Hey Girls. I've only been engaged less than 2 months. I KNOW I have time but I FEEL like I don't. FI and I have looked at about 6 places so far (Flowerfield, Venetian Yacht Club, Land's End, Crescent Beach Club, Timber Point, San Souci) Flowerfield, Timber Point & San Souci are definitely out, just not what we were looking for. Originally we planned on an onsite ceremony but have changed to a church wedding (we're Roman Catholic with large Italian families which was the tipping point). We love the idea of having an outdoor space available for cocktail hour cigars etc. We fell head over heals for Land's End but the dates we were looking for (July 5 or 6, 2013) aren't available plus the price was a good deal higher than we wanted to pay. I don't even know where to keep looking. Our friends and family got married at a few places that we aren't interested in (Larkfield Manor, Watermill, Fox Hollow) though we think they are beautiful. I haven't even started thinking about flowers, dj's, photo/video (though I believe I already have someone I love), dress, or any of the other things I need to get started on. I'm becoming overwhelmed and don't want to be. I would so appreciate any advice, suggestions or words wisdom or encouragement that anyone has to offer.
Sweeks
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Check out east wind !!! Beautiful and affordable !!!
adele and mark 2013
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My friend got married there a few years ago. Again, not what we're looking for, but thank you for the suggestion.
Eunified
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You might wanna check out the Woodbury Country Club.. The outdoor area is what won me over.. Good luck!
Sweetpea1
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Try the coral house and Westbury manor
mattandjess2013
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Obviously I'm biased, but Thatched Cottage is beautiful. You can try the Riviera in Massapequa, Crestwood Manor, Giorgios (absolutely beautiful, but a little out of our price range), or any of the Lombardi's.
You will find someplace you love - don't worry!
Pink24
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Def take aloof at westbury manor it's beautiful with amazing grounds.. Good luck with your search I'm sure you will find somthing beautiful soon!
PSP
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How many people and how much do you want to pay per head? that would help a lot.
Im thinking if you want italian-ish food and water front, maybe Lombardi's on the sound? I'm not sure about capacity. They are very affordable from what I remember.
I ate at the restaurant/club whatever it was next to the reception hall, not at a wedding, and the portions are gigantic.
KroertGS
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What kind of place are you looking for: rustic, modern, scenic, etc? Do windows matter? Do colors matter (dark, neutral...)? One wedding at a time or doesn't matter?
Have u tried giorgios? Love it there, and the owners used to manage el caribe in Brooklyn.
YimingandJess
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HI! First off, congratulations! I'm in the same boat as you and I definitely understand the urgency to book and keep the show moving. We're engaged just under 2 months and all I ever hear are, where is it, when is it, have you picked your dress yet? You know the economy is down, you need to pick your hall/reception/chapel asap or you won't find anything. So 10 bridal magazines later, 2 wedding planning books and 1 money saver book later, I wanted to throw up, and go to city hall and fax everyone a copy of the marriage certificate- amidst that all, I think just taking a deep breathe and thinking about how awesome it is that you get to wake up next to the love of your life- FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE kept me sane.
That and the fact that I actually just started tuning out everyone.
I have 2 weddings to plan and I do not relish 2 guest lists or seating plans since we will have to do 1 here and then 1 overseas for his side of the family.
Every time you get frustrated, do something you like and then come back to it the planning.
Hope this helps!
kitt6katt
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If you loved Land's End, then you clearly have great taste! :) :)
Maybe see if they can work with you on the price - are you dead set on your dates? I got my AMAZING date for a cheaper price because I went in without a date I wanted or needed.
adele and mark 2013
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Thank you all fo your great advice! I've had to remind myself to breathe many times. It's beginnng to help. OK here does to answer some of your questions: -185-200 guests (probably sending out about 215 invites) -Not sure about a $$/pp but the $175 base that LE gave us, not counting the upgrades like extra Vienese hour certainly wasn't what we were expecting -I love chevari chairs -FI and I originally thought of having an onsite, outdoor ceremony, but have decided on a church ceremony. Still, outdoor grounds for CH would be something we like a lot. -water we also like but are aware it hikes the price point a lot.
We have a few appointments this week. The one I'm most excited about right now is Crest Hollow Country Club. Thanks again everyone. Looking forward to any more insight.
mattandjess2013
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Ok scratch what I said earlier, because I don't think most of those places would be able to accomodate THAT many people . Do look into Giorgio's though - it would've made my short list if it had been a little less pricey. But it should definitely work within your budget!
vshimmons
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We just booked at Flowerfield...the price was excellent and they are really willing to tailor everything to our liking. If you are sure about discounting it (wondering why, specifically, you don't want to book), you should possible check out the Vineyards. The cocktail hour is on an outdoor deck, since you mentioned that is a must! Lands End is a bit more expensive than others...I would also discount Giorgios in that case. You should try for a holiday...you get a good price during the week. Jusy 4, Memorial Day, Labor Day.
KroertGS
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If you are dead-set on your date, Giorgios may be a little pricey. If your date is flexible, Giorgios quoted me $95/person for Saturday night in April.....keep in mind, most places will work with you if you are flexible!! Keep us updated!!
Bride2Be78
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First off congrats!!! I do not have advice as for as venues but I wanted to say you shouldn't feel rushed. You just got engaged so enjoy this time. I would try to pace yourself. Yes, if there is a hard to book vendor, I would book those first. As for the rest of the vendors, take your time and do some research. You will learn a lot from research, LIW,showcases, and word of mouth. Good luck and I hope you find the perfect venue fit
Lau1007
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Posted by adele and mark 2013
Thank you all fo your great advice! I've had to remind myself to breathe many times. It's beginnng to help. OK here does to answer some of your questions: -185-200 guests (probably sending out about 215 invites) -Not sure about a $$/pp but the $175 base that LE gave us, not counting the upgrades like extra Vienese hour certainly wasn't what we were expecting -I love chevari chairs -FI and I originally thought of having an onsite, outdoor ceremony, but have decided on a church ceremony. Still, outdoor grounds for CH would be something we like a lot. -water we also like but are aware it hikes the price point a lot.
We have a few appointments this week. The one I'm most excited about right now is Crest Hollow Country Club. Thanks again everyone. Looking forward to any more insight.
I'm booked at Cresthollow (3 days before your wedding!) so I'm biased, but I could not be happier. I think its absolutely gorgeous, and has a different feel for me than some other RH's. They have lovely grounds for photo ops, and you can have an outdoor cocktail hour poolside (although there is an upcharge for it, I think its worth it).
When I went there we asked for prices for a Friday night before we ended up going with the Wednesday before July 4th. The Friday night prices, I thought, were very reasonable, and certainly less than what you were quoted at Land's End. HTH!
Kristin31613
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Posted by Sweeks
Check out east wind !!! Beautiful and affordable !!!
AGreed! :)
Kristin31613
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Posted by KroertGS
If you are dead-set on your date, Giorgios may be a little pricey. If your date is flexible, Giorgios quoted me $95/person for Saturday night in April.....keep in mind, most places will work with you if you are flexible!! Keep us updated!!
Giorgio's quoted me the same but for March. He claimed there is no room to move around bc they cater to one wedding at a time. Apparently he could only take off $3 a plate for his own cousin. They weren't looking to throw in too much either. East Wind was highly negotiable though & my heart was set on there from the beginning so I didn't mind. Those were the only two places we looked. The only other I was semi-interested in was Land's End but have heard that they are outrageous in their pricing.
angelicd77
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Def try either of the Lombardis waterfront locations. FH and I will most likely be booking with Lombardis on the Bay. I believe they can accomidate up to 200 people. The one on the sound has a bigger room so their capacity is higher. The price per person is def way lower then the $175 you were quoted and both of them have outdoor areas that are for your use for the whole wedding. Both are beautiful but for the amount of people your having I would definately suggest the sound location.
