Decision day... duh duh DUUUHHH!!!!!

We're getting ready to head out for our marathon day of venue shopping.

After we're done today, our decision will be made. And I'll either breathe a sigh of relief that this will be done, or I'll be hyperventilating because of how much I have to pay out.

Westbury Manor 10am
Riviera 11am
Metropolitan 1pm

Still on the radar is Douglaston Manor, which we've previously visited and had a tasting.

Wish us luck!

Ok, we looked at all 3 places. FH loved them all! He was not helpful whatsoever. Westbury Manor is very charming and beautiful. You ladies were right, they threw in a ton of stuff (free mashed potato bar, knocked $100 off ceremony fee, and the dinner selections are out of this world), but it's not where we're going because we can't do the ceremony on site :(. Throws a monkey-wrench into our plans of 'one stop shopping'. We'd have to find a place for the ceremony. And we were left with Sunday March 16th. Alas, this is not our choice.

Then we went to The Riviera, and it is very nice. The waterview is spectacular. We didn't get to go into the space and really look because a wedding just started. Vicky was great to talk to, and she loved that we're Mets fans. Because of this, she threw in a free chocolate fountain. Her price per person for 3/16 (again, booked on 3/15 - our original date) was phenomenal, but I just didn't feel the darkness of the reception room. The wood was just too dark for my taste. FH loved it because it reminded him of a yacht club. And she could help us out with an officiant to help our friend out, so he could still perform the ceremony, but the officiant would sign our marriage license. Still, I didn't like the way the room was laid out. So it's a no.

Last was The Metropolitan. I have been there for a wedding before, and I really thought this place was out of our reach financially. We walked in, and I loved how nice and clean and modern it was, without it being pretentious. I loved how the ceremony would be held in a different room from the cocktail hour and reception. I loved that the CH would be held on the balcony. I really liked the lighting in the reception room, and I adored the bridal suite. Only caveat is when the ceremony is going on, my BMs will be entering from the lobby, where I'll be walking down the stairs from the bridal suite. I'm afraid I'll fall down the stairs!

We really thought we couldn't afford this place, but when she went over the food and what's included, I couldn't believe the price she quoted us! FM me if you want this quote (and the others).

We can't do pictures before the ceremony at the Metropolitan, but she said she can get us a permit at no extra charge for Morgan Park about 5 minutes away from there.

So that's that! We're going to do this at The Metropolitan! I can't believe what a whirlwind this day was. I'm so glad I finally made this decision! I can't be happier - seriously. What a load off of my mind.

Now I can worry about details.