Wedding Planning Update #6C - Reception Site visits
My father came along today to the two places we had appointments for. That was really nice, because he got to see some of the things we will be talking about all week, and the whole spiel we’ve been going through.
4) The Victorian Manor - was very easy to get to - a nice direct route to the parkway and down to Route 1 in Woodbridge/Edison. The place was lovely, and I would highly recommend it to someone who was seeking a renassaince, old-fashioned, or victorian-themed wedding. It was huge. The rooms were so-so, and this was probably my least favorite so far. There was a “dank” type smell that I can only describe as “Smells like Disney…” Like, you remember waiting in line for the ride for “Pirates of the Carribbean,” or INSIDE “The Haunted Mansion.” Dank…
Cons: Big, obviously they would probably have more than one event going on at the same time. Not a hotel (although pretty close to one). Dank - that’s all I gotta say.
Pros: As with every other place so far, everything’s included from the ice sculpture to the Vienesse Dessert Table. Also included are the centerpieces and a complimentary room for the bride and groom. Going back to the cons, the hotel associated with the site is reasonably priced - but may book quickly, as the hotel itself is another reception site we are considering. Price - even with the tax and service charge, this is by far the least expensive place so far. And all the suggested vendors give huge discounts - plus they are all mostly located within in the shopping plaza behind the Victorian Manor, and would probably be reliable. If not - all someone has to do is go run across a fairly small parking lot to remind the DJ to get his ass in gear and get over to the reception!
5) The Olde Mill Inn - in Basking Ridge
The route we took between these two reception sites was easy, but the ride back home was a little too complicated.
Additionally, the room that is available for the evening is very small, TOO small, and has such a low ceiling I’m afraid Kris, most of his family, and a bunch of our friends would hit their heads and pass out - either walking around, or going down the stairs. In addition, there are two stairs between the dance floor and the dining tables - and I don’t want ‘Aunt Lucy’s replacement hip surgery’ coming as a result of my wedding reception.
The other room we saw in the main building was MUCH nicer, but MUCH larger also - probably too large. It’s also not available for the evening, and I really think Kris and I do not want our soiree to begin at 12. That would mean the ceremony would have to be…at like 9? Then what the heck time would I have to get up? Ok, not that I wouldn’t be up anyway, I’ll probably be too excited to sleep - but why FORCE myself into having to get up then.
So…a bit too expensive too. And although it’s great - all the bells and whistles, even a reasonably-priced hotel, I don’t think we’re even going to seriously consider it because our date/time is not available. So, that’s where I’ll leave this - and I’ll come back if we decide later this week to revisit this possability.
