Tips for booking an affordable wedding venue in Northern New Jersey:

Congratulations, you’re ENGAGED! What’s the first thing you do after screaming yes and telling friends and family?

1) Go to www.theknot.com, click on community and join your local chat room (mine was Northern New Jersey).  Introduce yourself to fellow knotties and start planning your WEDDING!  What’s the second item most brides-to-be DO?

2a) They want to set a date so they begin looking for the perfect venue.

As a former knottie bride married in May 2006 I remember searching for my perfect venue with the right distance between my husbands family in Paramus and mine in Staten Island.  We wanted something roomie with a delicious cocktail hour. Whether YOU are looking for beautiful outdoor gardens, one wedding at a time or a budget friendly venue, there are so many wonderful options in New Jersey just waiting for you to call.  I always recommend my friends and family looking for a great value, to consider these few ways to save money on the reception hall (which is the biggest wedding expense):

a)    book off-season (December through March)

b)    book Friday or Sunday

c)    book Saturday or Sunday DURING THE DAY

d)    book a cancellation date (which is a date which suddenly becomes available)

I would certainly recommend (b) and look into (d) cancellation dates for reception halls. These are dates, which become available suddenly due to an event being rescheduled or a cancellation. The hall may offer 30-40% off the normal rate BECAUSE they need to fill that slot fast or they could lose a tremendous amount of money. The reason they don’t charge full price is that brides booking a cancellation date have to quickly call ALL OTHER VENDORS and hope they have that date free.  There are some challenges to getting a DJ or photographer since cancellation dates may be 4 months away up to one year away.  Vendors book quickly! Also, if a date is suddenly available that deposit left on the date is unofficially applied to your cost, so the venue doesn’t really lose much money afterall, but the NEW booking certainly benefits.

2b) So you’ve found the VENUE and are almost ready to book.  The sales manager will ask you what time to start your wedding. That answer depends on the day of the week booked. Friday weddings start latest. Sundays may start a bit earlier since people have work the next day.

Ask the venue a few questions at the end:
How much they charge for tax
How much is gratuity?
Is there a maitre’d fee?
Is the cake included?
What kind of deposit would they like if you wanted to secure a date?
When are the payments due if you want to book?

The cost of the wedding venue is usually 50% of the total budget.  It’s important to remember that if a hall quotes you $100/pp plus tax and tip, you’ll likely spending $100 plus 7% tax plus 18-22% tip (or $125-129 per person).

Booking a hall for a great value is POSSIBLE! Just be creative – good luck =)