Four Venues

Hi Ladies! Hope everyone is enjoying the first day of spring!

I'm visiting four potential wedding venues this weekend and wanted to ask for your opinions on them. We are squeezing four visits into one weekend since we live in Manhattan. We are holding the wedding on LI since it is where we both grew up. We are looking for a June 2014 Saturday night date for 125-150 guests.

The Vineyards
Three Village Inn
Land's End in Sayville
Bellport Country Club

Also, any advice for a newbie like me? Specific questions to ask, what to bring, etc.

Many thanks in advance! :)
Claire

Ok we looked at Lands End and for June 2014 with 175 person minimum for a friday night it was $130 per person plus 20% and tax. For a 150 person minimum I believe it was $135++. For a saturday night 175 minimum im almost positive it was $145++

I loved lands end (its the only one of the 4 you listed i've seen) but it was by far the highest quote I got of the 12 places i visited. Had I been able to afford all the extras I wanted on top of the base price I would have booked there but i would have been looking at a $65,000 wedding when all was said & done.

Good luck.

Also, I'd bring a camera to take pictures, and a list of questions. If you have a wedidng binder there is probably a list in there.

What is the minimum? maximum?
How much are children/vendor meals?
Do you offer a choice of linens?
Do you have to use in house vendors?
whats included?
how many stations you get for CH?
deposit amount?
payment plan?

here is a list of questions found on another thead.

Found this on the site:

QUESTIONS:

Hall:


Date Visited:


Contact:


Phone #:


Address:


Dates Available:


Capacity:


Minimum for room:


Table Size (number):


Table shape:


Maximum Number of Tables for room:


Dimensions of Dance Floor:


Dimensions of Room:


Separate Cocktail Room:



How early can bridal party arrive?

Is the hall handicap accessible?


When can vendors arrive to set up?


Bridal Suite size & location:


Number of Concurrent Events:


If more than one event: separate bathroom facilities?


Liquor – top shelf? (Names?)


Is Champagne included throughout the reception?


Are candles allowed?


In-house Wedding Planner?


Photography/Florist – recommendations?


Can we use others vendors?


Any fee for outside vendors?


Insurance requirements for vendors?


Does hall need proof of insurance?


Wedding Cake included?


Any limitations on flavors/fillings?


Cake cutting charge for outside cakes? If so ask that it be reduced or eliminated
Can I have my own cake cutter?


Number of Entrée Options:


Can we have a tasting?


When is final menu picked?


Any decorations included?


Do we get a credit if not using centerpieces? How much?


Linen colors:


Ratio of Guests/Servers:


Bridal attendant included?


Number of Bars and Bartenders:


Coat Room and Rest Room Attendants?


Is cost included?


Valet – included or additional?


Overtime charges:


Price per person:


How much are vendor meals?


Are kids half price?


What ages?


Any limit on number of half price kids?


Vendors included in minimum?


Are kids included in minimum?


Gratuity/service charge – is it a set fee? Is it distributed amongst all of the workers?


grat/Service charge % (number):


Is grat/service charge taxed:


Hotel recommendations:


Church recommendations:


Direction cards provided? (Get a copy for file)


Deposit amount:


Method of payment:


Payment schedule and is a courtesy reminder sent?


Any tasting events or showcases before we book?


Can we see photos of hall in different seasons (get copies for file)


Timing for final head count:


Can we upgrade if under minimum (no wasted dinners) i.e., cordials or upgrade entrees?


Cancellation and refund policy:


Smoking area?


Any renovations planned?
What/When?
Expected completion date?

Cancellation policy due to extreme weather?

I've been to Three Village Inn and Lands End. Lands End was actually one of FH's favorites.

Lands End quoted us $125++ (plus 20% service fee, plus tax) on a Sunday afternoon with a 150 person minimum.

We didn't even make it to the meeting with the BM from Three Village Inn, because we didn't like the outdoor ceremony area (it was basically in the parking lot). But don't judge based on my opinion, it took me 35 venues to choose the one I liked.

Remember to ask how much vendor meals are. Also, whatever your guest list is, don't use that as your minimum. We're inviting about 230 people, and think about 175 will show up, so we gave 150 as our minimum.

What made you choose those 4 venues? If you want my quotes, I have quotes from like 25 venues on Long Island, for June 2014.

I visited the Vineyards- I'm assuming you mean the catering hall on a vineyard opposed to like Martha Clara. I loved the grounds and the cocktail space (most favorite cocktail space), however I just wasn't feeling the room. The BM I spoke to was so nice though! That's the only one I saw from your list.

I heard Lands End is gorgeous but super expensive. That's why I didn't even want to look there, I knew what was within my budget and it wasn't.

Been to a wedding at BBCC. Food was good! Space was really nice too! Heard the prices are good too!

I think the list that SoonToBeMrsMango, is awesome! Also definitely bring a camera, it allows you to think about it after the moment has settled in.

Have fun :)

Hi!

I've hosted events at Bellport and been to Land's End as a guest... both are great.

We visited Three Village Inn too, I so badly wanted to love it - had my heart set on it before we even set up the appointment to visit. The reception room met my expectations, and the property is great in my opinion (really rustic, charming and authentic) - outdoor area is lacking but we were looking for a March wedding so it didn't much mattter to us. Unfortunately - the manager we met with seemed to making things up as we went along; he contradicted himself on more than one ocassion during our short, rushed appointment. I have worked with other Lessing's properties before and am confident that this is not the 'norm' for them - must have just hit them on an off day!

Best of luck to you... sounds like you have four great choices lined up.

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Posted by sgf2

I've been to Three Village Inn and Lands End. Lands End was actually one of FH's favorites.

Lands End quoted us $125++ (plus 20% service fee, plus tax) on a Sunday afternoon with a 150 person minimum.

We didn't even make it to the meeting with the BM from Three Village Inn, because we didn't like the outdoor ceremony area (it was basically in the parking lot). But don't judge based on my opinion, it took me 35 venues to choose the one I liked.

Remember to ask how much vendor meals are. Also, whatever your guest list is, don't use that as your minimum. We're inviting about 230 people, and think about 175 will show up, so we gave 150 as our minimum.

What made you choose those 4 venues? If you want my quotes, I have quotes from like 25 venues on Long Island, for June 2014.

---

Thanks so much for your input! I actually thought I saw pavement in the pictures for the Three Village Inn Ceremony... now I know why!!

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this but my mom has been scouting venues for me. It's hard for me to check out a bunch since I'm in the city. I think she is basing the locations off of recommendations of friends and co-workers. I know I'm looking for something understated yet beautiful. It would be WONDERFUL if you could send me the quotes! That is so amazing of you!!

Thanks for the quick responses, everyone!! I definitely plan to bring along the list Soon2BeMrsMango posted!!

And to think, this is only the beginning of planning... :)

Sending you FM right now...

I also have opinions about ALL these places...lol.

I saw Lands End and Vineyards for a July 2014 wedding! Lands End was extremely pricey compared to all venues I looked at- couldnt beat the view, i love 'lovin ovens' food but they didnt throw in anything and the price pp was up there!

Vineyards was at the top of my list but, I didnt love the room and the BM I got was HORRIBLE - I left in tears :( she had no flexibility and no time spent with me.

it's okay though because it led me to my hall!! Good Luck :)

Three of my fiancees relative had their weddings at the Vineyards, and all were great. Not sure what people didn't like about the room, but when it's all set up for a wedding with the lighting and everything it's great. We didn't even consider booking there just because we were 'sick' of it and wanted something unique.
I've been to Three Village Inn for other events, never a wedding, but it seems a little small to me for 150. Also, if I remember correctly, the dance floor is long and narrow, which I don't personally like. Food and service were great.
Land's End looks so beautiful and I'm partial to waterfront venues, but I couldn't justify the price, so I didn't even bother looking. Try Chateau LaMer or Venetian Yacht Club for a similar location for way less.
Bellport Country Club's food is AMAZING and the people there are awesome. They are very willing to work with you to customize food and pricing, but it just wasn't for us at the end of the day. Hope that helps!!!

My FH and i liked three village inn and bellport country club. we did a tasting at Bellport and fell in LOVE. We booked it that day. The food was great and the staff is outstanding. They have been SO awesome with helping us along. We didnt see the other two but felt like after seeing three village and bellport were comfortable with not looking anywhere else. We felt three village would be nice for maybe my bridal shower.

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Posted by kadymry

My FH and i liked three village inn and bellport country club. we did a tasting at Bellport and fell in LOVE. We booked it that day. The food was great and the staff is outstanding. They have been SO awesome with helping us along. We didnt see the other two but felt like after seeing three village and bellport were comfortable with not looking anywhere else. We felt three village would be nice for maybe my bridal shower.

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Ahh I finally have another 2014 Bellport bride!! :)

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Posted by sgf2

I've been to Three Village Inn and Lands End. Lands End was actually one of FH's favorites.

Lands End quoted us $125++ (plus 20% service fee, plus tax) on a Sunday afternoon with a 150 person minimum.

We didn't even make it to the meeting with the BM from Three Village Inn, because we didn't like the outdoor ceremony area (it was basically in the parking lot). But don't judge based on my opinion, it took me 35 venues to choose the one I liked.

Remember to ask how much vendor meals are. Also, whatever your guest list is, don't use that as your minimum. We're inviting about 230 people, and think about 175 will show up, so we gave 150 as our minimum.

What made you choose those 4 venues? If you want my quotes, I have quotes from like 25 venues on Long Island, for June 2014.

---

When you get a chance would you please send me those qoutes??? THAT WOULD BE HUGE LIFESAVER! OMG i thought I was crazy. We've been to at least 15 places already and I have loved only 2, did four tastings and also only liked two. Room & Food are so important to us. Thatched Cottage out did any Lessings tastings I have been too---and While the FH is still battling me over booking The Vineyards---my qualms with it are also the actual ballroom-- & unfortnately, though the food wasnt horrid--like I said, the Thatched Cottage cusine blew me away! Nevertheless I want to do my due diligence with these venues!

We also loved EVERYTHING about the Three Village Inn, except the Ceremony Space. What a disappointment!!! :(