Weddingbee boards

@Fireflyyy:

Hey FireFlyy!!!

Out of your list, I haven't personally been to "Water's Edge- Merri Makers in Sea right" however one of my friends had her sisters wedding there this past July and said it was incredible! She commented on how great they were to work with during the planning stages and how awsome their experience was the day of! She had also talked about how great the food was and that everyone had an outstanding time! I'd say it's worth looking into :o)

Personally, we did look at Highlawn Pavillion. It's a unique setting, had once been a casino years ago! Highlawn has amazing views!!! It's also owned by the same family that owns The Manor, Pleasendale Chateau and Ram's Head Inn. For my own tastes, I didn't care for the floor plan. It was a "T" shape, creating a floorplan where some guests wouldn't be able to see across the room and I had heard past reviews that it could reak havoc with the DJ's sound flowing throughout. The other thing that turned me off, was that I wanted a good size bridal suite for primping before the cocktail hour, but the one there is extremely, extremely small. I could barely move in it. Needless to say, there was no way I could have navigated it in a bridal gown. Overall they have positive reviews and the views, again, are outstanding! I believe the pricing for a Saturday night was right around $115 per head. I'm also pasting a link into this post for you that I had done on a different website that gives a breakdown of pricing on a bunch of places we looked at. I thought it might help you a little. Please let me know if I can help you out in any way possible :o)

http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/heres-some-nj-reception-hall-pricing/eb0b2909c226eaea.html

Best Wishes!!!

Oh and I called Perona Farms for some information as well. I saw a ton of pictures of it online and loved them! I had a friend who attended a wedding there several years ago and said it was a great place to go for an affair! They were really nice to talk to on the phone and will shoot you over and info. you need in an email so you can have a hardcopy. I believe their pricing for a sturday night in the Spring (which was the time I had been inquiring about) was around $115, possibly $120. They did say that they were able to negotiate if we wanted to change up the package. Definitely worth checking out :o)**They were also featured in VH1's series "My Big Friggin Wedding."** One of the couples were married there and you can watch the episodes online at:  http://www.vh1.com/shows/my_big_friggin_wedding/series.jhtml it was Matt & Amanda and I think they were married in episode 7

Hope this helps!!!

Crossed Keys Inn (Andover, NJ):  http://www.crossedkeys.com

I was interested in this venue as well but they have a ton of restrictions (wedding has to be over by a certain time because of sound restrictions) and also a lot of additional fees

Highlawn Pavilion (West Orange, NJ):  http://www.highlawn.com

I have never been there but am getting married at The Manor (same owners) which has been fabulous

Branches (West Long Branch, NJ):  http://www.branchescatering.com/weddings.aspx

Again, haven't been there BUT a friend looked into it for her wedding and said they tack on a lot of extra fees and nickel and dime

Grounds For Sculpture (Hamilton, NJ):  http://www.groundsforsculpture.org

Went and checked this place out. The issue is it is really small and can only fit a small # of people. This might work for you thought.

Perona Farms (Andover, NJ):  http://www.peronafarms.com

Was also on my list but I heard the food was terrible and know a bride that was dissappointed with her food.

Water's Edge by Merri Maker's (Sea Bright, NJ):  http://www.merrimakers.com/locations/watersedge.html

Never been there have no idea.

Anyone have been to the Venetians? How are their pricing?

Look into Weddings of Distinction.....if it's in your budget....it's pretty expensive....but there are 2 beautiful places on LBI, Mallard Island Yacht Club and Bonnett Island....The Stateroom is another option....