Newly Engaged and so lost

Fahteema89 · February 2013

Hello all,
I just got engaged on Christmas and already have my date picked June 14, 2014. I know how the stress of a wedding can impact a bride (I planned my mother's in 2 months). But when it comes to me I am a complete mess. I do not know what I want in a dress or just about anything else. What I do know is that I want an outdoor ceremony and am having no luck finding a venue. I am fresh out of college(September) and have a school loan to pay back as well as a toddler to care for. I am seeking a venue with as much included as possible but something that will stand out to my guests. I plan on sending out 100 invites but doubt that many will come. The only contender I have at the moment in Royce Brook Gold Club (and I have never golfed in my life). Ugh. Sorry. Any help?!? Thanks in advance.

Briannasteve · February 2013

David's country inn in hackettstown includes everything, even the cake! And they have an out door ceremony alternative at the old Rutherford estate in the next town over, 5 minute drive. Gorgeous!

SewInLoveWithDMB · February 2013

Best wishes on your engagement!

You might have to be flexible on your date - it appears you have already chosen a date, without speaking to venue receptions. There are many times when you have to take what is available - which may or may not be the date you originally had in mind.

Is the ceremony going to be in a church (or other location)? Is that how you have chosen your date?

You are newly engaged are are going to have a long engagement. My suggestion is to call every place you can possibly think of. Ask what their price includes, and if they have a minimum guest number. You just have to do a lot of research and then choose what works best for you, your FI and your families.

Consider trying The Brownstone or the Tides. They are both affordable and include a lot of options, and have rooms of varying sizes for a smaller guest list.

nikole712 · February 2013

Congratulations on your engagement!

I too am having a long engagement, I was engaged last April and October 5th of this year is my date. I found this to be very helpful in planning with no stress (at least not yet!). Hopefully this will be the case for you as well! I found this website to be very helpful in finding a local venue and looking at different styles of wedding dresses. I highly suggest you take a look at the venues listed on this website and make some phone calls, I am sure you will find a nice place that offers an outdoor ceremony space and includes most of what you are looking for. As, PP said, you may need to be flexible with your date and also if cost is a factor,consider a daytime wedding. It is much more affordable than an evening wedding and is just as beautiful!

dalm0m · February 2013

Congratulations.

Now 1st breathe.

You have almost 1.5 years to do this. You don't have to make every decision today.

Since you picked a date, you must now be flexible about your venue. June dates may already be booked.

Before you do much of anything, I suggest you make a budget. That will dictate a lot of your other issues.

You can have an outdoor ceremony at the following: Perona Farms, Jefferson House, Madison Hotel, the Arlington, Birchwood Manor, the Somerset Elks Club off route 27 in Bridgewater, Lake Mohawk Country Club.

As for dresses just try on stuff until you find something you like.

Chrissy241987 · February 2013

I would really be flexible with the date. June is one of the most popular months and Saturday the most popular day. Many places we have looked at have a minmum and if you don't meet it, you still pay for that many guests. On a busy Saturday, the minimums are higher I have found.

Fahteema89 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_newly-engaged-and-so-lost?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:3e064485-e148-4ded-9e80-3f2212fc2304Post:85666c49-f45c-4834-95c9-f9a4b0f25213">Re: Newly Engaged and so lost</a>:
[QUOTE]David's country inn in hackettstown includes everything, even the cake! And they have an out door ceremony alternative at the old Rutherford estate in the next town over, 5 minute drive. Gorgeous!
Posted by Briannasteve[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Thank you so much. I will definitely look into it.<img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" />

</div>

Fahteema89 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_newly-engaged-and-so-lost?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:3e064485-e148-4ded-9e80-3f2212fc2304Post:0b33e2b8-5569-45e9-92e4-750597a0c432">Re: Newly Engaged and so lost</a>:
[QUOTE]Best wishes on your engagement! You might have to be flexible on your date - it appears you have already chosen a date, without speaking to venue receptions. There are many times when you have to take what is available - which may or may not be the date you originally had in mind. Is the ceremony going to be in a church (or other location)? Is that how you have chosen your date? You are newly engaged are are going to have a long engagement. My suggestion is to call every place you can possibly think of. Ask what their price includes, and if they have a minimum guest number. You just have to do a lot of research and then choose what works best for you, your FI and your families. Consider trying The Brownstone or the Tides. They are both affordable and include a lot of options, and have rooms of varying sizes for a smaller guest list.
Posted by SewInLoveWithDMB[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>
</div><div>Yes, I know.. I actually wanted a Sunday wedding but majority ruled (FI and family) and I decided on a Saturday. I have been doing research and continue to do such. I would rather pick something off a review because I may find a great cheap otpion but then again you get what you pay for. Thanks mucho for your input. I am always willing to learn.</div>

Fahteema89 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_newly-engaged-and-so-lost?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:3e064485-e148-4ded-9e80-3f2212fc2304Post:b6c766fd-986b-4db4-9b6a-a74ded65c988">Re: Newly Engaged and so lost</a>:
[QUOTE]Congratulations on your engagement! I too am having a long engagement, I was engaged last April and October 5th of this year is my date. I found this to be very helpful in planning with no stress (at least not yet!). Hopefully this will be the case for you as well! I found this website to be very helpful in finding a local venue and looking at different styles of wedding dresses. I highly suggest you take a look at the venues listed on this website and make some phone calls, I am sure you will find a nice place that offers an outdoor ceremony space and includes most of what you are looking for. As, PP said, you may need to be flexible with your date and also if cost is a factor,consider a daytime wedding. It is much more affordable than an evening wedding and is just as beautiful!
Posted by nikole712[/QUOTE]
<div>
</div><div>You are completely right. I do not feel rushed and that is the way I like it. I wanted to have ample time to deal with hiccups without becoming a Bridezilla. But I am not that hard to please so I know it will be fine. I am just concerned about the happiness of my guests. Congrats on your upcoming wedding and this site is really coming in handy for me so far so Im happy...</div>

Fahteema89 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_newly-engaged-and-so-lost?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:3e064485-e148-4ded-9e80-3f2212fc2304Post:07b6d744-1c8b-45bb-9952-51caf217886d">Re: Newly Engaged and so lost</a>:
[QUOTE]Congratulations. Now 1st breathe. You have almost 1.5 years to do this. You don't have to make every decision today. Since you picked a date, you must now be flexible about your venue. June dates may already be booked. Before you do much of anything, I suggest you make a budget. That will dictate a lot of your other issues. You can have an outdoor ceremony at the following: Perona Farms, Jefferson House, Madison Hotel, the Arlington, Birchwood Manor, the Somerset Elks Club off route 27 in Bridgewater, Lake Mohawk Country Club. As for dresses just try on stuff until you find something you like.
Posted by dalm0m[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>You sound just like my FI... He knows I like to get things done..sometimes too quickly. I realize I have to just enjoy the engagement and let things take their course. I love this site because there are so many questions I have that are being answered.. And I feel like I have a support group..lol. Thanks for your input I will definitely look into these places.

</div>

Fahteema89 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_newly-engaged-and-so-lost?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:3e064485-e148-4ded-9e80-3f2212fc2304Post:17bb7cb2-07f9-4928-b7bf-af7e2e3987bf">Re: Newly Engaged and so lost</a>:
[QUOTE]You don't have to do everything all at once, you have time, so don't stress, You are planning a party, it is supposed to be fun. We got married at the Lake Valhalla Club. They have a nice outdoor area for the ceremony and include pretty much everything. We used the officiant and DJ they recommended and found our own photographer, florist, and did DIY centerpieces (that's only 3 things, very easy). As for the dress, pick your venue first and that will help you narrow down your dress choices. Try starting at David's. They have the biggest selection, lots of budget friendly choices, and low pressure sales people.
Posted by Liatris2010[/QUOTE]
<div>
</div><div>Sounds good. Thanks!!</div>

Fahteema89 · February 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_newly-engaged-and-so-lost?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:3e064485-e148-4ded-9e80-3f2212fc2304Post:4c7d32fb-16df-4778-8927-4feed1894b27">Re: Newly Engaged and so lost</a>:
[QUOTE]I would really be flexible with the date. June is one of the most popular months and Saturday the most popular day. Many places we have looked at have a minmum and if you don't meet it, you still pay for that many guests. On a busy Saturday, the minimums are higher I have found.
Posted by Chrissy241987[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>This is true...hence why I really wanted a Sunday... I am realizing that im still in the drafting stage so I try to keep most details to myself. Thanks...</div>

LadyLina555 · February 2013

I booked The Elan..My packaged included Photgraher and DJ. The only thing that I am bringing is the florist and I am using one of their reccoommended vendors.

It was extremely easy and I have been very pleased thus far.

JCbride14 · February 2013

Solidarity, girl. We got engaged in September but then our apartment was destroyed in Sandy, so we are barely getting back to normal and I feel like I just got engaged even though it's been five months. We're hoping for an Oct/Nov 2014 date. Nobody in my family is into weddings and I'm the oldest on both sides, so I have very little guidance except for friends. It's hard to know where to begin.

I can say the Madison Hotel is absolutely gorgeous-- I've never been to a wedding there but I went to college in Madison and have been there once or twice. I'm also planning to start at David's, even if ultimately I might want something in a higher price bracket. My friend did the same thing and was pleasantly surprised when she found her perfect dress for less than $500. Congratulations on your engagement! Cheers to long and hopefully stress-free engagements, plenty of time to plan.

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