I feel like the timeframe of the reception should indicate how much food is provided. 4-5 hours should be a full meal.

I get that you want to serve fine food but is this at least a sit down service? My sister in law did something like this but it was buffet style and no one understood that what was out was it for the food. They had 100 guests and ran out of food after the first 25 guests went to the buffet. Their wedding was beautiful but 75 people were there for 5 hours with no food (and just alcohol).

I’ve lived in both! You get more for your money in NJ, especially if you’re buying. Also, one thing to consider is that the DC suburbs are really transient. People move there for a few years for work and then very often move again. Also, the DC work environment is very intense. While NYC can be intense, it has less of the “work is life” culture. I think some things have changed due to the pandemic, but I have a better work-life balance in NJ than I did in Nova. Also, my friends have a better work-life balance as well, so there is lot more non-work stuff happening. I’m not sure if you have kids but daycare in Nova was almost twice what it is in NJ.