Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

I went on a tour today at one hall...the lady told us to be carefull because there are several other catering halls on the island in financal trouble. That would be my luck to put money down on a place and have the place close up! Does anyone know how to check this out? The BBB does list halls but only with complaints...not if they are going chapter 11.

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

A hall should never pressure you into booking them by giving you the impression that others are going under.

THAT WOULD BE A HUGE RED FLAG AND A TOTAL TURNOFF

What hall did that to you?

There must be a way - but are these halls booked or busy - if so then I would be less concerned than one that is completely dead.

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

What kind of tour?

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

Majestic Gardens seemed to try to make us think they were the best, better package and services, here to outlast all others... etc,,.etc...but when we went on a Saturday afternoon in APril to check it out, there was no weddings that day or the next day....or the day before for that matter...AND they came in at DOUBLE what we were quoted at East Wind....and i fell totally in Love with East Wind...Majestic gardens took us in the back to show us wher a ceremony could be held on top of the Fountain...like...only room for the bride and Groom *unless the rest of the BP stands in the water) and it was sooooo noisy and tacky with the blue water and swans.....

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

If you're worried about any place 'going under', try wedding insurance-it's only a few hundred dollars. No hall should try to make you feel that way, there are hundreds of places to get married on long island, and I'm sure that most of them are not in financial trouble. The economy may be bad...but people are still getting married.

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

if a hall is going under they would have to tell you that they are not booking anymore events.
Julybide is right the econmy is bad but (as you can see from these boards) there is still tons of people getting married.
Good luck!

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

the fact that this hall would pressure you into signing with them by using a scare tactic about other halls is RUDE, RUDE, RUDE!!!! i would stay as far away from that hall as possible!!!

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

A hall will NOT tell you if there going under(trust me, it happened to me)! They will continue to book as long as they are able. If your lucky someone else will assume ownership, if your not so lucky there doors could be locked 2 weeks before your wedding! And yes the woman who told you these things was a little rude(most likely looking to make a sale), but probaly very right. I think the best thing you can do is ask the girls on this board(word of mouth is the best communication) & if you think the hall your interested in may be trouble ask them straight out they may tell you. If your interested FM me & I will tell you of places I have heard or know are in trouble.

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

My reception was at sunset harbour in patchogue. It is located right on the water. They were great!

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

The tour was of the rooms in her reception hall. It was a nice place, but not great. I agree she was very rude by bring this up..and I must say she really did scare me.....thanks for all your help

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

Be very careful of people who are high pressure. I had this at Crystal Palace a few years back, Book NOW!!! Yadda, yadda, yadda. Well, guess where Crystal Palace is now? Gone! (buh-bye!). Don't think they will tell you if they are having financial trouble because they won't. My girlfriend had to scramble 3 days before her event due to the lockdown of a caterer on Route 109 in Lindenhurst(Galaxie before it became the Galaxie). I thought she would drop dead and the last minute arrangements were a mess! Wedding insurance is the way to go, it's not just your caterer that you have to be concerned with. Literally every vendor (with the exception of the hall) are bust right now. C.Y.A. ladies!

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

FYI- Majestic Gardens offers the OPTION of having your ceremony on top of the fountain. My outdoor ceremony was held with the fountain as a backdrop- no one had to stand in the water. and it was anythiing but noisy and tacky......

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

Yeah, Personally I don't appreciate the bashing of particular Catering Halls. Everyone has their own taste. Maybe the blue fountains and swans are beautiful to some people. They have many options for where the ceremony can be held. Not just ontop of the fountain. And they are having addtional gardens built on their lands with other options for ceremonies. I think if a hall is expanding they are not particularly going under. And personally I found the price reasonable.

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

My advice to you is to just talk with everyone you know and on the boards- all the ladies here pretty much know what's up where.... like it was said- word of mouth is your best friend.

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

jar823- the price is more than reasonable, they are worth every penny! you will see :)

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

sorry about the majestic Gardens bash, but when I went there, the owner was very rude and very pushy to me, and spening 113 a head plus plus was way out of my league...and he kept talking about making sure he made the profit...etc..etc...thats all...don't mean to sway anyones decision on using them, but the only place he showed us for the ceremony was on top of the fountain, and we found it to be very noisy, just not what we were expecting, I guess...it was not their peak season either, so maybe they were doing preparations for the big season...painting the boat, the fountains, swans, etc...thats all

Sorry for bashing it, it is not my personal preference, thats all...did not mean to offend anyone, I feel what they offered in comparison to other places was not adequate...I do not like to be told I can put down my $500 deposit now if I want...

Sorry you Majestic Gardens Brides---I'm sure your wedding will be Beautiful! I really am sorry if I offended you guys...

Re: Does anyone know how to check a hall out before putting down a deposit?

thats OK.... good luck to you, im sure you will pick a beautiful place as well!