Category Archive

wedding venues

We specialize in helping readers find cheap wedding venues that are as unique as they are affordable. We’ve got secrets for how to use search engines to find the hidden wedding venues, tips for using alternatives like movie theaters and concert spaces, and more! You should also be sure to check out a few of our favorite unique wedding venues.

Your wedding venue match on @offbeatbride

Outdoor, destination, and backyard: how to find your match in wedding reception venues

If you’re searching for a fabulous and affordable offbeat venue unicorn, you’ll encounter a whole slew of options. We’re going to talk about all the general categories of venues and which could be your awesome venue BFF. Whether it’s built-in service staff or naturally lovely decor, here are some of the reasons to choose (or NOT choose) different venue types.

The GIANT list of questions to ask wedding venues from @offbeatbride

Our GIANT list of important questions to ask wedding venues

You have your date, you’ve narrowed down your venue choices to your favorite haunts, and now you actually have to sit down with them and hash out ALL the details. Le sigh. We know how high the stakes can be, so we created this huge and comprehensive list of all the questions you’ll want to have on hand to make your final venue choice.

What to consider when choosing between a local or destination wedding alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Near or far? What to consider when choosing between a local or destination wedding

So how does one simply “go shopping” for a wedding venue? We took a look at who we are, who are friends and family really are, and what makes us “us.” These are some of the things we considered when choosing what was right for us — between a local or destination wedding…

THE VENUE COORDINATOR VS THE DAY OF COORDINATOR alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Venue coordinator vs. a day-of coordinator: What’s the dif!?

I began to explain the difference between using a venue’s “inclusive” coordinator versus a day-of coordinator (or DOC, for short) that you bring in yourself. It’s a conversation I’ve had with several couples, usually at the beginning of wedding planning, so they can hopefully avoid this type of situation. I thought I’d also share this knowledge with everyone, because I think it’s important to understand the difference…

prison wedding on offbeat bride by mike allebach alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Would you get married at a plantation? Or a castle? Or a prison? Or a cemetery?

We featured a Filipino/Persian wedding that was held on a lovely garden estate — that used to be a plantation. A commenter chimed in: “…not really sure if a Southern Plantation with slavery history is the ideal place for a wedding. I couldn’t focus on the beauty of it knowing that it held such memories of immense suffering.” This comment brings up so many interesting questions…

chicago wedding venues alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Unique Chicago wedding venues coveted by Offbeat Bride readers

We decided to start rounding up a vendor list sourced directly from our readers for a series of reader recommended vendor list posts. We’re starting with venues in and around Chicago! Let’s take a look at who our readers have recommended, where they are located, and how you can contact them to get your Chicago venue search started.