LOT: My comment about shidduchim and geography was directed at GH.
“Are you suggesting that a young man/woman living in the Baltimore area should focus on shiduchin in Lakewood so as to reduce the costs for renting a simcha hall? Otherwise, If the choson/kalah are both from Maryland/DC area, why would they go to Lakewood for the wedding?”
I’ve heard those rumors about the upcharge for OOT. But my experience has been (3 weddings in the past 4 years, one in Fountain and two in Ateres Reva) that is just talk. No one asked where I live until after we discussed cost, settled on a number, and then they asked where to send paperwork.