Venue...of course I still dont' have one!

[Measha]

Alright so, I've been feeling the stress of the fact that we don't have a venue yet. I left that part up to FH which hasn't worked out very well. He doesn't even know where to begin. Not that I do either, but apparently it's "my job" because I will be pickier about it anyhow. Oog! :bblol:

Sooo! The other day we went and checked out The Cathedral of the Rockies, which is where his grandmother goes to church and sings in the choir, etc. His mother got married there and his uncle (though neither marriage worked out...karma?). So it has some form of sentimental value to him. Though it is not our denomination.

http://www.cathedraloftherockies.org/

http://www.flashpointunlimited.com/weddings/interim_shots/KC1-0242-CATH-V-450.jpg

The picture is of the big sanctuary, we are more looking at the small chapel but I can't find a picture of that. Either way it feels SO formal to me. We'd also have to have one of their ministers present (if not active in the ceremony) and standing up with us even though we have our own officiant. The area for the reception feels cold as well as not really having a dance area. And music we could play would be restricted. I'm just overall not feeling "yay" about it.

So I was browsing around and found this: http://www.parklaneco.com/roseroom/

They have yet to reply to email so I may call them soon. It looks like just about what I am seeking! Informal, pretty...a place for the ceremony AND the reception in the same area. I need to know if they would let us cater for ourselves and such.

I'm really leaning toward the ballroom.

[Kfancii]

The church is gorgeous! Is the chapel that beautiful too? I agree that the church has a more formal feel to it but the part that matters the most is that you aren't feeling the church. That being said, you should go with the ballroom. It is really pretty too, and if you are going for a more casual feel for the wedding then it is probably perfect. I love all the wood - it makes it so nice and warm feeling.

[KMS]

Yeah, those two places are completely different. If you like the elegant casualness of the other place than I would definitely call them. If you can't cater for yourself is that a deal breaker?

[SouthernQueenBride]

Oh wow! That church is GORGEOUS!!! So is the ballroom!!!

I love them both but here are some questions to ponder.

If you do the ballroom are you going to do the same room for the ceremony and the reception? Or is there another room or venue to have your reception in? I ask b/c I went to a wedding that was held in a ballroom and after the ceremony ... we all had to just stand around and watch as they moved things around and brought in tables, set out food, etc. It was kinda a weird feeling b/c people were just standing around kinda awkward.

If there is another room to set up the reception in or a different venue that would be fine of course!

Sometimes churches will have a separate gathering area or dining hall that is great for receptions ... you just have to ask in advance what kind of regulations they have if you are planning on serving alcholol and playing current music. Some churchs have very strict regulations.

But either of them are beautiful and you would have some great pictures! Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide!

[Measha]

If we can't cater for ourselves it is definitely a deal breaker. We don't have the budget to hire catering and we have family in the area, as well as some coming in early that plan to take care of it all. All I can say is the ladies in my family rock!

And Lauren we're actually looking for a place where we can hold both. But depending on how it's set up I believe we can avoid the awkwardness heh.

It's a bit tough because a vast majority of venues I have found here in Boise are outdoors. I would love that, don't get me wrong, but not in late November! Oie vey. We've found a few more ballrooms and the like and I'm trying to get Jon on the ball getting ahold of them.

Yours truly must now fret about finding a reasonable photographer.

[SugarPlum]

I don't want to put a damper on your groom participating (how refreshing) but maybe choosing the venue isn't the place to start. It sooo effects every part of your vision and plan. I would keep that one on my list. My FH is responsible for the wedding favors (a CD of our favorite songs), the dance music and booking the honeymoon. The honeymoon seems to be taken care of but I am still waiting to see action on the other two items, with one month to go before the Big Day. Anyway, just a thought.

Now to the point... Both of those venues looked beautiful, but it sounds to me like the big church just isn't your style. go for the more relaxed atmosphere and I bet you'll be happier.

Congrats!