Elegance on a Budget!

FatimahandStephen

Hello all-I'm trying to pick a venue back home in Jersey and will be planning from Boston. My fiancé and I are finishing up grad school, so we are students but have a little tucked away in savings. I've visited IL Tulipano and The Valley Regency and loved both. Their rates were about $100 a person. Anyone been to a wedding or had their wedding at the Richfield Regency? Or, any recommendations on venues in North Jersey that are affordable (70-100) and beautiful?

PandPMeant2B

My fiance and I (both now living in MA) are getting married at the Brownstone in Paterson.  Not only were they one of the only places that would even entertain the idea of a wedding with 80-100 people on a Saturday night (most required 125-150 min), but he basically said, "Tell me your price range and we'll make it work." We're paying about $120/person (including tax and tip) and we're getting A LOT more than most places offer. He told us we could get the price lower if we wanted, but we decided we're getting a great deal at that price with those options and didn't want to limit our menu selections any more. The place is beautiful and they're very well known for their great food.

Hope that helps!

FatimahandStephen

Thank you so much for the tip! What time of year is your wedding set for? I just checked out the website and the place looks gorgeous

PandPMeant2B

Our wedding is August 17th this year.  I've been to a wedding there before and it was beautiful and the food was amazing! We're having both our ceremony and reception there and can't wait! They also have a bridal suite, so I can get ready there and not worry about going anywhere else.  We're not starting until 7:30PM, so with such a late dinner, we were able to cut out a few courses for dinner (they will probably already be full from cocktail hour anyway), which saved us money.  They also offer a cocktail reception package, which would be heavy hors d'oeuvres instead of a sit down dinner.  That might be more cost-effective. Also, if you're flexible as far as what day of the week and what time of day your wedding is, they'll likely be more flexible with price.  There are always options! Good luck  and let me know if you end up checking it out!

dalm0m

The farther west you come,  the better the pricing.  The Arlington in Mt. Arlington near Lake Hopatcong is very affordable.  I think the Hanover Manor is also well priced. 

Your other option may be a to try to find an "off day"   We actually considered Thursday July 3rd to get a lower price. 

ohmrs2014

I second the Brownstone.  We are getting married there and they were very flexible with the guest minimum, but then again I chose an off time of year, but they were also flexible with the pricing and menus, letting us customize a menu that fit our needs and budget.  We are splurging a little bit more, but we know it will be worth it.