Reception Location Confusion****RE-UPDATE****

Hi Girls!

I went to visit yet another location option last night, and I really liked it, but its a bit expensive. When I got home, I started talking to FH about what I like and what he would like (I've visited about 12, he's been to 5 of them). I really like lower key, lesser known places. I don't like catering halls, so I've been mainly focusing on Country Clubs and the like. The one place I really liked that is in our price range and had perfect dates available, he didn't like.


So, after speaking to him last night, I realize we are on totally different pages as to what we would like in a reception hall. At first, and even still, he said whatever I want is fine, then he started voicing his opinion, and although I thought that's what I wanted, now I just want to be in agreement.


Now I need to try to find a compromise. I like rustic, simplistic, elegant, one wedding at a time...he likes, catering halls, doesn't care how many weddings, modern. Totally different as you can tell. He bases all his suggestions on where his friends have said they got good deals. That's another one of my pet peeves-- I like the lesser known/ less trafficked places because I don't want to be just another couple to be married at XXXX. Is that wrong? So, I figured I'll let you guys know where we've looked, what I liked and where he has suggested. And if anyone can give me any suggestions I would be eternally grateful.

I've seen:

- Carlyle on The Green (Both liked it, but way over our budget.

- Giorgios (Again both liked it, no dates available, only a friday and I think its too far for people to drive after work. Plus, looking again at the pictures online I started to dislike the abundance of chandeliers...but you can't beat that view.)

-Bellport Country Club (Eh-- he was ok with it, I thought we could do better, Didn't like that its right on Main Street)

-Atlantis Marine World (Wanted different--not that different.)

- TImber Point Country Club (I really liked it, had perfect dates available...here's where FH said it looks too 'old,' It's creepy that it used to be someones house, and you just know that the walls have 20 layers of paint--his words not mine.)

- Smithtown Landing CC (Didn't like it-- although I loved Shannon the banquet manager...wish I could hire her to do my whole wedding wherever I have it)

- Stonebridge Country Club (Not bad-- FH didn't see it. A little small for my wedding. They say it fits 180-200, but I can't see how that would happen comfortably, great for smaller weddings.)

- Hamlet Willow Creek (Really nice, again FH didn't see it. But I didn't like how the CH is in the lobby if it rains)

- Westbury Manor (Went because the pictures look pretty-- really not my style though.)

- Chateau La Mer (Nice, but right down the block from where I grew up and 3 miles from where i now live, I'm picky about that, want to enjoy the limo. Plus, more than one wedding)

- East Wind (Saw by default for a showcase, not my style.)

-The Old Field Club (last night-- Tom was really nice. LOVE the ballroom and back deck. CH room isn't great but being renovated in January. A little pricy for less CH food than anywhere else. I think FH would hate it because it's got that 'old' feel. But, it would be at the top of my list.


Soooo, as you can see, I've made my rounds. I would like to go see Tall Grass Country Club this weekend, and I'm supposed to go see The woodmere club, but I think I'm going to cancel it because its too pricey...

I suggested, reluctantly, the riviera. Only because I know soo many people who have married/are marrying there and I was never enamored with it. He said 'It was nice...and cheap too!' SO, I may still consider it.

Any other ideas ladies??? Thanks!



****************OK--after having a breakdown on Friday. My FH and I talked and he said to have the reception wherever I want. He says TImber Point is fine. I still love Old Field, but Timber Point is in my budget, the perfect location, great views, etc. So, I'm going to schedule a food tasting. I never had my 'wow' moment, but I came closest at TImber point. Thanks for all the suggestions ladies.

PS-- Milleridge Cottage is gorgeous, but they have a min guarantee of 175 guests, there's no way I could meet that. *****************



<><><><><><><><> HAHAHA!!! My parents went to check out timber point last night (they were both pushing me to have it there because they were there years ago and liked it) because they were in the area and they've decided that they don't like it so much. They agree with FH thinking it needs some work. Soooo...back to the search. I'm considering a yacht wedding...anyone ever been to one? Also, doesn anyone know anything about Cold Spring country Club?

Re: Reception Location Confusion

OFC. It is less CH food but FH and I are into less consumption anyway so it worked out for us. I would highly reccomend OFC. The food is better there than any other catering place I've ever been to, Atlantica excluded. They have a chef; he used to be the chef at the plaza hotel in the city, and he'll work with you on the menu and all. I wanted these leaf shaped croutons and they were like, yeah sure. I wanted an intermezzo course, again, done. Anyway, no it isn't as glitzy and fancy as some of the other places but it is different, which I liked.

Re: Reception Location Confusion

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Posted by Bambubabe

OFC. It is less CH food but FH and I are into less consumption anyway so it worked out for us. I would highly reccomend OFC. The food is better there than any other catering place I've ever been to, Atlantica excluded. They have a chef; he used to be the chef at the plaza hotel in the city, and he'll work with you on the menu and all. I wanted these leaf shaped croutons and they were like, yeah sure. I wanted an intermezzo course, again, done. Anyway, no it isn't as glitzy and fancy as some of the other places but it is different, which I liked.

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That's what I like too..but I don't think FH will like it. Did they charge you for the intermezzo course? Who did you work with? TOm?

Re: Reception Location Confusion

you like reustic, try Riviera in Massapequa. I thought it was beautiful. It over look the water. Its a nice place over all.

Re: Reception Location Confusion

Maybe try Lombardis on the Sound or the Hamlet Windwatch.

Re: Reception Location Confusion

Try Lands End. It's simple and elegant and right on the water. One wedding at a time too.

Re: Reception Location Confusion

my fh and i went through this too. although i was a luckier in that we both didn't want a reception hall. but aaaalll of his decisions were based on price.

are you willing to compromise the menu? i'm talking things like having the house alcohol instead of top shelf or slimming down cocktail hour so it doesn't include a carving stating and chaffing dishes. if so, i would suggestion you call the places that were out of your price range but that you & he compromised on and see if they'll negotiate price.

also, are you dead set on a particular date or day? if not, look at pricing for an afternoon or friday night wedding. and/or find out from the halls what time of year is 'off peak'. weeknights & sundays are always the cheapest so if you don't have a lot of out of town guests, you could look at the wednesday before thanksgiving or the sunday before memorial day or labor day or any other monday holiday.

another option - instead of looking for locations, look for caterers. a couple that i know of on long island include andrew's and philip stone . they cater out of many locations and might be able to help you find the right fit for both of you. PLUS, they usually don't have set menus so they are a lot more flexible in terms of prcing and creative menus. PLUS, i know with andrew's you bring in your own alcohol which can save quite a bit of $$.

hope that helps!

good luck and keep us posted!

Re: Reception Location Confusion

Try the royalton. It is elegant, one wedding at a time and during the day price is right

Re: Reception Location Confusion

What about a winery? or a Private estate?

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I second Lands End and Lombardis on the Sound. Definitely check them out. I think Lands End's views are amazing. However, both of them are somewhat pricey. How about Venetian Yacht Club? Oh that's more than one wedding. What about Snapper Inn? Louis xvi?

Re: Reception Location Confusion

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Posted by Ivori

Try the royalton. It is elegant, one wedding at a time and during the day price is right

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doesn't sound like a compromise for her FH. Sounds like she will LOVE Royalton but FH will not.

Did you look at North Ritz Club? My FH and I had some issues you're having....I loved country clubs too and he loved the more modern places that I found cheesy. We both seemed to like North Ritz...prices were very reasonable and it's sort of an in between place. There is only one wedding at a time. I think you might like it there and he will be happy too. Only reason we didn't go with it was b/c I hated the ceremony room. Reception room is beautiful though!

Or try my place...I know you FM'd me about it. I was just there last night...we took our engagement pics there. We both were walking thru there saying how we just cannot wait for our wedding and are so happy it's there...it's stunning if I do say so myself!

PS - You also get phenomenal service from a country club b/c they are trainded to deal with high class members who need to be pleased all the time. That is another great perk of a country club...the service is amazing!

Re: Reception Location Confusion

Try the Milleridge Cottage. Of course I am biased, but it sounds like what you are looking for...

Re: Reception Location Confusion

How about The Bayview House in Bay Shore... it's very nice... very elegant... great views of the harbor and only one wedding at a time.
I've also heard some great things about the Thatched Cottage (. Thatched Cottage
Don't give up... you FH needs to go with you on more of these outtings... when you find the one, you'll both know it. That's what happened with FH and me... when we walked into CLM, we both just knew (this after arguing in between places about where we would have it.
Good luck!

Re: Reception Location Confusion

Definitely try North Ritz, Royalton and Thatched Cottage...

Royalton was $175 pp on a Sat nite in June but only $130 pp on a Friday night... VERY elegant...

Thatched Cottage was b/w 90 - 100 pp June thru October.... rustic from the outside but very pretty inside...

I don't know price for North Ritz but my FSIL got married there and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!


HTH, Good luck!!!

Re: Reception Location Confusion

I agree about the Milleridge. I think you should check it out!!

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The Crescent Beach Club!

It's so unique! I'm the only one I know who is getting married there! You feel like you're on vacation and it's a million dollar view!

If you pick the right day, time and time of year, you can work on the price.

Just a SPECIAL place. Check it out before you make any decisions. DEFINITELY not your typical place and ALL of your guests will be SO impressed!!!

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Watermill bc im having mine there!!! haha

but def def def go to North Ritz Club!!!!!

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I got married at Giorgio's, so I am partial, they did a wonderful job.

Someone suggested Lombardi's on the Sound, it is beautiful there, but we couldn't meet the minimum and it was a tad pricey.

What about the Three Village Inn?

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I second the Hamlet...one wedding at a time...simple decor..I am obviously bias ( I am getting married there next week) I tis definately less well know, not super expensive etc...FM me if you want more details.

Re: Reception Location Confusion

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Posted by LuvMyAlfonse

Definitely try North Ritz, Royalton and Thatched Cottage...

Royalton was $175 pp on a Sat nite in June but only $130 pp on a Friday night... VERY elegant...

Thatched Cottage was b/w 90 - 100 pp June thru October.... rustic from the outside but very pretty inside...

I don't know price for North Ritz but my FSIL got married there and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!


HTH, Good luck!!!

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TOTALLY go see the North Ritz - I LOVE IT
I am having my wedding there and NO ONE in my family or ANY of my friends have been there at that was really important to me. The place is beautiful, one wedding at a time, reasonable and the food and service are BEYOND 5 star. I am not being biased either, I have NEVER seen even the slightest bad review of them and have always heard not just good but RAVE reviews - plus I have attended 2 holiday parties there and they were fabulous

Go see it - it's on Jericho Tpke in Syosset but once inside you would NEVER KNOW
516-921-4000