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Advice Needed! The Graycliff vs. Il Villagio

sotot28sotot28 member
Sixth Anniversary First Comment Combo Breaker
in New Jersey
Hello Ladies! 
I need some advise...My fiance and I are planning a Summer 2012 wedding for about 120 guests.  We checked out a few places in our budget and have narrowed it down to The Graycliff and Il Villagio. Il Villagio looks beautiful and more visually appealing than the The Graycliff.  However, we're concerned about the food as we've been there for a graduation party and we weren't really impressed.  We've also been to an event, though not a wedding, at The Graycliff and remember liking the food.  Though Il Villagio is more expensive, it's hard to pass up on how pretty it is...
Based on your experiences...Any suggestions? What's your vote?  
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Re: Advice Needed! The Graycliff vs. Il Villagio

  • NJgurl19NJgurl19 member
    500 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Sorry but I have to say that these venues are very different. II Villagio is very upscale, The Graycliff is very nice as well but I think they are in different categorizes.
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  • vanillaxsugavanillaxsuga member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My sister was married at The Graycliff and my brother at il Villagio. People still talk about how my sisters wedding was the best wedding they've been to. Both are wonderful, but like PP said very different looks.
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  • CaramelBride973CaramelBride973
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    As PP said they are not really comparable. Il Villagio has a restaurant so maybe you should eat there or see if they can give you a tasting and I know Graycliff does tastings. Maybe they can help make the decision. Also maybe you and FI should make a list of everything you want in a venue and see which venue comes closer to your expectations.

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  • Faith2730Faith2730 member
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Like pp stated these places aren't even comparable! I had my reception at Il'Villaggio in July and had the best experience ever. People were raving about the food and service. My MIL recently went to a wedding at The Greycliff and said she thought the place was outdated and the food was horrible. I know everyone has different tastes and opinions but if you can have your reception at Il'Villaggio I say go for it! I worked with John and he is simply amazing!
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  • GolfChick78GolfChick78 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I've been to weddings at both and the food at the Graycliff was definitely better.  The spread is larger and more impressive at Il Villagio, but I don't recall enjoying it as much.  That said, Il Villagio is a much more impressive facility. 
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  • GiGiV2012GiGiV2012 member
    100 Comments First Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    The carpets on the floor at the Graycliff make me want to shudder.....
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  • HobokensFuryHobokensFury member
    5000 Comments Sixth Anniversary 500 Love Its First Answer
    edited December 2011
    Like PP both venues are different.  You will get more for your money at The Graycliff.  I called Il Villagio when I was looking for venues and they said my 120 person wedding was too small for a Saturday. They wouldn't even talk to us. I was a little taken back by it.
     
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  • mariasemail86mariasemail86
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    THe Graycliff def has GREAT food and Drinks. You get a lot for your money and Kathy is great to work with. It really depends on what you are looking for. If I were you I'd def book a tasting at the Graycliff so you could see for yourself. I booked the big ballroom at the Graycliff. Obviously, I would've loved a place that was prettier but it is still a really nice place and you get a lot for what you pay for. It's just a matter of what you think is more important. Either way I think you cant go wrong! Good luck!

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  • altimat873altimat873 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ive been to both and the 2 dont even compare lookwise or foodwise in my opinion. Graycliff decor was not my taste at all, the carpets were gross, the place smelled like an old lady and the bridal "suite" was , well I wont go there (lets just say there was leftover food in there and someone left a surprise in the bathroom). The food at Il Villaggio is prob the best wedding food Ive ever tasted because its a restaurant and not a wedding catering hall. I think the look of it is completely different from Graycliff but then again, so are the prices. I booke dil Villaggio for our November wedding and have also attended a wedding there. Good luck with your decision.
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  • JK725JK725
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I've been to Il Villagio twice and the food was excellent both times and the place is beautiful.

    I went to Graycliff for a wedding a couple of weeks ago and I wasn't impressed. The cocktail hour was weak...they had passed ordevours which were probably just microwaved.  The hot foods at cocktail hour weren't anything to brag about and I guess the bride and groom didn't pay extra for the seafood platter because empty trays were left out which looked ridiculous.  They should of put these trays away.

    The reception room has 2 corners with mirrors which had doors and the bridal party walked out onto the dance floor from these.  Well, once the lighting hit the doors when someone came out,  you can see streaks all over the mirrors.  

    Half of my table didn't have champagne in their glasses and even though we told the waitress about this,  she didn't come back until half way through the bestman's toast.   Lastly, a waitress spilled a tray of 4 martinis onto a guest. Yikes.


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