Book a Wedding, Get a Free Honeymoon

The slow economy hasn't stopped weddings at the Hilton Short Hills. Couples are still scheduling their big events to be held in the hotel's ballroom facilities.

But couples are inviting less guests to their weddings to cut down on costs, said Paul Holden, director of marketing and sales for the hotel on John F. Kennedy Parkway.

"We are definitely seeing people booking their weddings," he said. "It's just that the number of attendees is down."

But there are still dates that are open in October, November and December, and hotel officials are trying to stimulate some demand for "non-traditional wedding days" by offering a free honeymoon to anyone who books a wedding during those months.

Holden said the non-traditional times for weddings are Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and Sundays.

"We always have people who want Saturday nights," he said.

The free honeymoon includes a five night stay at British Colonial Hilton in the Bahamas, which includes breakfast, and up to $800 in airfare. Peter Webster, Hilton Short Hills general manager, was the general manager at the British Colonial Hilton before coming to Short Hills.

"Peter (Webster) has a relationship with the Bahamas, so we decided to trade services with them," Holden said.

Holden said the Hilton staff is always looking for partnering with local businesses to create deals for their guests. They frequently partner with the stores at The Mall at Short Hills, including a current promotion with Saks Fifth Avenue. The promotion allows Hilton guests to receive a 15 percent discount at the store.

The Hilton is also offering a special discount to new residents, which has been advertised in the In Town publication from Towne Realty, Holden said. People who are looking for a home in Millburn-Short Hills can also receive a discount on their stay at the Hilton, he said.

In an interview in April after joining the staff, Webster said he wanted to re-introduce the Hilton Short Hills to the community. Holden said the discounts and offers they create is one way they're looking to do so.

The Hilton is also sponsoring and the Richie Furay concertin August, which is sponsored by the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce.

"We want to make an impact and show we're part of the community," Holden said.