Intro and a????

Re: Intro and a????

• Amy4282 member

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  Hello and welcome - I am normally on the Philly board myself, but occassionally lurk on the SJ board. 
  
  One of my very good friends got married at the Westin about a year and a half ago.  Now hers was one of the very first weddings they were having there so I know there were kinks to be worked out, but here are few things I would advise you to check with them - there were 2 weddings happening at the same time, we never saw the other people really so that wasnt an issue, but we could hear them, a lot!  So I would ask about that.  Perhaps this other wedding was maybe rowdier than most!  Also, they were a little behind in filling the buffet stations during the cocktail hour.  It seemed as though they were backed up during the entire cocktail hour.  Finally, if you decide to have a brunch the next morning make sure you triple check with them that they are adequately staffed for it.  They had a brunch, informed them of it way ahead of time and they only had one waitress on staff.  Food took FOREVER and I felt so bad for the girl, she was completely overwhelmed.
  
  Again, not to turn you away from them, becuase like I said she was one of the very first weddings when they first opened, so I'm sure most of this isnt an issue anymore, you just want to double check!

  Report0 Reply
• 2010Bride2be

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  thank you so much! I never thought about hearing the other party (if one). Thats definitely a question I plan on asking now.

  Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml

  Report0 Reply
• miguelhilary2010

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  Congrats on the new engagement!  I have no input on the venues you mentioned, but just wanted to add/share that I live in DE and will be married in NJ too.  I frequent the DE, Philly and S. Jersey boards because most vendors are willing to travel a little so why not spread the search?  Good luck planning!

  Report0 Reply
• kimikins79 member

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  First, I love the Westin and blocked my hotel rooms there.  I have been to non-wedding events and the food was decent, as was the service.  I agree, one of the first weddings there, it may have just been the "kinks" getting worked out.  But as for the rooms, I LOVE LOVE LOVE their chairs and decor.  I was a big fan. 
  
  To be honest, however, in looking at what you get for the price, it wasn't right for me.  I found a much better deal at Lucien's Manor in Berlin.  I got more food during cocktail hour and a better premium bar selection for $5 less per person including tax and gratuity.  So, I went with Lucien's because I loved the Venetian room there and the price was right.  I've also heard that the food is excellent, and our tasting was awesome (havent tried cocktail food there, though).
  
  Good luck!  I also went to the Mansion and was not a fan of the room setup or the amount of food and apps for the price!

  

  Report0 Reply
• 2010Bride2be

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  Thanks so much for responding!
  
  Lucien's is on the list for a visit as well. I've heard good things about them too, so I am looking forward to visiting and comparing the two.

  Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml

  Report0 Reply
• SunRun11 member

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  My wedding reception is at the Westin in Mt. Laurel this fall.  I fell for it immediately because it's such a gorgeous space.  I've never attended an actual event there though, so I have been feeling a little nervous about what to expect.  I was glad to read this post and would be interested in any reviews others have to offer! 
  
  I can echo the good review of Lucien's above.  I went to a wedding there a few summers ago and everything was excellent.  The cocktail/app hour was AMAZING!!!

  Report0 Reply
• Shaki

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  well congrats, ad good luck on your wedding planning!!!

  Report0 Reply
• AandR1010 member

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  I don't have any feedback about The Westin, but have you looked into The Mansion in Voorhees?  They offer Sunday brunches so that will give you an opportunity to check out the venue, while sampling some of their food.  I'm having my wedding there and I've attended other events there where they really impressed me with the quality and presentation of the food.  If you provide us with more details about what you're looking for in a venue, we may be able to provide you other suggestions.

  Report0 Reply
• pearljammers

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  I just posted a review of The Westin in a different thread, but I am copy/pasting it here becase a few pp mentioned they would like to see a review.  Sorry if this is a repeat for some:
  I had my reception at The Westin in November of 2009 and it was amazing!  The venue itself is gorgeous, it is a new hotel, not quite 2 years old.  The decor is a very sleek, modern, classy look with a touch of a 1940's retro feel mostly because of the amazing crystal chandeliers in the lobby and Regency Ballroom (which is where my recep was).  Our food and cocktail hour were awesome!  We heard from countless wedding guests how impressed they were w/ the cocktail hour and dinner at our wedding (oh, and I highly recommend Isgro as the bakery to make your cake - they ROCK).  And the service.  Awesome!  My husband and I wrote a complimentary letter to The Westin management because we were truly overwhelmed with how amazing the service was there.  I loved working with Melanie she was great to plan with and very accessible via email.  Our Maitre D and entire wait staff the night of the reception were awesome.  They actually knew what my FIL's favorite drink was!  We love, love, loved The Westin.  I had a perfect wedding and if I did it all over, I would have my reception there again.  I hope that every bride-to-be reading this loves their reception as much as I did.
  Ok...so now that you know I liked The Westin, Ican also let you know that I looked at The Wyndham and although their prices are very close, The Westin blows The Wyndham out of the water (IMO).  The Wyndham is perfectly fine but The Westin is just so much prettier (IMO).  And, one prob I had w/ the Wyndham was that the area where the cocktail hr would be had a little bit of a chlorine smell to it because of their indoor pool.
  I planned to look at The Doubletree but after my mother and I saw The Westin we decided to stop looking because we both loved it.  I didn't look at The Doubletree but I have eaten in their hotel restaurant GiGi's (I think) and it is very good.
  The Holiday Inn in Cherry Hill...I think that may be a little run down.  I have gone in the past to professional conferences there and I believe it was looking a little tired there.  Although, they may have renovated since then so I am not sure.
  Where ever you decide to have your reception, I hope you have a truly amazing day.  Happy planning!  Enjoy it, I actually miss wedding planning now that I am not doing it anymore.
  

  Report0 Reply
• marshablaylock

  

  March 2010 edited December 2011

  Im getting married at Brigalias, in Sicklerville in June.  I think its a hidden gem!!  They do not advertise!!  The only reason I found the place was because my aunt went to a funeral there and raved about it!!! 
  
  I think its really reasonably priced.  Our ceremony will be outside.  They recently put $4million dollars in renovations to the place and everything is so tastefully done!! 
  
  Good luck with your planning!

  

  Report0 Reply