D was married in a beautiful synagogue. She chose spaces that were just the right size for her smallish ceremony and reception along with an outdoor area for the cocktail hour. It was surprisingly inexpensive to get the entire building for the day.
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Been to several weddings of Jewish friends. None at a synagogue. Common denominator was great food. One I remember (although hazily) had bottles of vodka frozen in ice blocks as part of the caviar station.
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Congratulations, itâs a beautiful shot.
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DD1 had her bridal shower Saturday at our church. My sister did a fabulous job. Just under 6 weeks to go for her! Last night I gave her my opinion on the music her church organist suggested, and Sunday she and DH decided on father/daughter song. Sheâs working on reaching out to vendors to confirm and make any final choices.
DD2 toured a venue here while home for the shower. We really liked it and are hoping theyâll choose it and get married here. Couldnât really read fianceâs thoughts but Iâm sure they discussed on their long drive home and weâll hear a decision soon.
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D just got engaged and is looking at venues for 2025. She has been looking at Napa/Sonoma but has been discouraged by the costs. I think there is a huge venue premium. Any suggestions on alternative venues in California with the same feel for an outdoor wedding? Looking at 150 guests with a $50k budget, inclusive of ceremony and reception, venue, food and drinks.
Not sure if DD has considered Southern California? Iâm only suggesting the venue below because we went for dinner Saturday and there were two wedding receptions and a graduation party going on. (I think thereâs always a wedding reception when we eat there.) But there are tons of venues at a variety of price ranges.
We went to a wedding here several years ago; just fits 150 guests.
I think CA is just as expensive as NYC metro area, especially around Napa/Sonoma (probably more expensive). I am pretty certain it would be over 50K for 150 people. My guess is it would be 75+ before flowers, DJ, flowers, lightsâŠetc.
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Thanks. Yes, looking for suggestions anywhere in California.
Was stunned by the pricing I am seeing in search. A good friend who is a James Beard Award winning chef has a venue about 90 minutes from NYC. Their inclusive packages were running only $165 to $255/person before service charges and taxes.
Sonoma / Marin coast east of Petaluma. Itâs beautiful and the brother sister team who own and run it are the best. They are kind, generous and just all around good people.
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Another northern Ca venue
Not as special as Straus but itâs pretty.
This is where my D1âs wedding was this past Saturday. We had just over 100 people. We purchased all of the alcohol which was a huge savings. D1 had minimal flowers as the venue itself was very lovely. You can look at their Instagram to get an idea of the venue. Everything has to be brought in including the extra bathrooms.
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My DS#1 had a lovely outdoor wedding near Santa Cruz. I recommended it to another ccâer whose DS then also had their wedding there!! Its a lot more rustic than a winery though.
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Here was one:
Beautiful bride ! I like your dress! It must be an Xscape? Itâs the same fabric and flared hem as mine (different color)
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Thank you. It is Xscape.