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New Jersey - South

Brigalia's: ARE YOU SERIOUS?

A lot of ladies on here recommended that I check Brigalia's out. I went and the ceremony site was BEAUTIFUL. The consultant scheduled me for a tasting and told me to come back today. I went there today and was told "oh your tasting is at the deli. go there. we have a wedding going on here." (By the owner, Tina.) She was very irritated and dismissed my fiance and myself as if she was requesting over $8,000 for our wedding. 

I tried to keep a positive mindset as I drove to the deli, which wasn't that far away. I get to the deli and NO ONE knew about a tasting that was supposed to happen. They told me to wait around for Kathy. Kathy walked up and said two words to us. We were left standing in the deli for nearly a half an hour simply waiting. The appointment was at 6 pm......not 6:30. I still tried to keep an open mind. Kathy brings out a box of food, which contained a chicken parm, two meatballs, some garlic potatoes, a few green beans. She passed us the box and walked away. 

ABSURD! I guess I have been to other tastings that were more accomodating. That did not have you standing next to a soda machine and chip stand for a half an hour when you had an appointment. I felt as though I mightaswell had ordered a cheesesteak and picked it up. I am soooo disappointed with Brigalia's service, as it was my number one choice for the venue. 

I posted this to tell future brides that Brigalia's isn't all it is cracked up to be. HORRIBLE service on more than one occasion! I haven't even told you about my other encounters.
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Re: Brigalia's: ARE YOU SERIOUS?

  • edited December 2011
    Ugh.  Sorry that sounds pretty awful.  I'd heard a few things about the place so I didn't even look there.  Amazing service is a number 1 priority for me as I don't want to be stressed on my wedding nor during the planning.  Go look at the Merion and ask for Cathy.  She's been simply amazing with me....I probably email her about twice a month and she's great.  I also asked to sample food prior to deciding on the location and it was delish.
  • edited December 2011
    The Merion is great. Don't be overwhelmed by the initial prices...they are willing to work with you...just be creative and focus on what's important to you. The manager Vinny is great too!
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  • edited December 2011
    I found Brigalias to be incredibly accomodating. We visited there several times before and after the tasting. We did have to go to the deli for our tasting - we did a walk-thru at the site beforehand and then went right to the deli. We did wait about 15 minutes for our tasting at 3:30. Tina was still at the deli, it was explained she prepares the food there and then takes it to Brigalias, so she spoke with us very briefly. We got a great selection of food (chicken parm, pasta, potatos, green beans, a bunch of cold salads, house salad, chicken marsala, etc.) and went home to sample everything.
    We did wind up booking with Brigalias and are incredibly excited about it. We spoke with a total of three people there. At times they did appear slightly frazzled, but were incredibly accomodating - my FI and I probably visited at least 6 times before deciding.
    I'm sorry it sounds like you had a particularly awful experience there. You're right, customer service is Number 1. I have heard great things about the Merion also. The Merion was just out of our price range. I hope you have better luck searching for your venue :)
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  • edited December 2011
    wow i wouldnt give them even a second thought after that...thanks for posting!! Good Luck in your hunt for a venue....I personally wouldnt do the Merion...I think its a wedding factory..There are many events on the same day...it is beautiful though...Im sure will find the perfect place!!!
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  • edited December 2011
    Thanks ladies.....I visited the Merion. It was beautiful. I was just worried about 4 weddings happening on the same day, which they said was a possibility. 
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_south-new-jersey_brigalias-serious?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:128Discussion:7d9edc8e-7ee2-4177-a7cc-adf3642639dePost:561d1f41-fa63-4255-95e1-d9ee65122cf4">Re: Brigalia's: ARE YOU SERIOUS?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Thanks ladies.....I visited the Merion. It was beautiful. I was just worried about 4 weddings happening on the same day, which they said was a possibility. 
    Posted by ChanelShades[/QUOTE]

    I think this really depends upon when you are getting married.  You're right, if I was getting married in the middle of wedding season (which I'm clearly not) I don't think I'd get married there.  Since I'm getting married in Jan I know they could at most have only two other weddings (they even admitted this is highly highly unlikely).....since I'm using one ballroom for my wedding and another for my reception.

    I've been to weddings there before when there was more than 2 and honestly they are so organized (i.e. the wait staff, valets, etc. all wear head microphones) and coordinated so you really don't notice other weddings.  Also, if you've been there the ballrooms are pretty seperated.
  • danagigsdanagigs member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My FI and I booked the Merion a few months ago. We went to a few venues, including Brigalias, and we were not thrilled with any til we walked into the Merion. The place is BEYOND gorgeous, and all the staff that I have met so far are so nice. My consultant is Sue. She is young vibrant and so full of energy, I cant wait to get closer to the wedding so that we can work together. I trust her 100% with my wedding! She marketed The Merion as "The Wedding of the Century". They worked with our budget and my family, FI, budget, and I could not be more thrilled. I have heard nothing but amazing things from complete strangers. And just judging from the way they discussed every detail in timing, they really make sure that no two weddings are arriving at the same time so you never really know there is another wedding going on. 

    Im sooo excitedLaughing
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  • lynzy333lynzy333 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I booked at the Westin and I love it there!  Melanie was great too!!  Remember these people should be pleasing you and they should know that word of mouth travels fast and on the internet.
  • edited December 2011

    We are having our wedding at Brigalias in a month & I have had nothing but a wonderful experience through the whole planning process. The venue is beautiful, Tina & the rest of the staff have been extremely accomodating.

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