Big Wedding, Small Budgets - Venue Ideas for Summer Weddings and Receptions

Here are just a few venue ideas for hosting a summer wedding and/or reception found in the June issue of "Brides Magazine." These ideas are great for hosting 150 people and will put you and your wallet in the mood to celebrate:

• Campus Wedding (Average cost: $750): With students vacated and easy parking for your guests, a campus wedding is a great place for a summer wedding. However, think twice about an outdoor reception. The costs to purchase a tent, bring in all the fixings and dealing with unpredictable weather can be quite expensive. Check with the campus administrators on rental procedures.
• Artist Gallery or Studio (Average cost: $2,000): Just imagine the unlimited flexibility of having a venue with great architectural features, an open floor plan, big windows and brick walls. Galleries and studios usually don't advertise these spaces for event rentals. Pop in. You might snag a great deal.
• Backyard Wedding/Reception (Average cost: $0): Bridal experts suggest asking a friend or relative with a yard that is large and flat enough to accommodate a tent. Make sure there is plenty of street parking for your guests.