Is it possible on 10k?

tmccullough79

I'm a newbie and haven't had a chance to do much research yet.  Here is what I'm thinking.  I have always wanted a wedding at your traditional reception venue (either a hotel like the Westin in Mt. Laurel or venues like Valleybrook or other local golf clubs, Lucien's, the Mansion, etc).  I am going to be a budget bride and I already know that I'm skimping on the flowers and decor to keep costs way down. I am only thinking around 75 guests at the most.  I'm concerned with good food, good music, and a decent photographer.  In your experience, is it possible to accomplish this on 10k? 

mp375

My friend got married and reception at the Mansion on a Friday night and did it for 9800$  But lots of DIY!!!  ~ 75 guests with sit down dinner and one hour cocktail hour

miguelhilary2010

If the 10k is just reception cost, then yes you can have your traditional venue.  If its 10k total, you may have better luck looking at a winery or something because the extra costs of DJ, photographer, etc really adds up.

angel33284

Look into Sunday afternoons to save money.

LonniP

I checked out a few of the venues you mentioned (Mansion, Lucien's, Valleybrook, and also Scotland Run) and they were all around $100-125 a head for Saturday dinner reception. They also charge a site fee if you are thinking of having your ceremony there (ranged from $750 to $1500 from what I remember).
This was a couple of months ago I got all the info, hope this helped you out some.

tmccullough79

Thanks, ladies.  This has been very helpful.  I am likely planning on a Friday night wedding and planning to have it during one of the cheaper months.  I do plan to have the ceremony at the same place as the reception.

LonniP

Just thought I'd add - we ended up booking with Auletto's in Deptford. They have cheaper rates for Fridays and "off season" months, they charge less per person for under 21 (cause of the alcohol), and kids under 10 are free. They don't charge for the ceremony site and they add a 1/2 hour at no charge for the ceremony, centerpieces and cake are included, cocktail hour in their wine cellar, and they had a really affordable "basic buffet" option. The place is beautiful, it's not as fancy as Lucien's or some of the other places you mentioned but it's worth checking out. Good luck!

tmccullough79

Thanks LonniP.  Have you had a tasting with them?  I have heard mixed reviews about the food there.  They are having a bridal show there in Sept that I'm going to check out.

Another quick question if anyone knows...do other vendors (dj, photographer, etc) offer cheaper prices during the off season months or Friday nights or is it typically just the reception site that offers the discounts?

LonniP

Haven't had our tasting yet, but I have gone to a wedding there before and I thought the food was really good so I wasn't worried about signing the contracts before the tasting.
I'm not sure about the other vendors pricing during off season, but I do know that we got a list of "recommended vendors" from Aulettos and they did give us discounts for the referral.

dgiannotti

I have my tasting at Aulettos next Sunday.  I've been to weddings there before and the food was very good.  A couple of people that are coming to my wedding have actually told me they were excited our wedding is there because they have been to Auletto's before and loved it. 

tmccullough79

Thanks, good to know.  I am definitely going to look into Auletto's.  I'm from Deptford myself and actually had my prom there many years ago but don't remember much.   It sounds like a lot is included with their packages and they have much more reasonable prices than most.  Not to mention it's only about 10 minutes from where I live!

LonniP

LOL I went to DHS and went to proms there too. My fiancee couldn't believe I was OK with having our wedding there. He thought it was wierd.

tmccullough79

Originally I had a resistance to the idea because of prom too.  But hey, it's been a knot best pick multiple times including this year.  How can I say no?

mascioc2

We booked at Lucien's for our February 2012 wedding and they were very flexible with our budget.  We got everything we wanted (cocktail hour, sit down dinner, Saturday night) and the food is delicious!

Your budget can definitely work for an off month like February.  Try The Castle Delran too!

Butterfly219

I'm a budget bride too!!!  

I just wanted to add that you might want to check out Valleybrook in Blackwood. We are very close to going with them. They offer a basic plated dinner for $60 a head there are nice options from 70-80 a head. And then some more expensive options.

We also checked out Aulettos - they were just a little pricer...but they do include a free ceremony site and some pretty amazing places for pictures. PLUS the will start serving your guests 30 mintues before the cocktail hour - free of charge. A very nice venue.

tmccullough79

Yes, I have info from Valleybrook as well.  They are also in the running.  Fortunately I've got LOTS of time to decide.

njbrowneyedgrl74

We got married on a Friday night in May 2009 at Valley Brook and were happy with our day.  You will likely get a discount for a Friday night wedding and they have several options to choose from.  The food was very good and all our guests told us how wonderful everything was.  The cake comes from Isgro out of Philadelphia and was really delicious.  All the alcohol is provided and if you choose to use their centerpieces, they are included as well.  I don't know that you can do it all for $10,000, but possibly close.  We skimped some, but not a ton and the day came to about $15, 000, give or take.  Nlow another thing to note is that the prices continue to go up(as with anything), but if you book soon, sometimes you can lock in this year's prices. 

ameliagambrone

Try the Pennsauken Country Club. The room is gorgeous and they definately will work with your budget there.

ameliagambrone

Definately is very possible. I would try Catering By Vitarellis. They are located inside the Pennsauken Country Club

ChanelShades

I have a similar budget. I recommend Adelphias or Auletto's

hstew23

Tomasello Winery - they have the same pricing all year round and they include the mini wine favors in the per head cost. The food is so outstanding you would never think it's wedding food!