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The Venetian OH MY!

dadaguzadadaguza
First Comment
in New Jersey
So I'm still pretty overwhelmed at how magnificant this place is after our visit today.. I'm in LOVE with the Palazzo room. I knew what we were in for before we got there, and wasn't surprised to hear the pp prices for a Sat night, but I was pretty surprised at how high they were for a Fri in Nov/early Dec. We are going back on Thurs night with my parents so they can see it.. we are really close to booking but want to check out a few other places..

Does anything else out there really even compare to this place?? Are venues considered to be of the same caliber going to be about the same amount anyway? We're checking out Season's and maybe Nanina's.

I'm almost afraid to try and negotiate because it's so AMAZING! We did notice, however, that many items on the cocktail list are things we can totally do without, such as the sushi station. Is it possible to eliminate a few things to get the price down (besides the things with the * next to them). The Vienesse is a must.

I really wish we didn't go there first LOL
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Re: The Venetian OH MY!

  • goaliegirlgoaliegirl member
    First Comment Combo Breaker First Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    This is the exact reason why I found out approx. price per person BEFORE visiting a venue.  I didn't go anywhere that was way out of our budget for the exact reason.  

    Second, the Venetian is amazing but there are plenty of places that are just as amazing that are much cheaper.   Season's and Venetian are owned by the same people, and Season's will be a little cheaper. 

    As for negotiating, always try to negotiate, most of these places are very good, if there are things you don't want, ask if they can take it out and lower the price a bit.

    Good Luck!
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  • wagnerdiwagnerdi
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    The Venetian is amazing! They won't negotiate very much on the price because frankly they don't have to and they know it. As far as look of the room, nothing else I saw compared to the Palazzo. I'm not sure if the smaller room is done yet, but they were redoing that one to look more like the Palazzo, and for the same food and service, it was offered to us about $20 pp cheaper...
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  • Lola MinnieLola Minnie member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I was recently married there (in the palazzo room too) & agree with wagnerdi. There is not much negotiating you can do.  I feel like they know if you don't book someone else will, they seem cocky like that but it's so worth it.

    I think if you could book a date within the year, you have a better chance for a price reduction.  I know they raised their prices in the palazzo room somewhat recently because one of our last meetings they told us the increase.

    I think if you could find a way to make it work, it's a beyond great choice.  If not, then seasons is the same owner and I believe a little more flexible on the price.
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  • G&G2010G&G2010 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    For a little less expensive, try the Westmount Country Club. The ballroom is not as ornate, but I think the place is a close second to the Venetian & the food is great.  Also, maybe try the Pleasantdale Chateau because I think the price is not too far off from the Venetian's current price & I believe you get use of some rooms in the estate for the night.
    Everything is negotiable, particularly if you are willing to put down more than their minimum required deposit.

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  • wagnerdiwagnerdi
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:b0f996ad-809f-4095-928a-cc4bdd271c90">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]Also, maybe try the Pleasantdale Chateau because I think the price is not too far off from the Venetian's current price & I believe you get use of some rooms in the estate for the night. Everything is negotiable, particularly if you are willing to put down more than their minimum required deposit.
    Posted by G&G2010[/QUOTE]

    just as a side note- I was quoted double what I'm paying for the Veneitan @ Pleasantdale...
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  • stapletondstapletond
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    If you can guarentee more people, they may be able to drop your p/p price or they might throw more things in for you.

    Also, if you pay some of your costs in cash, that can help. 
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  • Lola MinnieLola Minnie member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:9d8ba59e-4796-432b-a42b-595293a359ea">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]If you can guarentee more people, they may be able to drop your p/p price or they might throw more things in for you. Also, if you pay some of your costs in cash, that can help. 
    Posted by stapletond[/QUOTE]

    Venetian only accepts cash so that won't work. Not sure if that's true for all vendors but just an FYI OP.
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  • LolyalyssaLolyalyssa member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    If you are having a big wedding (200+ ppl), NOTHING compares to the Venetian except the Westmount and Pleasantdale.  But IMO the food is the best at the Venetian.

    They don't cut anything from the cocktail hour to save money.  It's an overall package price.  The only way you may be able to get the price down is to only do beer and wine, but if you are considering spending the money on the Venetian, don't cut out the booze.  :)

    I'm getting married at Season's because I'm only 125ppl.  The food is basically the same as the Venetian but not as much of it and its less $ per head.  If you are less than 200ppl check out Season's downstairs. 

    You can't go wrong with the Venetian if you go that route!  Good Luck!

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  • 37 Butter Knives37 Butter Knives member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:2a3fd033-51ee-424b-b296-007d2e89aba1">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE] Venetian only accepts cash so that won't work. Not sure if that's true for all vendors but just an FYI OP.
    Posted by Lola Minnie[/QUOTE]

    Whoa. The hubris of this place amazes me.  I suppose it's safe to assume they're not in danger of closing, but I can't believe an operation this big won't accept checks (let alone credit cards). This makes me wonder - have there been venues that suddenly closed in recent years? I think I'll start a thread on that.

    For me, the prices don't make sense. I don't care how good the food may be, or how much they're offering - if I'm paying that kind of money, I'd want my event to be the only one that night.
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  • capecod1986capecod1986
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    A friend of mine got married at the Venetian. They would not negotiate anything. She was told when guests come they are all potential customers so they want the guests to see it all. The echo is the room now that it is all hard sufaces is not so good for music. She also had to compete with several bridal parties taking pics at the same time and had to leave her reception for quite a while because so many others were already out there when they arrived. The cocktail hour and vienese were amazing. Was too full to eat my dinner.
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  • clarereedyclarereedy
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Florentine Gardens will take a check for the first three payments.  The final payment which is 50% of the cost of the wedding can only be paid in cash or bank check. 

    You may want to look at Florentine.  I went with it because it was closer to us than the Venetian.  Also, I loved that I would be the only bride since they only hold one wedding at a time. 


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  • Lola MinnieLola Minnie member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:43e2e846-f8f7-4a98-821a-d58c332d3ddc">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]A friend of mine got married at the Venetian. They would not negotiate anything. She was told when guests come they are all potential customers so they want the guests to see it all. The echo is the room now that it is all hard sufaces is not so good for music. She also had to compete with several bridal parties taking pics at the same time and had to leave her reception for quite a while because so many others were already out there when they arrived. The cocktail hour and vienese were amazing. Was too full to eat my dinner.
    Posted by capecod1986[/QUOTE]

    there are only 2 rooms. not sure what you're talking about.  and maybe this has changed but they will not let one bride see the other bride.  so perhaps you just mean your friend had to wait for the other wedding to be done taking pics. i dunno but we mainly took pics outside our patio that the other wedding could not use.
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  • Faith2730Faith2730 member
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I didn't bother to look at the Venetian due to the min of 200 people on a July Sat. night.  However, I did attend a wedding there last weekend.  I thought the wedding was amazing.  I did notice some echoing going on with the music.  In fact when the DJ spoke noone could understand a word he was saying.  The cocktail hour and the vienese hour were incredible! 
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  • 37 Butter Knives37 Butter Knives member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:43e2e846-f8f7-4a98-821a-d58c332d3ddc">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE] She was told when guests come they are all potential customers so they want the guests to see it all.
    Posted by capecod1986[/QUOTE]

    I hate when venues do that. The wedding reception should be about the couple getting married, not a marketing tool for the venue - it should reflect the couple's tastes. If they don't want an "Asian station" at cocktail hour, they shouldn't be forced to have one. It's a wedding, not a mall food court!
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  • gymchick05gymchick05
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Would anyone mind sharing how much, on average, the Venetian is per head on a Saturday? I didnt reach the minimum of 200 people, so I didnt inquire more, but I am just curious (Im sure its not in my budget anyway haha) Thanks!
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  • LolyalyssaLolyalyssa member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:7d3b3e21-2f01-4990-9c4b-91e331e99c85">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]Would anyone mind sharing how much, on average, the Venetian is per head on a Saturday? I didnt reach the minimum of 200 people, so I didnt inquire more, but I am just curious (Im sure its not in my budget anyway haha) Thanks!
    Posted by gymchick05[/QUOTE]

    It's around the $200 per head mark give or take 50 bucks depending on the time of year etc.  Correct me if I'm wrong Venetian ladies... 

    I'm at Season's and its a little less and I was too small of a party for the Venetian but this is what I've heard.
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  • LolyalyssaLolyalyssa member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:ec1d8d76-3866-4b29-ad3e-3a429103fb4e">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: The Venetian OH MY! : I hate when venues do that. The wedding reception should be about the couple getting married, not a marketing tool for the venue - it should reflect the couple's tastes. If they don't want an "Asian station" at cocktail hour, they shouldn't be forced to have one. It's a wedding, not a mall food court!
    Posted by 37 Butter Knives[/QUOTE]

    Sounds to me like you've never been there.  It's the exact opposite of a "mall food court".  It's an amazing place to have a wedding which is why they have "hubris".
    A little Venetian envy, perhaps?
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  • 37 Butter Knives37 Butter Knives member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:28171873-97dc-43ba-8bfa-c19cfd592c98">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: The Venetian OH MY! : Sounds to me like you've never been there.  It's the exact opposite of a "mall food court".  It's an amazing place to have a wedding which is why they have "hubris". A little Venetian envy, perhaps?
    Posted by Lolyalyssa[/QUOTE]

    *eyeroll*<strong> ABSOLUTELY NOT!</strong>
     
    Sorry to break it to you, but not every bride around here wants to have her wedding at the Venetian. I wanted an understated and low-key affair, not a glitzy gala that would fit right in on "Platinum Weddings."  If a Venetian-style wedding is what you want or are having, great! But places like that set the standard for a Jersey wedding, which makes it hard to find venues that <em>aren't</em> trying to copy it.

    The food court comment was about the variety of different - and often conflicting - cuisines that places like this dictate their cocktail hour to have. While I'm fully aware the quality is superior to the mall, Peking duck and vodka penne just don't belong together on a plate.

    You're right on one thing - I've never been to the Venetian. My parents have, however - they say it's very good, but when I told them the cost, they agreed it was overpriced. Frankly, $200pp+ for a multi-event venue - that gives you little flexibility - is highway robbery.
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  • lynzandgreglynzandgreg
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Quite honestly even though the food at the Venetian is AMAZING, the location is terrible. I live literally about 3 mins from there and everytime I pass it I'm like NO THANKS. I think the Florentine Gardens is amazingly beautiful... cheaper... and their grounds are sooo beautiful. I would try there. That was the first venue I went to and fell in love with it. It is totally out of my price range but I think for "atmosphere" the Venetian just doesn't "cut it" for me.
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  • LolyalyssaLolyalyssa member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:ada70cab-df10-4e0d-8d0f-40de26ae7841">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: The Venetian OH MY! :  Frankly, $200pp+ for a multi-event venue - that gives you little flexibility - is highway robbery.
    Posted by 37 Butter Knives[/QUOTE]

    So you're saying we can put you down for a "little" jealousy? 

    Come on, don't bluff, who wouldn't like to have a $200+ per head wedding with impressive food.  Even if its not your type of venue it's not highway robbery, its just not your style.  That's why they have Pleasantdale Chateau.

    Plus, you've never been so its hard to knock it when you haven't tried it yourself.
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  • sparkles2010sparkles2010
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    In my opinion, the only places that are comparable (in terms of quality of food, amount of food, pretty atmosphere, service)  to the Venetian in Bergen County is 1.   The Rockleigh   2.  Florentine Gardens   3.  Seasons

    These places will not even quote you below $125 a person (seasons Saturday upstairs), $165 (rockleigh Saturday) or $140 (florentine on a Sunday) - not including tax and tip or vienese table.  Those are the quotes I got for Saturday or Sunday nights in the summer (with some negotiation).


    There are so many other venues in NJ but those are the ones that come to my mind if you like the Venetian and want to stick to Bergen County.

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  • 37 Butter Knives37 Butter Knives member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:a2e43ddb-685d-446d-9e00-209273a3b99f">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: The Venetian OH MY! : So you're saying we can put you down for a "little" jealousy?
    Posted by Lolyalyssa[/QUOTE]

    Ah, yes, the "you're just jealous" argument. Sorry, it's impossible for me to be jealous over something <em>I don't want</em>. Now a wedding at the Museum of Natural History... ;)

    Of course it would be nice to be able to spend more than $200 per guest. But for that kind of money, I don't just want "impressive" food - I want beautiful grounds and the whole place to ourselves. 

    Florentine Gardens isn't my style either, but if I were looking for a high-end place in Bergen County, that would be my pick, as I believe it gives more for the money.
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  • lynzandgreglynzandgreg
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I was actually quoted $110 per person at Florentine Gardens for a Friday afternoon for the end of June. I spoke with Denise who was really pleasant. So I think if you want that quality then FG is the way to go.
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  • dadaguzadadaguza
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm sorry if this thread turned into an argument.. never intended for that to happen.. of course we all have our own style. That's why there are so many venues out there!

    We went to both Season's and Nanina's this afternoon and I hate to say it, but I was extremely underwhelmed. More so with Season's, surprisingly, since they are the same owners as Venetian. We waited 15 mins to be tended to, and the guy immediately took us into the office to discuss the menu and pricing before even showing us the place. We felt very rushed, and I wasn't crazy about the place visually. The menu is exactly the same as Venetian.

    Nanina's is very pretty, and you do get the whole venue to yourself. Again, I did not get a warm feeling from the guy that took care of us and he even huffed and puffed a bit when we asked him to go over available dates when we learned the ones we wanted were booked! Also, it's only a 5 hour reception, including cocktail, whereas Venetian is 6 hours. Our November Fridays were booked so he quoted us the first Fri in December, Dec 2 for a measly $10 less pp than what we would pay at Venetian for a Friday in late Oct/early Dec. No thanks! At least we walked out with a free jar of their vodka sauce! Smile Oh, and they do offer tastings.

    Another thing I should point out is most places look so beautiful in pics but when you see them in person you're like "eh." Venetian is the complete opposite! Pics do not do it justice. You walk in and see the ginormous hallway and then the Palazzo just takes your breath away. I seriously teared up when I looked out at that room with Andrea Bocelli's "Con Te Partiro" played in the background. I am getting chills just typing about it now LOL They took their time with us, going over EVERYTHING, giving us answers to things we didn't ask and encouraging us to see other places before making a decision. The other 2 places sat there waiting for our answer when they were done. At the Venetian, our meeting was approximately 1 1/2 hours.. Season's and Nanina's spent about 35-45 mins with us.

    Thanks again everyone! I am so glad I went to other places if only to confirm that YES the Venetian IS worth it and you do get alot for your money. I am 99% sure we are walking in there on Thurs with a deposit in hand.
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  • christina3769xochristina3769xo member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    Me and my FI LOVE the Ventian.  I agree when you walk in it does take your breath away.  They spent so long with us and were so friendly.  It is pricey but you ab. get your money's worth.  We ended up booking at the Addison Park in Aberdeen but still LOVE the Venitian and wish we never stepped foot in there lol.  It was just a little too expensive.  My girlfriend's sister just got married there in April and can't stop raving about the great job they did.  If you can afford it I would def. go for it.  Nothing really compares and we've been just about everywhere.  However Westmount Country Club is really nice and do a great job and are a little more affordable.  Friends of ours got married there in Nov. in the large room and it was amazing.  I would have gotten married there but I didn't want to copy her as they are close friends of ours.  Cocktail and venetian hour were awesome at the Westmount.  That's somewhere I would check out. 

    Christina : )
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  • DMLJDMLJ member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    This is so weird to read for me because I had my Jr. Prom at the Venetian and to me, it looked just like any other run of the mean banquet facility.  Now that was a few years ago, so maybe the renovated.  I also know that the food they put out for prom is different from weddings, but I honestly don't even remember if we ate anything or not!  I agree about the location too--- -similar to the brownstone (which is why they have good prices) so I'm surprised at the price.  IMO 200$ a plate IS highway robbery... there is no possible way that every guest wll eat and drink 200$ worth of food.
    image
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  • wagnerdiwagnerdi
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:6d0348b8-e6f5-477b-92b2-f7d289714bdb">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]Thanks again everyone! I am so glad I went to other places if only to confirm that YES the Venetian IS worth it and you do get alot for your money. I am 99% sure we are walking in there on Thurs with a deposit in hand.
    Posted by dadaguza[/QUOTE]

    So did you!?!?
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  • dadaguzadadaguza
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_venetian-oh?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:b858a5d4-d159-454d-be78-9f630b2a8912Post:ead82b3a-8561-4aef-92ac-7e21ccc8bc8e">Re: The Venetian OH MY!</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: The Venetian OH MY! : So did you!?!?
    Posted by wagnerdi[/QUOTE]

    YES we did!! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" /> 10/14/2011

    DMLJ- have you ever seen the Palazzo?
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