Wedding meal/evening do Southampton area

*manda*

We are looking at a civil ceremony and then on somewhere for a meal with immediate family (20-30 people) and then a larger "party" in the evening. Ideally we'd like the meal/party in the same place but really want to keep up low budget. I'm thinking meal rather than traditional wedding breakfast, no speeches etc. Can anyone suggest anywhere that may be suitable? Or give me rough costing for places if they have done similar? We would probably look at a bank holiday Sunday, or an off season Saturday.

My worry is having ceremony at place A, meal at place B party at place C and having to keep moving people. Also wouldn't be at place C to get it set up in any shape or form.

jojo-baby

hey Manda,
I am not sure whether you are looking for a venue which will provide everything or a bit more DIY.
However there are loads of village halls close to Southampton (i am from New Forest and we have loads) they are normally super cheap and there are loads of different sized ones. But you would have to get catering in, and not sure what your opinion of village halls are!
either that or a nice pub? some have barns as well for the party bit?

*manda*

Thinking more of a pub or restaurant, not keen on getting caterers in and think it would be hassle for relatively small numbers. Not fussed on sole use, decent pub would be fine!

jojo-baby

i just went to a party at the three tons in bransgore (close to christchurch), might be worth looking at if you are willing to travel that far. they have a pub and an barn and a marque, no idea on price though

Bean83

I'm not from anywhere near that area so can't give you specific recommendations, but plenty of pubs have function rooms that could serve as your 'C' venue. So you could have the meal there either in the main dining area or a smaller private room if they have one, and then move to a larger room for the evening if you want to invite more people. I've been to a couple of weddings in pubs, and it has worked really well, especially if the function room has a private bar so your guests don't have to leave the room to get a drink.

*manda*

Bean83 absolutely right-that is what I'm after but struggling to find somewhere! Ideally we want somewhere nearish the town centre, or east of town, so New Forest wouldn't really work. I've lived here all my life so know the area and I'm really struggling. It's frustrating as until we find a venue we can't really decide on a date as ultimately it comes down to price.

JAJ_2

The Blue Hayes at Shootash have a separate room that would suit your size party, might be able to accommodate your evening do as well. Good size patio gardens etc. Very reasonable. Picturesque.

Chilworth Manor too have separate room but I would imagine might be pricey?

Have you looked at Holiday Inn they used to do a reasonable rate?

Ship Inn at Redbridge have a lovely Marquee out back and a separate Bar / skittle alley.

Good luck

*manda*

Thanks for the suggestions, more to think about!

I think I'm probably just going to end up having to try various restaurants as I can't find any pubs or places with function rooms so far that would be near enough to the ceremony which is likely to be in the town centre.