We're date twins Pretty in Pink!!! I'm booked at Crest Hollow & it is soo beautiful!!! The thing is tho, I guaranteed 200 people so the price went down a significant amount. I think it would be a good amount more than that if your only booking half of that, but it can't hurt to find out!!! If you decide to look into Crest Hollow, ask to meet with Tom Reitano - hes my BM and is great!!
Royalgem21
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Re: Hello guys where do I begin??
Posted by Pretty_In_Pink
Posted by SummerBeauty
Any elements that are a must for your RH?
I want a RH with a great scenic view like swan club with the water and nice greenery. I love the historical mansion field like westbury manor. I'm still looking.
Pretty in Pink,
Have you considered Douglaston Manor?
Otherwise, you could have a Thursday night wedding and have it at a more expensive mansion. The Inn at New Hyde Park is beautiful but costly for a Fri/Sat/Sun night.
PhD2012-Mrs2013
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Re: Hello guys where do I begin??
Before you can go anywhere you need an approximate head count. Even with that say you plan on 175, usually about 20% say no. So, that drops you to about 140-150. I was shopping in may for a RH, most wanted a guarantee of 150-175 for a friday night in may, and 200+ for a Saturday night in may, just FYI. My FH and I wanted May because of our work schedules. We were able to get May 31st 2013 for a price we could afford. However, may was definitely out of reach at some RHs. When we went to RHs we asked for prices for different months, (April-June, and Sept-Nov), most halls were happy to give us the price breakdowns. They also differed not only by month but also by day of the week. Once you get that price add a definite 20% service charge + 8.625(something like this) % tax. Which greatly increases you per person price. There is also Maitre D tip which can be a big addition (usually $3-5 per person). Some places like mansions and country clubs charge a site fee, and a bunch of other fees like bar tenders, and parking, bathroom attendants etc, plus tipping of these individuals as well. Some tell you how much to tip Maitre D too. I was flawed by what some of them said. There must be a place you can get the flower scenic view you want for a price you are willing to pay. Don't get discouraged! Just figure out your budget, and stick to it. It's easy to fall into the add on trap.
I am on a budget too. I went with the most reasonable price after all add on charges, and the place that gave me the most for my money and all the little extras (like table linens,direction cards,cocktail hour flowers, and backlighting) that can add up to big money to pay a vendor for.
It's all about what you can afford, and remember it's a big party that lasts 5 hours.
If you are not very religious, another great way to save is to get married at the reception hall. That's what I'm doing. For a fee of less $750, I'm getting married at my RH which they will decorate with flowers and set up everything. Some places charge you a fee for having your ceremony onsite but that just includes set up no sort of flowers or anything.
This is not what I am paying but just for an example. Say the RH gave you a price of $125 per person. $125x 8.625%= 135.78125 x 20% =$162.9375 per person now times that by say a minimum of 150 people x $162.9375= $24,440.625 and all you have is a hall!!! Not including Maitre dee, and other tips and fees.
$79 per person x 8.625% tax =85.8137x 20%= $102.97 per person $102.97 per person X 150 people =15,446.47 for just the hall. Not including Maitre dee tip & other tips/fees
Really shop around, see what kind and quality of food and alcohol (premium bar is not always included and not the same everywhere, so if there is something specific you want ask if it's included) you are getting for your money and whether or not a cake is included. Then go home and compare places, type of food, alcohol, and extras and work the numbers after each visit... and see what is best for you.
Sorry this is long but I hope it help. I was blind starting out....
Pretty_In_Pink
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Re: Hello guys where do I begin??
^^^OMG Thank you so much for the break down. I want to cry because my budget is 20k and I love westbury manor and swan club. Damn! what should I do, I really want an outdoor wedding too. Im going for a slight victorian theme, very vintage and romantic.
MommaMia
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Re: Hello guys where do I begin??
Pink, my heart breaks for you... talk to fh about dates... i had booked prior to WM with another venue and in my heart i knew it was wrong. I ended up loosing $ to get out of a contract and move rh. follow your heart you will know when you walk in where you are supposed to get married!
In the end i promise it will work out. explain your situation to the bm and see what they recommend. You have way fewer guests then i do, so they might work w you more.
Crossing my fingers for you!
jassy119
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Re: Hello guys where do I begin??
Since your in love with WM and Swan Club give them a call and start getting some pricing info so you will know if they will be in your budget or not. If you willing to play around with day of week or a dif month def let them know what and I'm sure they can work something out for you. Just do your research and everything will work out.
Pretty_In_Pink
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Re: Hello guys where do I begin??
Posted by jassy119
Since your in love with WM and Swan Club give them a call and start getting some pricing info so you will know if they will be in your budget or not. If you willing to play around with day of week or a dif month def let them know what and I'm sure they can work something out for you. Just do your research and everything will work out.
I will do!!!!.... Damn now Im counting pennies. LMAO
Pretty_In_Pink
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Re: Hello guys where do I begin??
Posted by ThefutureMrsC
Pink, my heart breaks for you... talk to fh about dates... i had booked prior to WM with another venue and in my heart i knew it was wrong. I ended up loosing $ to get out of a contract and move rh. follow your heart you will know when you walk in where you are supposed to get married!
In the end i promise it will work out. explain your situation to the bm and see what they recommend. You have way fewer guests then i do, so they might work w you more.
Crossing my fingers for you!
Thanks! I will surely ask, it wont hurt to ask. I just dont want to become broke because of a wedding. Its only one day, even though for the last 4 years I have been anticipating it. hehehehehe. ( only been with FH for almost 2 years)...Yes I'm a nut!!
jassy119
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Re: Hello guys where do I begin??
Posted by Pretty_In_Pink
Posted by jassy119
Since your in love with WM and Swan Club give them a call and start getting some pricing info so you will know if they will be in your budget or not. If you willing to play around with day of week or a dif month def let them know what and I'm sure they can work something out for you. Just do your research and everything will work out.
I will do!!!!.... Damn now Im counting pennies. LMAO
