Monday, October 27, 2008

Pantagis Renaissance

Pantagis Renaissance is located in Scotch Plains, NJ. Pantagis is one of the industry leaders is reception affordability. Prices as of this writing start in the $59 range and include cocktail hour, dinner, centerpieces and the cake. They can accommodate 50-340 guests in one on their many rooms. Two indoor chapels are available for ceremonies.

A staircase is available for indoor pictures at times. People do use them regularly as parties enter so they cannot be blocked. There really is not an extensive area for outdoor pictures.

Cocktail hour is simple but tasty combining a buffet style setup with additional items passed around. The pasta and salad courses are very good and the warm fresh bread is a great touch. Courses are served with the utmost speed allowing more time for you guests to party. And cocktail hour usually takes place in the same room as the reception, eliminating the time lost moving the guests from one room to the other.

Vendors however all rank Pantagis as one of their least favorite places to work. And it all has to do with the elevator. Vendors are not permitted to use the elevator to take equipment to the second and third floors. They must load everything up the very large marble staircases while dodging guests on those same stair cases. Frankly, it is a dangerous situation for both guests and the vendors. Carrying heavy speakers and equipment up and down the stairs is such a problem that many DJ's will not work there. Even when all the guests have left for the evening, the elevator actually gets turned off to keep the vendors from using it. If you are thinking of Pantagis as your reception site, your vendors will be really happy if your reception is in one of the first floor rooms. If you do have a second floor room, make sure you let your potential DJ know the elevator situation. They will need to hire an assistant or allow extra time to get set up.

For more information, you can visit Pantagis Renaissance online at:

http://www.snuffypantagis.com/

Mayfair Farms

Mayfair Farms is one of several reception halls located in West Orange, New Jersey. There is a choice of rooms to accommodate guests lists of all sizes. All feature wooden dance floors and carpeted seating areas which are nice and easy on your guests feet. The downstairs room can be accessed around the back from the outside for guests with disabilities.

The most recent wedding shot there was an "all in one". Ceremony and reception all at Mayfair Farms. The outside grounds are gorgeous for an outdoor ceremony! And there are many areas inside and out to unleash the creativity of your photographer and videographer.

Rain and high winds caused the ceremony to be held indoors. Guests were greeted with nice hot coffee, tea and pastries as they awaited the start of the ceremony on this chilly autumn day. The cocktail hour began immediately after the reception and there was something to please everyone. A sample of what is offered can be found here:
Mayfair Farms Cocktail Hour and Dinner offerings

The "Baked Brie Cheese and Fresh Raspberry Coulis in Puff Pastry" and the "Sesame Breast of Chicken with Honey Ginger Glaze" are 2 of my favorites.

The reception itself was held downstairs in the Wellington Ballroom with an awesome view of the beautifully landscaped outdoors.

For more information, you can visit Mayfair Farms online at"

http://mayfairfarms.com/index.html