The bride, pouting, because she can.
Recently, I've gotten my hopes up for the beautiful grounds of the Westin, the charming river view at the convention center, and the bandshell at Forsyth Park. The only problem? They've all turned out to range from five hundred to forty-five hundred over our budget.
A year ago, I would have had a good laugh at any Savannahian complaining she couldn't find a location for her wedding. Our fair city is home to twenty-four beautiful squares, each unique, each blooming like crazy in the spring, each picture perfect.
See all that green stuff? Google Earth reveals Savannah's many lush squares.
But, a year ago, I never thought about things like, say, precipitation. Savannah gets over three and a half inches of rain in April, and I'd really like it if none of those inches fall on me, my groom, or my wedding dress.
Given that, our only restrictions in the ceremony venue hunt are the option of shelter, and that the setting be outdoor and (at this point, even just vaguely) pretty. Oh, and that it be affordable for a broke grad student.
Why oh why is that too much to ask?!
My in laws live in Savannah, so I'm lucky to get to spend many weekends out of the year there. Why not think outside of the box (or inside the square, as it were) and plan a back-up plan in case of rain? You know those temporary white cabanas people use at the beach sometimes? The ones with pvc skeletons? Why not line up a bunch of those end to end to form an aisle? Some gossamer fabric, flowers, and twinkle lights and you've got yourself a regular tunnel of love. And don't even think about buying tents in case of rain. Ask around on Craig's List, you'd be surprised at the number of people willing to help you out at the sound of the word "wedding." Or you could pitch it to some of the SCAD undergrads who specialize in outdoor sculpture as a challenge. :) The point is, you could probably build a temporary structure for way less than it would be to rent a place out.
ReplyDeleteAnother idea would be to ask local businesses to be in on it. You could rent a cafe for a "cocktail hour" between the ceremony and the reception. If it rains, move the reception in doors. If it doesn't, everyone can beat the heat for a hour or so prior to the reception while you take photos. For some reason, I'm specifically imagining the Gryphon Tea Room for this, but it could be anywhere.
What about a cave? You think I'm crazy but check out these photos:
http://offbeatbride.com/2010/01/ohio-cave-wedding
Also, Grace from Design*Sponge got married in Savannah, and she makes a great case for the squares:
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/10/our-wedding-part-one-2.html
I love her invites:
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/10/our-wedding-part-two.html
Okay, this is getting ridiculous. Good luck!
Stephanie — You're a delight! Thank you for the many lovely ideas. (I could die for those invitations!)
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