(Fall) themed wedding? I am getting married November 2008 in New Jersey and it is an Autumn/Thanksgiving theme. I have a $5,000 budget and 65 guests all close family and friends. I need reception site ideas and unique Autumn/Thanksgiving theme Ideas. Thank You!
I am trying to do the entire wedding on a $5,000 dollar budget. I live in Northern, NJ, and I am willing to travel to Central NJ.

Are you in North, South, or Central NJ or willing to travel to another region of NJ?
Are you willing to have a Friday, Sunday, or earlier in the day Saturday wedding?
These factors will save you more than you can imagine.
Is your $5k, for the entire wedding or just the reception site, food & beverages?
This can help you get started, it is the local "the knot" listings. . .
http://www.theknot.com/vs_NEW_JERSEY_CAR.shtml

I feel your pain! I also am in New Jersey and trying (still) to find the perfect place on a budget! I have a few questions for you..

1) Do you mind the wedding being outside?
2) Will the wedding & reception both be in the fall (and is the reason for your Autumn/Thanksgiving theme)?
3) Do you have an specific types of venues in mind? (ie, hotel, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Mansion, outside garden)

http://www.newjerseyweddings.org/banquet.asp?cat=bf
the above is a list of banquet facilities. Many places don't list prices online since they can vary, so you can look through that list and find some places you like and contact them for pricing.

VFW's and Knights of Columbus halls are all over the place, they generally are alot cheaper to rent. You would need to decorate and probably hire a caterer or you could have a pot luck reception where everyone brings a dish.

http://www.njbg.org/
that is a link to NJ Botanical Gardens. You may be able to contact them and ask if they rent out space for a wedding-which would be lovely for a autumn themed wedding.

I also did a search for gardens in nj and got a lot of results, you could try to do the same.

good luck!

Would you consider a Thursday evening? Prices can be as much as half of what you pay on a Saturday.

The other thing to consider is looking at restaurants that are closed on Sunday in the day time. They will usually open for a private party.