Right after getting engaged, my husband and I started looking into wedding venues. We knew we didn't want to wait too long to get married, and also that we wanted someplace in our general area so it was convenient for ourselves and the majority of our guests. Food was very important, as was a big enough venue, as I am part of a fairly large family. Finally, we didn't have a huge budget. One of the wedding venues I came across was the Bridgewater Manor in Bridgewater, NJ. I had never been there, but the photos and sample menu on the website looked great. It was the second place we ended up visiting, and as soon as we left there we decided we really didn't need to keep looking- we were set on the venue. The planner with whom we met was so friendly and genuine, and once we saw the cocktail area and ballroom we were impressed. The decor was tasteful and elegant, starting with the gorgeous staircase right inside the entrance. It was a fantastic place to take our family photos before the cocktail. The room for the cocktail hour was a great size for our 165 guests, and as we were having our ceremony on site too, we were actually able to use a third room, on the other side of the grand staircase, for the ceremony. Had the weather been cooperative, there was also a lovely gazebo outdoors for ceremony and pictures. The ballroom was lovely, with beautiful lighting and many options for table linens. Plus, it was big enough to fit all of our guests with a large dance floor and a ten-piece band and full sound board, and no one felt crowded. Our liason for the evening was so helpful with everything from making sure my husband and I didn't see each other before the ceremony to laying out the aisle runner to making sure we had full champagne glasses and wrapping up the top tier of the cake. The waitstaff were gracious and the food was delicious. We truly enjoyed our meals and they tasted just like the food we had at the taste-testing, which took place in the Bridgewater Manor's attached restaurant. Our guests also commented on the quality of the food from cocktail hour through to dessert. Our wedding cake was even included in the package, and we had a whole book of choices for the cake. I would absolutely go back to the Bridgewater Manor for another large event and have recommended it to several friends who are looking for wedding venues. The staff was so helpful in the planning and that night, the food was great, the decor beautiful, and the whole thing is a great value.