Feedback needed - deciding between venues for July celebration

Lauren Wright, About 3 years ago, 361

Posted in Wedding Reception

After postponing our wedding for over 2 years (and losing almost all of our steam along the way), we've decided to go ahead and throw a party. The ceremony will be separate so we're focused on the celebration, since we've done almost nothing and it's less than 6 months away!

We have three venue options: a covered pavilion at a venue similar to an Elk's lodge (think Cruise Nights and clam bakes), an indoor venue (the Irish club that my FH basically grew up in and is dear to both of us), or our backyard. Here are the pros and cons we've come up with for each:

Pavilion pros:

-larger and outdoors, which is better for guests who don't feel comfortable packed into a smaller indoor space. We're still not convinced that we'll be free and clear of Covid, and people may still be feeling weird about larger indoor gatherings.

-inexpensive

Pavilion cons:

-we have less control over the bar (super important to me because I love classy cocktails) - they will order special items for us but it will get pricey

-no on-site catering staff, and we're hoping for BBQ - at least a few of the places we've contacted don't offer full catering services, only delivery/pickup

-MOSQUITOES: this is a big one for me. The venue uses an organic spray - it's in the middle of farmland - but won't spray right before events because apparently the smell is very strong

-the pavilion definitely has potential, but it's kind of uninspiring to me at the moment

Irish club pros:

-inexpensive (no rental fee!)

-comfortable, and we know the venue well

-A/C, no bugs, not weather-dependent

-more control: we can decorate, do whatever we want for catering, and get special items for the open bar

Irish club cons:

-small (max capacity is 209 and our current guest list is about 125), potentially cramped, less room for dance floor

-will need a reasonable amount of decorating to transform from a social hall (overhead lights, white walls, long tables, etc)

-no outdoors, though we might be able to set up a tent and round cocktail tables in the parking lot outside

-runs the risk of the same old club, since many of our family and friends have attended many events there

Finally, I would LOVE to host in our backyard, but not sure we can accommodate 125 people. Even with limiting to only family (which we don't want to do), we still have 75 guests. I'm aware that even though we wouldn't have to pay for the venue, everything else can add up quickly and could easily max out our $10k budget.

How have others decided on venues? Does any of this sound familiar to you? Sorry for the long post, but I'm hoping others have had similar questions and that the responses will help. Thanks!!