A destination wedding typically involves travelling to the location, passport and a guest list that may get smaller once you consider the travel expenses. For those couples in Southern California, there is one other choice — a mountain wedding, which is approximately an hour’s drive east of San Diego, in Julian. The pine forests, the apple orchards and the cool mountain air make it sound like a vacation, but tourists can still reach this location in an afternoon by car.
Here’s how to approach and budget planning for it.
An analysis of Julian’s job as a drive-to destination
- It’s close enough to be considered a weekend getaway, but not so close that you feel like you’re staying in the neighborhood.
- Generally, local guests don’t require any flight to attend the event, which helps to maintain the participation.
- In between the events, there’s plenty to do in the small-town, ranging from pie shops to hiking trails.
- The four seasons mean you can select the appearance and cost that’s right for you.
Learn ways to calculate date fees at venues
The rates for Julian wedding venues differ from one day to the next, from one season to the next and how much of the property is being utilized. The cost of a weekday or weekend event at The Dempsey, a re-restored 1912 lodge in eight private acres, is approximately $8,000 to $35,000. Please refer to the correct pricing page of venue as these prices are subject to change.
While a full weekend buyout may seem pricey compared to a Saturday-only rental, you’ll find a comparison of what each includes. Several separate costs can be avoided by exclusive use, rooms on site and several days of events.
A weekend buyout can be replaced with the cost of funds
- Two bedrooms for the wedding party and family to stay in at the hotel
- One separate room for Rehearse or Welcome Dinner
- Overnight bus service to hotels.
- Sunday Brunch — A venue for brunch on Sunday morning
Knowing the number of people to expect ahead of time
When you’re comparing wedding venues in Julian, you’ll notice that your number of guests affects each of the other numbers. The Dempsey’s lawn is able to accommodate 150 attendees, the Event Hall can accommodate 120 guests and the on-site accommodation will sleep 54 guests. If there’s more than you can fit in your listing, plan for the alternative accommodations and a shuttle to them.
Five ways to save
- Select a weekday or Sunday. Many times weekday pricing is significantly lower than weekend pricing (Saturday is considered the high season).
- Avoid weekend peak travel days, especially in the fall. The dates in spring, early summer and winter are also easier to book and may also be less expensive.
- Reduce the number of people. All guest impacts catering, rentals and lodging.
- Allow for setting to be decorated. There are less flowers and less draping required for Pines, for Lawns, and for Historic Interiors.
- Stay at home events. Combining the welcome dinner, wedding and brunch in the same room is a great way to save on transportation and additional venue charges.
An easy budget split is to begin with!
While every wedding is unique in its own way, a lot of couples begin with a basic split such as the one listed below and tweak it once they start receiving quotes.
- Housekeeping costs (venue and lodging) — approximately 35 to 45 percent.
- The share for food and drink is approximately 25-30 percent.
- Photography and video: approximately 10-12 percent
- Flowers and decor — 8-10 %
- The rest of the items: Attire, Music, Stationery and extras.
A destination weekend will typically cost more for the venue than for the decor, as the venue does more of the work.
Plan your timeline
- 12-18 months out: book your trip to the tours and set up dates — particularly during the fall.
- 9-12 months out: Make your photographer, caterer and music appointments.
- 6-8 months ahead: send save-the-dates and accommodation information and directions.
- Invite and send all details of the full weekend schedule 2-3 months out.
A Julian wedding can offer you the ambiance of a destination wedding, without the travel price tag. If you have the right venue and a budget in mind, it could be the most straightforward trip that your guests have ever taken.
