I have a choice to hold my wedding at an old cathedral downtown (one of those ones with all the stained glass, statues, etc.) and have the reception in a room in a historic building. The cathedral is going to let us use it for free, and the historic building is charging $2500. The historic building provides tables, chairs, sound equipment. The priest on site will perform the ceremony, so we don’t have to hire anyone. There is a tiny sitting room in the women’s restroom for changing, but the guys would have to come dressed. These locations are about a 30 minute drive from where I live, so a bit of a drive for rehearsals, photos, etc. The church does require two 2-hour classes to be taken before the ceremony will be performed.
Or, I can have my wedding at a little chapel that has a winding staircase that descends into the aisle, bride’s private dressing room and a separate one for the bridesmaids, and a room with TVs for the groomsmen. The chapel comes with 1-2 ballrooms, a starlight room, and 2 lit gazebos, tables, chairs, sound equipment. They provide all centerpieces, multiple table cloths, silk flowers for decorating in any color. Also, someone meets with you to help you plan the details, and there is a minister on site to perform the ceremony. The cost is $5975. No classes are required, The place is 3 miles from where I live, so very convenient for photos, planning, rehearsals, etc.
Both places require me to find my own catering, photographer, musicians, cake, rings, clothing for wedding party, any live flowers desired, and other normal wedding stuff.
Which place would you choose. I can’t pick. The groom’s parents would like us to use the cathedral, as it is the church they attend. Everyone else (my parents, groom) says it’s my decision. Both places are nice. What would you do? Help!
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Which can you best afford?…
Personally the cathedral just for the romance of it. But it is a difficult choice. They would both come out to the same amount to use so budget isn’t that much of a factor.
Go with the cathedral.
can u get us some pics? i’d say you need to close your eyes…and imagine yourself at each place..now which one was your heart beating faster..and go with that one…it sounds silly but do it
I could be mistaken, but you sound more positive/excited about the second choice. Just the tone of it and my reading between the lines. If so, that is what you should go with if all parties are open both decisions.
However, if you’re really undecided, let the groom decide. Lay it all out for him and have him make the decision!
There is a reason to have it at the cathedral (the wishes of the groom’s parents) and no special reason to have it at the chapel. It would be kind and gracious to give in to their request as you do not have a valid reason to refuse. The classes that they are asking you to take will be extremely helpful as you experience the ups and downs of marriage. For those of us who live in cities, a 30 minute drive is nothing. Many of us commute 2 or more hours daily. You can hire a photographer who is in the area of the cathedral and have the photos done just before the wedding or between the wedding and reception. Hire the other services in that area also as your future in-laws will be able to recommend who will do a good job for you
The cathedral will just be magnificent and so very beautiful! It IS your choice ultimately but think of this….when you look back at picturs 20 years from now, which place would you be more proud to show to your kids as “THIS is the place we got married”?
Also, if you are still looking for a wedding photographer, I know one who is really just incredible. She did my wedding and the pictures were AMAZING! http://www.noeyehasseen.com Every time i post of any wedding or engagement boards, i just have to recommend her
I would use the cathedral. Both places are nice, and you will honor your husband’s family by having your wedding in their church. It doesn’t sound like you know church from perch, but as you grow up you will probably begin to value a religious component to your life. In which case, you’ll be glad to have chosen the cathedral.
Let me tell you right now, if you’re making wedding decisions based on a starlight room and a room with TVs for the groomsmen, you might as well skip the expenses and join the convent.