Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

LauraPete Posted: Mar 05, 2003 07:54 PM

Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I am having trouble crossing this venue off my list. The price is right. I love everything about the room except the size. My party will only be MAX 125 (maybe not even).
So question #1 is - will we feel lost in the room like losers at a high school dance ?
And if your answer to #1 is yes, then

Question #2 is - is it worth the money/effort to try to fill the space with plants or something? They said they would fill the bar area with cocktail tables but that still would not be enough. Any cheap ideas on this front would be helpful....

Question #3 - should I just forget it and move on?

gabm04 Posted: Mar 05, 2003 07:57 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I dont think you will be so lost.
They can spread the tables out.
Thats where my reception is on June 4, 2004. I am not sure how many we will have though it is looking like over 200.
Have you looked anywhere else? i you really like this place, you can make it work.

SomedayBride Posted: Mar 05, 2003 08:13 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I really loved the room, but I'm having about 100 guests, so it was really too big for us. I don't think 125 is to few guests though, just try to keep the tables a little empty, like put about 8 people per table. Also, are you having a night time reception? I think the room looks extra airy and big in the day time, but if it's dark, I think it might look a little smaller, so no, I don't think the room will be too empty.

Teri Posted: Mar 05, 2003 08:36 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I went to a wedding there in 2001, and it was very nice. My only complaint was that they seemed to be watering down the drinks, which was annoying. I'd just let the catering mgr know that you expect top shelf liquor, and specify that you don't want the alcohol watered down! The food was amazing, and the place was beautiful. This wedding was pretty large - I'd say around 200, but I don't think a smaller party would get lost. If anything, this wedding was a little on the tighter side.

slpbridetobe Posted: Mar 05, 2003 08:58 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

Hi! Our reception is there in this coming october, and having seen the room, I don't think 125 people would be too small of a group to have there at all. I saw it set up for a wedding about that size, and they just reduced the number of tables, and brought them in closer to the dance floor. I think it is nice to have 'breathing room' so that all the tables aren't on top of each other! You should try to go on a weekend when it is set up for a wedding the same size as yours- that way you can see! Talk to Shannon or Donna- the coordinators about your concerns, I am sure they would have some suggestions for you! Good luck!!!

LauraPete Posted: Mar 05, 2003 11:04 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

somedaybride - my fear is that i will book the place hoping to have 125 and then only 100 reply yes! That's like 3 tables less! I don't know, it's a tough one to imagine how it wiol look filled with people. I actually spoke to Shannon who was very nice and helpful but she said my concerns were valid and that i should consider the other room inside the restaurant (which is also nice but does not have the high ceiling and staircase - totally different feel).

janatlantica Posted: Mar 05, 2003 11:07 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

You should be fine space wise, but if you are concerned ask if the place has those standing silk screens. Many halls have them and they will help to close in space. I used them at my cocktail hour to hide an ugly glass display case.

LauraPete Posted: Mar 05, 2003 11:15 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I get the feeling they don't have them as I harped on the idea a little with Shannon and she did not mention it. How much do they cost or can I rent them somewhere?

janatlantica Posted: Mar 05, 2003 11:20 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

You can definitely rent them...a wedding planner I almost used mentioned them to me as an option. Check around, but definitely ask your place if they have them or could provide them! Are you having your ceremony there too?

LauraPete Posted: Mar 05, 2003 11:34 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

No, actually I will be having it at a church in Oyster Bay. Where would they have a ceremony there?

janatlantica Posted: Mar 05, 2003 11:48 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I don't know, I have'nt actually been there, the reason I ask because for my wedding which was small (60 people) I had my ceremony and reception at atlantica and they use the pillars w/ candles from the ceremony that I had used as aisle markers, to also help fill in some space in addition to the lit trees and plants they had. The area that was really the most spacious was the dance floor. we solved this problem by having our table of two moved onto the d.floor w/ a backdrop to create an illusion of a smaller dance floor. Anyway, just some 'food for thought' hope this helps!
Several of my friends attended weddings at captain Bills for only 100 people and they never seemed to notice the space dynamic.

J.Lo24 Posted: Mar 06, 2003 08:53 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I looked at Capt. Bills, but to be honest with you, the reason why I did not consider having my wedding there was for the same concern you are having. I am having 100-125 people and felt the room was way to big for this amt of people. I asked them about shifting the tables, instead of having them all to the back of the room. She said that they do not like to put tables close to where the band DJ sets up. IT's your wedding though and If you love Capt. Bill's you can arrange the room the way you would like.

RichsBride Posted: Mar 06, 2003 10:28 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I was there Sept 16th 2001. They did a great job. My friends wedding was all messed up due to 9/11-most of her bridal party & many of her guests were not able to fly in. The room did not look empty though. At our wedding we had a room that fits 275, but only had 155. We purposely sat fewer people at each table(which people complimented) we had a cigar bar area, our guest book area, we wanted people to feel like getting up & mingling & I think it worked.
The Bayview room is very large, but really pretty. Do they have any screens or plants that they use to fill space?
I do think that 100 people in that room would look strange.....do you have any other favorites?

LisaT Posted: Mar 06, 2003 10:53 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I don't think any of your guests would even notice such a thing. They're much more likely to notice being cramped than complain about TOO much space. If its the right place for you - go for it!

allure Posted: Mar 06, 2003 10:59 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

That should be the least of your worries imagine you went to a wedding and there was no alcohol or dancing I worked one a long time ago when i was in catering it was horrible for the guests GO FOR IT CAPTAIN BILLS IS BEAUTIFUL

sanmik Posted: Mar 07, 2003 02:53 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

You don't need to buy plants or anything like that. The dance floor will have more room. Set the tables at 8 at a table so you can about 14 tables. With the centerpieces the place will look great. I love Captain Bill's it's very pretty and the food is great. Go for it.

kellydan Posted: Mar 07, 2003 03:23 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

I am also getting married at Capt. Bill's and they have been so nice- I say go for it. I think they will bend over backwards to help you figure out a way to make it work. And if they don't, insist that they do!

Kathy116 Posted: Mar 07, 2003 04:15 PM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

My cousin got married there a few months ago, I don't think there were more than 120 people...but I loved it that it wasn't crowded, it was so much fun, and we had so much room to mingle. I thought it was great!

I wouldn't be worried about 'too few' guests, you'll be fine.

LauraPete Posted: Mar 10, 2003 10:40 AM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

O.K., I went back to see the place again yesterday with my FH and stood on the dance floor with him and just felt it. He will do whatever makes me happy but it is not his first choice. My concern now is pictures. Where did everyone take pictures? There is only a VERY tiny area which you could call a garden if you stretched the word (a GREAT photographer could work it) but where else? Is there an aboreatum(can't spell) or park near by? Anything garden-like?

slpbridetobe Posted: Mar 10, 2003 10:52 AM

Re: Bayview House (@ Capt. Bill's)

Hi, our photographer has suggested either the Bayard Cutting Arboretun (in Oakdale- about 15 mintues away from Bayview house) Or, the marina right next door has a small beach- I think we are probably going to go to Robert Moses to get pics taken. Many people use the arboretum though. And our photog loves the big fireplace in the Bayview house- or the staircase for family pictures... hope this helps- any other ?s or concerns feel free to FM me! Good luck!! I really stressed about this too!