$5k budget in Nj!

Hi Kayla! How big is your guest list? Food & booze in NJ & PA tends to start at a minimum of $100 per person - so maybe you should consider an afternoon or evening cocktail reception!

There are also a few places that allow BYO catering like: Art Factory Studios, Women's Civic Club of Stone Harbor, Atrium of Tenafly, Starland Ballroom, Barrow Mansion, Brook Hollow Winery, The Loft at Jack's Barn, Duportail House, Brandywine Manor House, The Deacon, and Rodale Institute.

View Quoted Comment Hi! I have about 80 people on my guest list, 69 adults and 11 children. I actually would love a brunch/ cocktail wedding. I will check out some of the places you sent me! I loved the art factory studios but it’s rental price alone was almost $10k so it’s out of my budget. Than you!

Check out the ethical society of Philadelphia. I'm getting married at the Reading Public Museum in PA and am paying $4500 for 8 hours.

Masker's Barn in Berkeley Heights NJ... its a state park with an arbor and restored barn.... that's where I am getting married. Under $1000 for rental for two days

Seconding recommendation for state/county parks. I'm in DC, so I don't know specifically about NJ, but there are some great parks/gardens/old homes that are owned by cities/states/counties that are beautiful venues and very affordable.

(Confirming is $5,000 the budget for the entire wedding or just the venue rental?)

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I’ll definitely check it out!

View Quoted Comment Thanks so much, yes $5,000 is the entire budget.

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Ah OK, that changes my response a little bit. If $5K is the entire thing, you're going to really want to economize on any rental fees so that you can save your budget for food and drink. Check if there any church/synagogue halls or community centers you could rent for low cost and that would also allow you to bring in your own food and beverages. With $5,000 an 80 people, you have $62.50 per person to spend. If you are planning to spend money on decorations, flowers, DJ, cake, officiant, etc, roughly only half of that should go to food+venue+booze costs, which gives you basically $31 per person. That's a tight budget but definitely do-able if you are creative and flexible.

Hi there! 5k total for 80 people in nj may be tricky but if you get creative you may be able to do it. You will probably be able to get lower prices for a weekday or off season wedding. I know you said NJ but there s a golf course in Westchester NY that has some brunch/buffet party packages for around $50 a person. its called the Fairways at Dunwoodie. Also try some of your favorite restaurants or a VFW hall. No idea how much it costs but I know Porta was doing micro weddings, Hutton in Jersey City has an outdoor patio that seats around 70 I believe. The Mill in Spring lake offers a Champagne Wedding Brunch package with butler passed mimosas and a custom designed wedding cake. It also has indoor and outdoor seating with scenic views of the lake it runs about $87 per person (since you have some children in your guest list maybe you could get a cheaper price for their meals). There are bunch of recs in this article too https://www.newjerseybride.com/wedding-ideas/affordable-wedding-venues-in-new-jersey/ Happy planning!

Try looking into a rental place with a set price versus a per person payment. Keep in mind however, you would of course be responsible for food, drinks, decor etc.

View Quoted Comment Hello ?
How was the wedding experience there ?
Is it actually very nice ? Would you recommend it?Can you please give more detail on pricing ?

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My wedding hasn't happened there yet. But it's a beautiful state park. It was $640 for the space for two days. Everything else is on you though (catering, decorating, plates, utensils, beverages, etc...) it's just a reasonably priced location, an empty shell you can decide to fill with 10,000 dollars worth of stuff OR nothing.

Hope that helps

View Quoted Comment Do they provide tables and chairs? Or no ?


Thanks for the reply 😊

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Yes- Table and chairs, no coverings tho. And there is a small space that has a fridge and a large separate freezer. But nothing to cook on or in.

View Quoted Comment How long until you got the acceptance from the barn after you applied ?

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It took a while but that was during the pandemic so we got like a "you've booked it" early and then they sent us the official paper work a while after. They did mention they have been booking up a lot lately.

Hello! Looking to do a beach wedding in NJ and reception. I am okay with providing my own cake, decorations, linens, DJ, basically everything, except a place to have it. I would love a Buffet and of course cash bar. (not open), Trying to stay under $6000. Anyone know of anything?

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Tuscany in Jackson will cater for about $21 pp. I promise its good food, italian, but good.

The rest, Im trying to figure out as well