New Jersey

Guy here... needs help

Hi All,

I know it's probably unusual for a guy to be posting here, but I really need some help. My fiance is new to the country and is really not able to do much planning. She is originally from the Dominican Republic and is not accustomed to wedding planning here in the US. So, the resposibility is on me.

We are not looking to have anything extravagent, keeping it simple is the goal. We just want to have a nice reception party, with about 80-90 guests.

We live in central NJ, in the Marlboro/Manalapan area. Ideally, the reception will be somewhat near to this area.

I'm trying to keep the budget around $10,000 and looking to get this all done within a 3 month time frame.

Do any of you think this can be realistically done in the timeframe/budget?

I know the most important part is finding a reception site. All suggestions and recommendations are welcome and would be very much appreciated!

Thanks and I look forward to your responses.

Vinny

Re: Guy here... needs help

  • edited December 2011
    Hi. 10k is possible, as my fi and i are in that range. we are taking about 5mos to plan, but 3 mos can probably be done. invitations may be a little difficult in that time frame, unless you put a rush order in or make them yourself. for invitations, michael's and ac moore have printable kits if you have a decent home printer.

    look for private party rooms to keep the food / drink budget in check. also, you will probably not be able to have an open bar. fi and i are having wine and sangria only at our wedding and no cocktail hour (we are having appetizers though).

    you can get a nice cake from shoprite or another local food store from about half the cost as a bakery shop cake. 

    your bride can select a gown from  davids bridal or a sample from a dress shop. there are also two wedding outlets that i know of (one in garfield and another in sussex county, i think hacketstown).

    as far as photographers, just get the photographer with no albums. you can create albums on your own from shutterfly, mpix, or another online site. just make sure you get a high-res cd from the photographer.

    the only issue that you may run into is with the church. if you are catholic, you will priobably not be able to be married within 3 mos. my fi and i were allowed to get married in about 5 mos, but 3 mons is pushing it a little. although, call around. you never know. otherwise, officiant's range from around $300 - $600 and can perform a wedding with religious aspects.

    good luck!! 
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • edited December 2011
    Hey Vince. I'm a guy too so I feel you on your situation. My fiance doesn't have a ton of time to allocate to researching things so I pretty much handle all of the prep work. I also live about 10 minutes away from you in Old Bridge. $10,000 budget is going to be tight in this area. Is that including the wedding dress? Obviously you need to eat, but are you looking to also pay for the alcohol? You'll also have to make decisions on whether or not you want professional photography, limos, DJ ( your fiance is Dominican and my fiance is Puerto Rican so DJ is mandatory).

    Tell us all your needs/must haves and we'll point you in the right direction.
  • asweet21asweet21 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    You may want to look into the Crystal Ballroom at the Radisson hotel in Freehold.  I was just passing there this weekend and saw a sign that said something about weddings in 2011 for $49 a person. 

    I am sure you can do this within your budget, the time frame may be hard because that is prime wedding season and prices are usually higher than the off season.  I would look into restaurants as venues, I just can't think of any in this area off the top of my head. 

    But you came to the right place for help, the people on this board have a lot of good ideas and know a lot of information. 

    Good luck!

    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    I was also going to suggest The Crystal Ballroom (I am getting married there) in Freehold. They have a smaller room (The Emerald Ballroom) that can hold up to 125 I think - and it is also beautiful. Since it is last minute, you should be able to work out a deal - they have been wonderful to work with!
    BabyFetus Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    I'll back up the Crystal Ballroom as well. I didn't use them but the girl Vickie that I spoke to was very nice. Suprised about the $50 person thing but last minute can sometimes work in your favor. My suggestion is to sit down with your fiance and really locked down your guest list now! Don't be like me and find yourself staring at a guest list that's 50 more people you expected to invite and an additional $6k.
  • altimat873altimat873 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Yeah i screwed myself on guest list too, we started off at 130 at the venue and as time progressed, our guest list is now up to 183, obviously some will not be able to attend, but when you add 40% to your guest list, you start to rethink things - like your budget LOL
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:763d416e-c091-4db4-852c-99234ee1b537">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hi. 10k is possible, as my fi and i are in that range. we are taking about 5mos to plan, but 3 mos can probably be done. invitations may be a little difficult in that time frame, unless you put a rush order in or make them yourself. for invitations, michael's and ac moore have printable kits if you have a decent home printer. look for private party rooms to keep the food / drink budget in check. also, you will probably not be able to have an open bar. fi and i are having wine and sangria only at our wedding and no cocktail hour (we are having appetizers though). you can get a nice cake from shoprite or another local food store from about half the cost as a bakery shop cake.  your bride can select a gown from  davids bridal or a sample from a dress shop. there are also two wedding outlets that i know of (one in garfield and another in sussex county, i think hacketstown). as far as photographers, just get the photographer with no albums. you can create albums on your own from shutterfly, mpix, or another online site. just make sure you get a high-res cd from the photographer. the only issue that you may run into is with the church. if you are catholic, you will priobably not be able to be married within 3 mos. my fi and i were allowed to get married in about 5 mos, but 3 mons is pushing it a little. although, call around. you never know. otherwise, officiant's range from around $300 - $600 and can perform a wedding with religious aspects. good luck!! 
    Posted by MCRM22011[/QUOTE]

    That is some GREAT advice!! Thanks!! We will probably do the invitations ourselves, my fiance is pretty good with that stuff. We are not going to have a religous/church wedding. Having a wedding officiant marry us at the reception site is our goal. Thanks again!
  • edited December 2011
    no problem! glad i can help. here are some other ideas.

    you can skip flower centerpieces and do candles instead to save money. you can also order flowers online at costco.com or fiftyflowers.com. if you are interested in flowers. if you DO decide that flowers are necessary, use cheaper flowers, such as dasies, carnations, tulips, etc. You can add willow branches for height. Choose low centerpieces versus high centerpieces.

    you want to ask about just offering a fish and a chicken option and forgo the steak. this perhaps may lower the cost per person.

    another area to cut is with tuxes. you can wear a suit you already have rather than renting a tux and simply buy a new shirt/ tie. 

    consider a saturday afternoon ceremony/ wedding, which will be cheaper than saturday night. sunday day and friday evening will also be more reasonable. as a last resort, you can get married on a thursday, which is not ideal, but will save costs.

    additionally, skip a videographer, aisle runner, favors, and uplighting, which are not required or necessary. 


    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • asweet21asweet21 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:31be924e-9cbe-421c-9c53-206d2873eecb">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]Don't be like me and find yourself staring at a guest list that's 50 more people you expected to invite and an additional $6k.
    Posted by Pharo47[/QUOTE]

    I feel your pain on that one!  We cut back our list because my FI was invited all his friends parents and siblings.  I understand he grew up with these people, but that is it, he grew up.  We have been together for over 5 years and I haven't met 95% of the parents and siblings he wants to invite.  Now he is back to adding them on to the list and more.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:293a290a-b473-48c1-8827-f85e7bc934ce">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]Hey Vince. I'm a guy too so I feel you on your situation. My fiance doesn't have a ton of time to allocate to researching things so I pretty much handle all of the prep work. I also live about 10 minutes away from you in Old Bridge. $10,000 budget is going to be tight in this area. Is that including the wedding dress? Obviously you need to eat, but are you looking to also pay for the alcohol? You'll also have to make decisions on whether or not you want professional photography, limos, DJ ( your fiance is Dominican and my fiance is Puerto Rican so DJ is mandatory). Tell us all your needs/must haves and we'll point you in the right direction.
    Posted by Pharo47[/QUOTE]

    Nice! At least I don't feel alone here... The budget is flexible... I'm trying to keep it as close to that as possible, but if I go over a bit... well, that's life.

    I would like to have a DJ and alcohol at the reception. The photography is up in the air... her sister is a semi-professional photographer, so we may use her... but I'm not sure how that will work since she will be in the wedding party. Limos are not necessary. Maybe I'll have one for the wedding party, but only if I could fit it in the budget. I'm hoping the reception venue has adequate decorations, ie. centerpieces, linen, etc. I don't plan on going crazy with a florist... obviously she will need a bouquet... not sure what else will be needed. The favors we will do on our own, as well as the invitations. I have the rings already. Anything else you can think of?

    Thanks!
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:bdaa959d-d1c3-42e8-9925-d0130c801946">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]You may want to look into the Crystal Ballroom at the Radisson hotel in Freehold.  I was just passing there this weekend and saw a sign that said something about weddings in 2011 for $49 a person.  I am sure you can do this within your budget, the time frame may be hard because that is prime wedding season and prices are usually higher than the off season.  I would look into restaurants as venues, I just can't think of any in this area off the top of my head.  But you came to the right place for help, the people on this board have a lot of good ideas and know a lot of information.  Good luck!
    Posted by asweet21[/QUOTE]

    Thanks! I will definitely look into the crystal ballroom... and I definitely can see I came to the right place... you guys have been great so far!
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:ae7a93a5-802e-4cef-a6dc-93b0be5018bc">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]I was also going to suggest The Crystal Ballroom (I am getting married there) in Freehold. They have a smaller room (The Emerald Ballroom) that can hold up to 125 I think - and it is also beautiful. Since it is last minute, you should be able to work out a deal - they have been wonderful to work with!
    Posted by cutiepie12702[/QUOTE]

    WOW, awesome!!
  • edited December 2011
    FIs sister got married at the Ria Mar in South River (near Old Bridge) on a small budget (I think less than 5k) with very short notice. They had about 80 people there and served beer/wine/sangria. The food was really good. I'd recommend checking them out.
    Photobucket

    Follow Me on Pinterest
  • edited December 2011

    PPs have given you great advice - I just want to mention that, if you find a place that will allow it, there's nothing wrong with serving beer and wine only.  Lots of places will only offer open bar, but if you come across a place that will cut the price for a beer & wine only bar, as a guest, I wouldn't see anything wrong with that. 
    Also, for a dress and veil, the pre-owned wedding dress websites are great.  Department stores like Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom also carry wedding dresses.   

    BabyFetus Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    Hey Vince... I am in the same boat as you, parent s are giving me 10K to spend on our wedding and i thought in NJ with an open bar for 5 hours, dress, photographer, DJ and works is nuts but i found a venue that was perfect! Check out Casa Bianca in Oak Ridge... the banquet manager Sammy was the person we worked with and he created a customized menu to fit our budget (getting married Nov 2011 originally getting married March 2012). We had a tasting before we signed the contract last week and teir food is phenomenal.
  • edited December 2011
    ohhh and PS: we are doing our ceremony there as well and Sammy isnt charging us extra do to it. Just a little FYI.
  • edited December 2011
    Not sure if you've already found a DJ or not, but if you're in search of a bilingual DJ since your FI is Dominican, check out Colorblind Productions at www.colorblindprd.com

    It's a Puerto Rican husband and wife team that specializes in bilingual and multicultural affairs (my FI is Colombian and we're on a tight budget and Colorblind fit the bill for us perfectly).

    Just a word of advice... they can be difficult to get in touch with at times, but don't let that discourage you because based on all of the reviews I've read they really do an awesome job on a couple's wedding day.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    also alot of venues will give price break for friday or sunday weddings.  The kennilworth inn has a deal going. But the radison deal sounds good too. We didn't want to compromised the saturday but we are doing a 1pm-6pm reception at our venue and they gave us 4,500off because they can still book a 7pm wedding that day
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:aae8a6a2-9101-4b8e-8c12-6e5efde29d13">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Guy here... needs help : Thanks! I will definitely look into the crystal ballroom... and I definitely can see I came to the right place... you guys have been great so far!
    Posted by vince077[/QUOTE]


    This may sound a little weird but I saw dresses @ Macy's (not the bridal salon) this past weekend that I thought to myself, 'If I were keeping my wedding super minimal, I woul wear this."  Tell her to check in the nicer dress area... Im talking really pretty white dresses w/ crystals for about $200.  Nice hair and makeup and she is good to go.  There are def ways to strech $10k.  SKIP the photographer, for sure.  That will easily save you $2k.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • scarlett0904scarlett0904 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to: "FIs sister got married at the Ria Mar in South River (near Old Bridge) on a small budget (I think less than 5k) with very short notice. They had about 80 people there and served beer/wine/sangria. The food was really good. I'd recommend checking them out. "

    Vince,I am actually having my engagement party at The Ria Mar in South River this saturday.  We are having family only and the guest list is at 56 people.  Ruri, the guy we worked with, gave us a great price and it is onyl costing us $2,100 that includes unlimited beer, wine and sangria, as well as a customized buffet that includes everything from salad, soup to calamari and eveyrthing in between.  They also give you take out boxes at the end to take food home so the food and your money won't go to watse.  They also provided us with tbale linens (table cloths and napkins) for the price.  My future MIL is getting flowers as centerpieces from shop rite, as well as the cake.  My FH is a professional DJ and lives in south river.  For your budget and location, I would reccomend a restaurant as a venue and personally, I don't think you can get any better than the Ria Mar!  Good Luck!
  • edited December 2011
    Welcome Vinny.  Just so you know, you are not the only guy here :)
    1st Groom

    View our FOR SALE items
    http://tinyurl.com/3jjv7vy
    image
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:d209709f-d784-4fe7-acff-02069d30b063">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]Not sure if you've already found a DJ or not, but if you're in search of a bilingual DJ since your FI is Dominican, check out Colorblind Productions at <a href="http://www.colorblindprd.com" rel='nofollow'>www.colorblindprd.com</a> It's a Puerto Rican husband and wife team that specializes in bilingual and multicultural affairs (my FI is Colombian and we're on a tight budget and Colorblind fit the bill for us perfectly). Just a word of advice... they can be difficult to get in touch with at times, but don't let that discourage you because based on all of the reviews I've read they really do an awesome job on a couple's wedding day.
    Posted by peaches178[/QUOTE]

    Excellent point... will definitely be checking them out
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:f0206e3f-a04b-4d2e-9615-376c93f0cc27">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to: "FIs sister got married at the Ria Mar in South River (near Old Bridge) on a small budget (I think less than 5k) with very short notice. They had about 80 people there and served beer/wine/sangria. The food was really good. I'd recommend checking them out. " Vince,I am actually having my engagement party at The Ria Mar in South River this saturday.  We are having family only and the guest list is at 56 people.  Ruri, the guy we worked with, gave us a great price and it is onyl costing us $2,100 that includes unlimited beer, wine and sangria, as well as a customized buffet that includes everything from salad, soup to calamari and eveyrthing in between.  They also give you take out boxes at the end to take food home so the food and your money won't go to watse.  They also provided us with tbale linens (table cloths and napkins) for the price.  My future MIL is getting flowers as centerpieces from shop rite, as well as the cake.  My FH is a professional DJ and lives in south river.  For your budget and location, I would reccomend a restaurant as a venue and personally, I don't think you can get any better than the Ria Mar!  Good Luck!
    Posted by scarlett0904[/QUOTE]

    OK... will definitelty be checking them out too... Thanks!
  • edited December 2011
    Vin - check these too for your price range:
    Buttonwood Manor
    St, Clements Reception Center
    Crystal Point Yacht Club (afternoon wedding maybe?)
    Sterling Gardens in Matawan
    Seabras Armory in Perth Amboy
    Piazza di Roma in Matawan
    Mc Loones Supper Club in Asbury Park
  • NJgurl19NJgurl19 member
    500 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_guy-here-needs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:c8fc5b39-35b5-41a0-aa4a-8434651c6531Post:6214bc93-8443-4b08-8307-0a3e89eaaba4">Re: Guy here... needs help</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Guy here... needs help : I feel your pain on that one!  We cut back our list because my FI was invited all his friends parents and siblings.  I understand he grew up with these people, but that is it, he grew up.  We have been together for over 5 years and I haven't met 95% of the parents and siblings he wants to invite.  Now he is back to adding them on to the list and more.
    Posted by asweet21[/QUOTE]
    OMG I'm going through this exactly! I sometimes think Fi doesn't get it, well when we are in a corner with a cup and a shirt that reads young, broke and married! Maybe then he will!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    Update... we are pretty much settled on the Raddison in Freehold... overall, their package blew everyone else away. Just want to taste the food... I'm thinking about bringing our families their for their Mother's day brunch so they can all see the place and taste the food with us, and then we can sign the contract and start with the rest of the planning.

    THANK YOU ALL for your input... it is much appreciated and I look forward to bouncing ideas off you guys in the future.

    Vinny
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards