Palace at Somerset Park

Jacky225

Hi- anyone getting married at the palace soon?  Or interested in it?  My fiance and I absolutely love the palace but have heard they might be changing owners.  And some of the more recent reviews stated they are short staffed.  Any truth to this?  Feedback please- thanks in advance!!

ashlieandfrank

WHAT??! I'm getting married there on 11/4 and have heard nothing of the sort...but thanks for the scare!

kellybee83

You made my heart skip a beat!!  I'm getting married at The Palace in July, and we love it!  I haven't heard anything about that, but now I'm definitely going to give them a call tomorrow for piece of mind!

Can you please let me know where you heard that?

Thanks!

Giaspo

Hi!  I'm getting married there in September and love it too.  I saw those reviews before I booked it and asked a lot of questions. 

Also, I hired the wedding planner on their vendor list and she calmed all my fears.  I met with several other planners and asked them for their honest opinion on the Palace.  All 3 said they are amazing to work with, great food, outstanding service.  All good stuff!  So I'm hoping those reviews are the exception - not every place can be perfect 100% of the time, right?  Fingers crossed!

Good luck!

Jacky225

I did not mean to scare anyone!  I am so sorry if I did.  I just wanted to know if anyone else heard anything about it.  We asked someone at the palace about it  and she did not know of anything.  We also did lots of googling and nothing came up except recent posts about it being short staffed.  We are so close to booking it so I just wanted to make sure.  If you hear anything or if I find anything out please let us know. 

The Palace looks amazing and it is our clear #1 choice.  Are you in the east or west ballroom?  We would be in the west. 

ashlieandfrank

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_palace-somerset-park-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:dc9b2e0a-2486-4a16-9a25-a10a7243735bPost:c9c8192a-7638-4feb-a9ae-1eded03ec137">Re: Palace at Somerset Park</a>:
[QUOTE]You made my heart skip a beat!!  I'm getting married at The Palace in July, and we love it!  I haven't heard anything about that, but now I'm definitely going to give them a call tomorrow for piece of mind! Can you please let me know where you heard that? Thanks!
Posted by kellybee83[/QUOTE]

<div>Mine too! I told my fiance who said "OH, GREAT" and my sister told me to call and let them know that we heard this because technically, by law, they wouldn't have to do anything but refund us our deposit if anything were to happen...</div>

ashlieandfrank

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_palace-somerset-park-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:dc9b2e0a-2486-4a16-9a25-a10a7243735bPost:3013de1d-4545-4e9c-b345-f3d0c93d7f1e">Re: Palace at Somerset Park</a>:
[QUOTE]I did not mean to scare anyone!  I am so sorry if I did.  I just wanted to know if anyone else heard anything about it.  We asked someone at the palace about it  and she did not know of anything.  We also did lots of googling and nothing came up except recent posts about it being short staffed.  We are so close to booking it so I just wanted to make sure.  If you hear anything or if I find anything out please let us know.  The Palace looks amazing and it is our clear #1 choice.  Are you in the east or west ballroom?  We would be in the west. 
Posted by Jacky225[/QUOTE]

<div>I hope it's just a rumor! It is AMAZING and after we saw it, we couldn't even think about having our wedding anywhere else. We're having ours in the West Ballroom also! I love the color scheme in there!</div>

Jacky225

I love the colors too!!!!! Its literally like calling my name bc I want to do purple and I love butterflies and the garbage cans in the bridal suite have butterflies on them.  HA im a dork.  I hope its just a rumor but wanted to see if anyone else knew anything!  I am sure all of your weddings will be amazing.  I will probably wind up booking at the palace because its exactly what we want.

Jacky225

Please let me know if they say anything when you call. 

Giaspo

We are in the west too as we aren't having a big wedding and needed a smaller space.  Our colors will have purple also, and I love the fact that the color scheme will complement it.  We loved the fact that it is so grand without being gaudy. 

After speaking with all of the planners I feel much better about those few reviews.  There are so many great reviews to balance out the ones that aren't so positive. 

They've been great so far - I wanted to bring my mom and FMIL to see it and they were so welcoming; let us wander around and take lots of photos. 

I'm so excited for all of us!!! 

ashlieandfrank

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_palace-somerset-park-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:dc9b2e0a-2486-4a16-9a25-a10a7243735bPost:016496ce-01fa-4ab5-8689-db28725f1183">Re: Palace at Somerset Park</a>:
[QUOTE]We are in the west too as we aren't having a big wedding and needed a smaller space.  <strong>Our colors will have purple also, and I love the fact that the color scheme will complement it.  We loved the fact that it is so grand without being gaudy. </strong> After speaking with all of the planners I feel much better about those few reviews.  There are so many great reviews to balance out the ones that aren't so positive.  They've been great so far - I wanted to bring my mom and FMIL to see it and they were so welcoming; let us wander around and take lots of photos.  I'm so excited for all of us!!! 
Posted by Giaspo[/QUOTE]

<div>SAME!! :) When are you going for your tasting? I just booked mine for July!</div>

Giaspo

We were actually looking for something more modern, and it was between the Palace and the Stone House.  We landed with the Palace because of the food, and love its stateliness and clean lines. 

We haven't booked the tasting yet - I didn't know we could do that so far in advance.  I may have to call our coordinator this week to see what we should be doing!  Thanks for the tip!

ashlieandfrank

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_palace-somerset-park-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:dc9b2e0a-2486-4a16-9a25-a10a7243735bPost:f31856ab-b6db-49e8-8dc3-2de1ede99aae">Re: Palace at Somerset Park</a>:
[QUOTE]We were actually looking for something more modern, and it was between the Palace and the Stone House.  We landed with the Palace because of the food, and love its stateliness and clean lines.  We haven't booked the tasting yet - I didn't know we could do that so far in advance.  I may have to call our coordinator this week to see what we should be doing!  Thanks for the tip!
Posted by Giaspo[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>That's so funny because we were exactly the same way and saw Stone House, but really were unimpressed with their presentation and didnt like the fact that the sales girl kept saying "umm I'd have to check on that for you." </div><div>
</div><div>I have a really limited schedule because work is so crazy and so I called my coordinator to book the one week that I know I have available between now and the wedding...I think normally you wait for them to call you, but I had no other choice!

</div>

Jacky225

Let me know how your tastings go!  Good luck!!

kellybee83

I've worked in the hospitality industry since college, so I asked several questions about service and execution to my sales manager.  I've also talked to a couple well known wedding planners that I have met in the industry who say that The Palace is one of their all time favorite venues.  (I'm not having a wedding planner, but still toying around with the idea of a DOC)  Also, I am planning on expressing any of my "hot buttons"/pet peeves to my event planner.  I know from experience that these usually get communicated to the team executing the event as well, and are usually paid extra attention to.  So tell the person you are working with that you want to be sure there is enough staff (I believe the sales manager said it's one server per table), and that you want to be sure they are attentive to your guests (refill water glasses , fold napkins, run drinks, keep table clean, etc.)  Believe me, the event planner/banquet team will rather hear about your concerns before the event rather than have you complain about them after.  Plus you'll feel better if you do.   

My concerns with Jacky's post were with the whole new ownership/bankruptcy rumor, which I'm hoping is just that, a rumor. 

Ashlie, you are making me feel like a bad bride  )
I'm 6 months out, and haven't even spoken to my event planner yet.  I was actually planning on calling her this week though. 

I guess I'm the only one in the East Ballroom.  We guaranteed 175, but are inviting about 225 (my mom is from a big Polish family and wanted to invite all of her cousins).   We are getting married on a Friday evening, so the guarantees are less.  We actually couldn't do a Saturday because we are in between the guarantees for the rooms (plus we are getting a better deal). 

Are any of you ladies attending the bridal show at The Palace on the 30th?  I'm thinking about going with my mom.  I have my big vendors booked, but have been really busy and have let a few things slip!  Plus I wouldn't mind an excuse to go to the Palace again!

So glad there are other Palace brides on here now, when I posted about it a few months ago I was the only one!
It's funny that we were all looking for the same type of venue.  I really wanted to look at the Stone House, but didn't because al of the negative things I heard and read about it.  However, we did look at the Liberty House, which was one of our top choices.

I actually wrote this on another thread that someone created who was looking for a roman/grecian style venue.  I believe Giaspo posted on that one too. 
"To be honest, I was probably originally looking for the opposite as you, something more modern and not as opulent.   However, when we walked in The Palace we LOVED it!  It's gorgeous!  It's grand, but still has a warm feeling and it's both contemporary and classic at the same time.  It definitely has a "wow factor" and fits the description you are looking for, but is a little more understated than places I would consider to be gaudy."
I think that's the best way I've described the Palace so far, so I figured I would copy and paste.

Good luck with everything ladies!!

Jacky225

I hope its a rumor too!  And I am glad to hear that you spoke to the planners.  I am going to the bridal show on the 30th with my mom and sister (MOH).  See you there!

ashlieandfrank

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_palace-somerset-park-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:dc9b2e0a-2486-4a16-9a25-a10a7243735bPost:48707c99-7b56-446f-99a0-ee061b782fd0">Re: Palace at Somerset Park</a>:
[QUOTE]  Ashlie, you are making me feel like a bad bride  :o) I'm 6 months out, and haven't even spoken to my event planner yet.  I was actually planning on calling her this week though.  I guess I'm the only one in the East Ballroom.  We guaranteed 175, but are inviting about 225 (my mom is from a big Polish family and wanted to invite all of her cousins).   We are getting married on a Friday evening, so the guarantees are less.  We actually couldn't do a Saturday because we are in between the guarantees for the rooms (plus we are getting a better deal).  Are any of you ladies attending the bridal show at The Palace on the 30th?  I'm thinking about going with my mom.  I have my big vendors booked, but have been really busy and have let a few things slip!  Plus I wouldn't mind an excuse to go to the Palace again! 
Posted by kellybee83[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>haha! Don't feel that way! Again, it was only because I contacted her to reserve the baby grand piano for my cocktail hour and then ended up scheduling my tasting in the 1 week I have available before the wedding! </div><div>
</div><div>I actually am going to the bridal show! Like you said, any excuse to go to the Palace! I'm hoping that the food they serve is prepared there as well so that we get a sneak peak at that! :)</div><div>

</div>

Giaspo

Ashlie - thanks for your note about the timing of your tasting.  I'm glad that I am not behind schedule! 

Kellybee83 - thanks for the tip on the wedding show.  I definitely want to go.  How did you find out about it?  If you decide on a DOC, definitely call Joan Glenn (the preferred planner).  I met with a few and she was my fave - she's been great so far. 

kellybee83

I "like" The Palace on facebook, and they posted about the bridal show.  There's also info about it on their website. 

http://www.americanbride.com/thepalace.htm

Question, which hotel are you ladies using?  We had one booked (long story), but they backed down on what they originally promised so we're back to square one.   I want to have it all set this week.  There are so may hotels on that road and I can't seem to find a one that had everything we would like...a bar or lounge, shuttles, and complementary breakfast.

Jacky225

I called the Double Tree so far- they have a great rate only $99 and if you get 20 rooms the bridal suite is free.  They also have a DJ and bar open until 2.  But their breakfasts are quite expensive.  They have something thats $17 (incl tax and tip) but its like a voucher in the restaurant and you would be mixed in with others (I wanted to do a private breakfast).  Then the other packages are pretty expensive- 15 plus tax and tip for only like a continental breakfast (so nothing hot).  I called Fairfield too and left a msg and the woman got back to me but I have not called back yet. 

ashlieandfrank

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_palace-somerset-park-5?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:dc9b2e0a-2486-4a16-9a25-a10a7243735bPost:84bb951a-51fb-4f2b-8ae8-0d033c9567f4">Re: Palace at Somerset Park</a>:
[QUOTE] Question, which hotel are you ladies using?  We had one booked (long story), but they backed down on what they originally promised so we're back to square one.   I want to have it all set this week.  There are so may hotels on that road and I can't seem to find a one that had everything we would like...a bar or lounge, shuttles, and complementary breakfast.
Posted by kellybee83[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Actually, the first time we went to see the Palace, a couple that had gotten married there the night before was there picking up items left behind and we started talking to them about how their wedding went. They said they visited every single hotel in the area and the Crowne Plaza was the best in terms of proximity, rates, etc etc...</div><div>
</div><div>The thing is, you dont want your guests to pay more than necessary for a room and the Crowne Plaza rate is great. It's $99 including 2 breakfasts in the restaurant the next morning or $149 if you want a suite including 2 breakfasts. The bar is also open until 2 am the night of our wedding and they will shuttle our guests to/from The Palace....(it's literally 2 minutes away) PERFECT! Also, we get our suite free the night of the wedding if we book 10 rooms and the night before, I get a suite for $99.</div><div>

</div>

CHPTR2

WELL,HELLO LADIES!!! THIS IS PROBABLY THE 1ST GROOM TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MY BEAUTIFUL BRIDE TO BE. WE WILL BE HAVING OUR RECEPTION AT THE PALACE IN THE EAST ROOM ON JULY 8TH,3011, WE HAD THE FOOD TASTING & IT WAS PHENOMENALLY GREAT FOOD..I HAVE HEARD THIS PLACE HOLDS SUCH BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS. SO,ALL REVIEWS ARE GREAT.GOOD LUCK TO ALL & CONGRATS.

shaper78

Hi everyone!  Just starting the wedding planning process and The Palace is one of the places on the top of our list for reception venues.  We are planning to get married in the fall of 2012.  September would be ideal, but we may need to push it back to October or November.  I have the price quote from Christie for a Saturday evening during peak season, but was wondering if anyone would mind sharing with me a quote that they received for a Saturday evening during an off-peak month (i.e. November).  Also, any experience with them bringing down the minimum guarantees of people for the main ballroom in off peak months?  We will invite about 200, but my FI's family (which is half of the list) are all from Upstate NY, so we aren’t really sure how many will drive down.  Also, has anybody received information on their fireworks packages that they would be willing to share?  Thanks so much in advance : )

Drumski

Shaper78, I sent you a private message in regards to qoutes.

dulhan511

Hello, I'm getting married at the Palace on Sept 1, 2012.  It's an Indian wedding so will probably need specialized vendors but if you have any suggestions on vendors you loved please let me know - florist for centerpieces, photographer, videographer, makeup, etc.  

thanks!!! and congrats to all of you  

also - was debating whether to get a wedding planner.. it seems pretty expensive but i also feel like it could reduce a lot of stress

bianam18

Hello All !

I am newly engaged and looking at the venue this weekend. Any info about the Palace would be really appreciated. Please help!

And congrats all!