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?
Re: Is it possible on 10k?
This was a couple of months ago I got all the info, hope this helped you out some.
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?
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.
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!
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.