Hello everyone. I'm fairly new to these boards, only got engaged about 3 weeks ago :) So far we've made a tentative guest list around 150. But the actual number would be a little lower, definitely not higher. I've started calling some places to get quotes and I'm feeling totally discouraged. We are both teachers, so we''re looking for a summer '14 date. So far I've been quoted around $150 to as high as $225 a person! I knew weddings were expensive but that just seems insane to me!!! I feel like I've spent the last week glued to the Internet researching venues and I'm already ready to snap! Lol
Are there any hidden gems you can recommend. Maybe places I'm not aware of that are a little cheaper?? I originally wanted a Saturday night but that seems to be the priciest. I'd rather a Friday evening over a Sunday. Didn't really want a daytime event. I guess once we finally book a place I'll feel less anxiety (hopefully). Thanks for letting me vent!!
nella20005
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
Keep looking I used a magazine from B & N that gave me a range of what the prices places offered and then made my list from there. I also asked friends and family about their experiences in terms of food and service as a guest. I then created a shorter list. But the magazine helped with alot of leg work... Also play around with the dates and times, holiday weekends, etc. Best of luck!
angel243243
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Re: 3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
hi, we are looking for around the same dates and same amount of people. We've been looking for 7 months now and I'll tell you what worked for us. at first we wanted a night wedding and we decided that summer day time i'snt bad at all. it cuts prices almost in half.
the cheapest venue i've encountered is the crest hollow, its grounds are beautiful and i was quoted $75 plus tax with no 20 %.
the others I also have in mind are the north rits club $85 plus tax & 20% for a 12-6 pm and Chateau Briand caterers $83 plus tax and 20%.
If you come to think about it you can do the ceremony at 10 am. cocktail hour at 12-1 and reception 1-5 o r 6. once you are in the reception room, you have the choice to make it dark and people will forget its day time. plus cocktail hour serves as a brunch and by the time the serve dinner its like 3pm. think about it this can save you lots of money plus you will get great pictures and have all your loved ones there.
good luck! and congrats!
angel243243
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Re: 3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
floral terrace is gorgeous!! buttt too much for us, they want 200 people unless your willign to have the wedding on a sunday or a weekeday they will work with 150.
MsA2MrsA
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Re: 3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
Posted by dariamarie2
I had always dreamed of having a Saturday night wedding but when I fell in love with the Fox Hollow it was completely unrealistic. The only way we could afford it was to do a Friday night wedding. Be opened minded and you'll find something gorgeous that works for you!
How much did they quote you for the Fox Hollow? I thought that it was really reasonable what they quoted me. Especially since it was a holiday on a Friday, which is basically like a Saturday since everyone will have off. But we might have gotten a deal since the room was not finished yet when we booked.
I would also check out Westbury Manor. We got a good price there.
simba301
Posted:
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
I don't have any summer quotes, but I would suggest Swan Club, Westbury Manor or The Metropolitan. I believe you could do a Saturday night at any of them for less than $150pp.
katder1108
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
2015 crasher - Definitely try the Riviera and talk to Vickie, she is amazing and they will work with your budget. I recommend them to EVERYONE! I am pretty sure you can even get your date for under $100pp and the place is beautiful!
Simonenarissa
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
I second the smith town landing suggestion- I'm paying less than$100 per person. I also believe Stewart manor Country club was a good price too
Bride030913
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
Floral Terrace Does NOT charge to 20% service charge that every other place charges!!
MsA2MrsA
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
I hear Ariana Waterfall is reasonable.
MrsDtoBe
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
Are you set on having a summer wedding? I'm also a teacher and had originally planned on that as well until I got summer wedding pricing. We decided on a March date and we're going on our HM in April when I will have off from work. If you're not 100% set on summer, I'd look into a less popular month. The way I look at it is that in March, it could be snowing/raining, but last October it snowed so I'm not worrying myself with what the weather will be or a place with tons of outdoor property that we might not even be able to utilize. Shooting for that time of year, we were able to have a Saturday night at a reasonable price and we didn't have to sacrifice any of the extras we wanted.
I definitely recommend meeting with Frank at Floral Terrace - he will definitely work with you and the place in amazing inside!! Let me know if you have any other questions. Best of luck!!!
KTudor625
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
Yea I feel you on this. It is a bit ridiculous. I'm looking for something not in a catering hall. Like a barn or other type of venue and it's hard to come by on Long Island. Any suggestions?
MsA2MrsA
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
What about the vineyards. I know that there is a barn out east where you can get married
Percz2418
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
Riviera in Massapequa has a gorgeous setting especially for a summer wedding. Their prices, especially for their packages, are very good too
boridizzy
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3 weeks in and I'm already feeling stressed!
Crest Hollow was great. We're paying less then $100 for a Friday night. Also check out Jericho Terrace, they were the cheapest I found and offered A LOT of food. I'd also recommend all the Lessing locations. Also, I've heard Thursday night weddings are super cheap, about $30 cheaper per person.
