I started my venue search back in February 2020. I was looking for an intimate venue that would offer quality (food, service, and accommodations) on a budget. Unfortunately, COVID ...put a stop to my search. But, I was lucky enough to find the Sheraton in July and organize my reception with them (once capacity restrictions were lifted) for our preferred date, September 20th 2020. Yes, 2-month wedding plans are possible. And yes, you can do it well!
From our first visit at the Sheraton in July, I knew this was the right venue. The menu looked appetizing and the hotel overlooks Manhattan. All of the rooms are well maintained (I went to a lot of venues in NJ and lets just say...many are outdated and have a conference or popcorn ceiling which is a huge eyesore. Not the Sheraton!) The manager of the Sheraton, Bruce, is wonderful. I worked closely with Tommy & Eugenia, who are kind, patient, and truly go above and beyond in terms of quality of service. The most important thing to mention is that they were willing to work with us, which is what every bride wants to hear! And, they are priced very fairly.
We prepared to host 40 guests and were placed in the Delancey Room, which is their bigger room, to ensure distancing (during this time, indoor dining capacity was increased to 25%). We limited the number of folks per table. The staff wore masks and gloves. There was plenty of room for the premium bar and dancing. Eugenia kindly printed name cards and table numbers in advance (which was also included in the wedding package at no extra charge...ladies, you know how much printed invites/name cards can run up the total costs, so this was great). From start to finish, working with Eugenia was a pleasure and she allowed us to visit multiple times to work out decor ideas. Tommy also allowed us to set up and decorate the day before (side-note I recommend eFavorMart for linens and napkins as the Sheraton does not provide them. Renting, for a smaller wedding like mine, is honestly more pricey. Bergen Linen charges $18 per tablecloth, and you have to pick up the delivery, while I ordered online from eFavor for just $9 per tablecloth, $8 per runner, and $5 per napkin - which I will repurpose into curtains and use as decor....the only downside is you'll have to iron/steam them! So it's up to you!) The Delancey has a great speaker system, so we just hooked up our laptop and played our playlist. Lastly, the food was fabulous. The wedding package includes a premium open bar, various options for cocktail hour, an appetizer, and 3 entree options. Cake will have to be from an outside vendor, I used the Sheraton's preferred A Little Cake.)
The day of, service was right on time. The crew was kind and efficient. They kept us accountable and on schedule. My husband and I stayed the night and we got a room with a view for just $115 plus tax. That's a steal!
Cost wise, you're looking at around $105 per person. Not counting gratuity & service/tip. For NJ, Jersey City, that's a fair price. And for the level of service, it was well worth it. I've spoken to brides who spent six figures on their wedding, but regret it. Nobody remembers their custom centerpieces. Doing a wedding on a budget doesn't mean cheap, it just means you'd prefer to invest your money elsewhere (such as a home for you and your new husband!)
Overall, I highly recommend the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor. It is truly a "bang for your buck" place with excellent service. I wish I could give it 6 stars.