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Are you still looking for a reception site? Have you not found the right location because they're all booked on your date, or the pricing is outrageous? I challenge you to think outside the box!

Often, frustrated brides come to me because they've tried typical web searches ("tacoma banquet venue", "seattle reception hall") and keep getting similar results. Especially on short notice, it can be a challenge to nail down a location. This is where a little experience and creative thinking come into play. One of my favorite strategies is to suggest a park. Most Metro & County Park Systems have picturesque indoor and/or outdoor locations that are affordable and available, even on short notice. Think towering pines, sweeping views, streams, rivers, historical buildings or grassy meadows. There are even contemporary, urban parks for a more modern look & feel.

I also find that many parks departments are flexible about usage of space; a park that may not be listed as an events venue is often happy to welcome you in with your own tenting and rentals, for a minimal donation to the park's fund.

Here are a few suggestions:

HOT TIP: Tacoma Nature Cente: they're having a bridal open house on Sat. Feb. 10th!
www.metroparkstacoma

Titlow Lodge
www.metroparkstacoma.org
Seymour Conservatory
www.metroparkstacoma.org
Dumas Bay Centre
www.cityoffederalway.com
Buck Lake Park
www.kitsapgov.com/parks/regionalparks/buck_lake_county_park.htm
Silverdale Waterfront Park
http://www.kitsapgov.com/parks/communityparks/silverdale_waterfront_park.htm
Scenic Beach State Park
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Scenic%20Beach
Saint Edward State Park
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Saint%20Edward
Washington State Heritage Parks:
http://www.parks.wa.gov/heritage.asp

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