Hello all! After looking through many preexisting posts, I thought I might be able to get some new insight with a new discussion.
My fiance and I just got engaged, and are looking to have our reception on a Saturday night in September or October of 2014. We will be getting married at a church in Clifton, NJ during the afternoon. I would like to find a reception venue that is within about 30 minutes of Clifton (so, in North Jersey).
At this point, it looks like we will be inviting between 150-160 guests, but I would love to not spend more than $85-90 pp all inclusive (open bar as well). I love the idea of a tented reception, and I'm very much open to finding a space to rent with a tent and then bring in a caterer. We are looking for a caterer who has more of a picnic/bbq type feel as my fiance is from North Carolina, and would love to bring that kind of food into our wedding. Therefore, I'm hoping (desperately praying) that kind of food might save us money.
If we don't do a tented/outdoor reception, I would like somewhere that doesn't have the traditional ballroom field. I would love somewhere that's light and bright enough that, with DIY/mason jar/wild flower decorations, will make it feel like the outdoors has been brought inside.
I know this is a tall order, and I have already inquired at a few places, but I would so love and appreciate any additional advice or insight. Thanks in advance!!