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Budget?

[Deleted User][Deleted User]
10 Comments
in New Jersey
Hello.

Congrats to all the brides-to-be.

I have a planned engagement for April 4 ( long story its the first and last time our family will be in the area)

We are planning an October/November 2012 Wedding, with approx 200-225 people and have set a budget for 20,000...is this possible?  I would like a venue that has rooms to sleep over in it or close proximity since a lot of our family will be traveling from a-far. And can save money not using a limo or party bus. I plan on a frill-less wedding with center pieces including pumpkins carved by soon to be fiance, no runner and only our 2 siblings as our bridal party.  My brother is in a band so I plan on having their band to play cocktail hour and as I walk down the aisle, and their manager to DJ the reception. I have 2 professional photographer as friends that can get the photos as a gift...So, ideally it's 20,000 for the reception of up to 225 people, dresses, tuxes, and flowers.

I'm not 100% set on having a saturday night wedding either...I wouldn't mind Friday or Saturday day.

So far I like the Manor in West Orange, b/c of the hotel with in walking distance, but its reviewed to be expensive.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance =)
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Re: Budget?

  • cindy9178cindy9178 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm pretty sure (but I could be wrong) that you won't be able to do 225 people at The Manor, plus dresses, tuxes and flowers, for under 20k.
    Peaches is getting married at The Manor, so she might have a better idea on the prices though..
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thank you!

    I want a big wedding with lots of people food booze and dancing, I'm not "married" to a saturday night either.

    Thanks for the reassurance =)
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  • goaliegirlgoaliegirl member
    Eighth Anniversary 1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I am not even sure if the Manor has a room that would fit 225 people comfortably.  I may be wrong but I felt that the rooms were going to be tight when we looked at and were estimating around 175.

    That being said, You should definitely look at Fridays or Sundays in November or maybe even Dec-March.  October is still a very popular month to get married and many places consider that peak season and thus prices will be higher.

    Are you planning on paying for all the tuxes?  If not, the groom usually gets one for free if you use Men's Warehouse so that will save some money.    And depending on what your dress and flowers budget is, you are still going to need to find a venue that is well under $100 per person.   It is possible if you do some negotiating and look at off season dates.   
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  • altimat873altimat873 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    That is going to be HARD! You will prob have to find a place that is in the $65pp range or less, sorry I don't have any suggestions but good luck. Have you thought about places outside Northern NJ?
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  • cindy9178cindy9178 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_budget-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:f40a0e49-d468-4754-bacd-a10a359afb6dPost:765d9acd-75e1-43e1-bf76-c2f536987f2c">Re: Budget?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I am not even sure if the Manor has a room that would fit 225 people comfortably.  I may be wrong but I felt that the rooms were going to be tight when we looked at and were estimating around 175. That being said, You should definitely look at Fridays or Sundays in November or maybe even Dec-March.  October is still a very popular month to get married and many places consider that peak season and thus prices will be higher. Are you planning on paying for all the tuxes?  If not, the groom usually gets one for free if you use Men's Warehouse so that will save some money.    And depending on what your dress and flowers budget is, you are still going to need to find a venue that is well under $100 per person.   It is possible if you do some negotiating and look at off season dates.   
    Posted by goaliegirl[/QUOTE]
    You're right, I didn't even think of that. I remember thinking that the rooms at The Mannor seemed small for our number of guests, and we're looking at 150.

    I also second the idea of a Friday night or Sunday afternoon - they are almost always cheaper. And the winter months are usually cheaper as well. So for example, a Sunday in December will save you money.
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  • ccandelaccandela member
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm not sure how many people it holds (maybe another knottie knows) but The Grand Summit Hotel fits your hotel/venue requirement. An alternative would be to find a venue that partners with a hotel that includes shuttle service to/from venue in their price. Good luck :) Cat
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  • KH 2012KH 2012
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    you can try the gran centurions-they have max of 350 and min of 125 and have a deal for fri or sunday at $51 a person



    staff there is great we just booked with them
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  • bereasonable2bereasonable2 member
    Third Anniversary 100 Comments Name Dropper 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Quick math - you're looking at $74 - $83 per person, just for the reception.  Plus a 20% gratuity.  That would take up your entire $20K budget.  If you include your wedding gown, tuxedo, transportation, flowers, etc... probably looking at $60-$70 pp.  Can it be done?  I think so.  Just don't expect it to be really fancy.
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  • sgdc2011sgdc2011 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Look into hotel ballrooms, Freehold Raddison, Holiday Inn in East Windsor, Grand Summit Hotel.

    You are going to have to do a Friday, Sat day, or Sunday to get into your price range I'm assumming.

     Good luck!
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  • asweet21asweet21 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Like a pp said, it could be done, but don't expect it to be fancy.  I would think about having an afternoon wedding if you want to stay within budget.  I think a pp said, if you want to save on costs winter months are less expensive. 

    GOOD LUCK!!!
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  • mbcdefgmbcdefg member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Do a brunch/lunch reception.

    Have the guys wear black suits that they already own.

    Look for a gown under maybe $500 - jcrew.com, eBay, Craigslist, order a bridesmaid's dress in white. Wear accessories you already own, and borrow a veil from a friend or order a cheap one from eBay or Etsy.com.

    Are you 100% sure that you can get the photography and band for free? It's awesome if you can ... but be aware that plans can change as time goes on. I'd hate to see you count on that budget now, and then find out three months before your wedding that you'll need to pay them or that you need to book someone else.
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for all the input.
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  • mcjaysmcjays
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I found that a lot of places quoted me a certain price over the phone/email but when I went to see the venues they knocked off anywhere from $5 to $15 and threw in extras so you never know. And if you love somewhere enough - maybe it's worth doing an afternoon reception.
    A couple of the venues also said I could use their centerpieces - they were silk flowers - which weren't too bad so that could also be a money saver.
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  • LADY324LADY324
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    We had friends who were on a budget with a big wedding too they got married on a Friday night in December.  They had they reception at the Olde Mill Inn in basking ridge.  The reception was great and they have rooms right there on the premises.

    She also cut out flowers as centerpieces and just did big a big clear hurricane candle holder with snowflakes glued to them and just did a bunch of candles. 
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I have been interested in the old mille inn as well.

    the website looks great and i've heard fab reviews...their off season menu looks affordable...i'm wondering what oct/november would cost me...
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