 150 people but I was like "well so what if it's a bit spacious" but I forgot like 50 is.. A THIRD OF 150.... so that's a lot of wide open space

so I'm also overpaying for the usage of such a huge space

so by finding a more suitable space on this website, I can save money while finding a space that's more suited to my guest count

the downside is that I'm worried it's too cozy. like as in, layout.

but there are a couple of contenders!

Jupiter House in Brooklyn

this place is very cool looking but also probably haunted

like, chic haunted

I am not going to use this place lmao, I need a larger space but like, wow

very.... spiritual

meatdisaster: yeah I was wondering about that too! you have way more options for wedding that small

the bigger spaces are so gorgeous but yeah, so expensive and for so much space I wouldn't be using I suppose! but also, I'd never go event space hunting on my own without a professional giving me a link to a trustworthy site lol

like, i would feel so unsure if it was legit or if it's a thing etc etc. it was helpful to have a professional be like, yes, you can book a cheaper event space, it doesn't have to cost 7k to over 10k

and even give me a link to a site to use

she was super helpful

it's wild that I think 30k is a lot for my parents to give me to spend and I'm like "wow I have so much freedom now!" UM ACTUALLY NO???? Wedding planner listed out some prices of what all the other shit could cost plus fees and taxes and it was already getting past 20k, and it's doubtful I'd be able to stay under 30k ALREADY

which is why she emphasized I should look at more affordable venues first off. especially since my design ideas would mostly involve me getting all those things regardless of the raw space, (like the space won't help me get less of those decorations cuz, I have ideas), so I might as well get a cheaper raw space so I have budget for the decor i want

it all makes sense....

I mean, there's something very nice about having super high ceilings and wide open spaces for me, and I don't like feeling cramped, but i have to compromise somewhere if I don't wanna blow straight through my parents generous budget

wedding planner also said unfortunately things just Cost A Lot More These Days

SIGH!!! INFLATION

Affectionately: Jupiter House looks like Jen's apartment

I know this is a lot of work but I'm kinda of excited watching you plan

I hope I can be of some service during your wedding week! Prep or decoration or stuff like that. I'm eager to demonstrate my friendship by helping to make your day wonderful.

What season are you thinking? Or do you have a range of dates already in mind?

I'm glad you enjoy watching me plan! I gotta dump this shit SOMEwhere and it's more fun if people are actually interested in reading my rants 😂

I originally wanted summer but then I remembered I'm gonna wear many layers with my wedding outfit so for my own survival I should aim for slightly cooler months (but not freezing), so spring or fall. Maybe September or October 2024, or Spring 2025. Leaning towards Sep 2024 but nothing is set yet!

Talked with Eric about some of the spaces I found and then things looped back to one of our first spaces we liked which seemed pricier but now I realize it includes a lot more!! so hmm!!!! Potentially considering that place again. THIS IS ALL SO HARD HAHA

what I do know now is that getting an event planner is absolutely worth it. It was already invaluable to talk to the event planner for an hour today. having a pro be there to talk through thoughts is SO helpful