Locations, Locations, Locations

Since I was little, I have always wanted to be a wedding planner. I still would absolutely love to be one, but I've realized it's not as easy as I once thought it was. Now that Jordan and I are engaged though, I get to be my own wedding planner, and have my "dream job" for a few months! The first step in planning our dream wedding (besides deciding when, which was pretty easy: May!) has been deciding on a location. Why did I not realize how hard this would be?? AH! I have made it a liiiitle hard on myself because I do not want to get married in a church. Don't get me wrong, I love church weddings and everything, I'm just not crazy about my church or Jordan's church, and don't know of any that meet my criteria. I guess I should warn you right now.... I am pretty picky about this kind of stuff. I have a vision in my mind, and I'll know if I like something! I guess you could say I'm a little picky. ANYWAYS. So, if we were to get married in a church, I would want it to be in a classic, pretty, church. Not a building. A church. I wish they made churches pretty like they used to, because that is the type that I would love to be married in.

Another aspect that makes it hard: MONEY. We do not have thousands of dollars to throw together for a wedding. It blows my mind how much venues, dresses, food, flowers, chairs, etc. can cost. It's insane! Finding pretty locations wasn't the difficult part, it's been finding one that fits our budget. Our budget for location (ceremony and reception) is $1,200.  So, with that in mind, I had it narrowed down to two locations: Tanglewood and Old Salem. Until I found (I think and hope!) my dream one!


Tanglewood Park in Winston Salem is gorgeous. They have a really pretty, classic white church, but it is a little too small for us. :( Another location they have for the ceremony is the arboretum, which they don't have pictures of online unfortunately. The rental for that is $450. Another location I would love is the Barn, which is $800. I wish they had pictures of that too, but they don't! So that is one affordable option. However, once I began calling them and trying to set up times with them for viewing and everything, I saw how difficult it was to plan anything with them!! If that's how it's going to be just to see it, it makes me nervous about how difficult it would be once I have it booked.

                                                       Photo courtesy of Tanglewood Park



Old Salem is also in Winston Salem. I remember going here when I was in elementary school, but I haven't been in forever. They have a pretty church there for $500, and the reception area (Tavern Meadow) for $600. Chairs and tables are also included, as is a staff member to help in set up and tear down. I wish I had some pictures to put up, but we are visiting this location Saturday, July 21st so I will post after that!


And now for the third option! I think this one might be my favorite.... My dream is to have a barn wedding. I found an amazing one in Winston (WinMock at Kinderton) but it is a few thousand too expensive. Ha! Anyways, Jordan's grandma knew that I wanted a barn wedding, and she actually went to a wedding at this location last weekend. It's only the second wedding they have done there, so they don't have a web site set up yet, but they have a facebook page! Just search for Millikan Farms. Anyway, this bride had the ceremony in the loft, and the reception on the patio outside of the barn. We are going to look at it next Friday, and I absolutely cannot wait. This location is the whole reason why I set our budget at $1200, because that's how much it is. :)


My whole plan is to do the wedding under $6500, and I think it's extremely possible!!!