Help...I don't like my reception hall

raisin Posted: Nov 18, 2005 05:22 PM

Help...I don't like my reception hall

I booked Russo's on the Bay for 2007 and I'm having second thoughts about it. Everyone I talk to has had nothing but good things to say. I've never been to a function there so I'm not really sure what to expect. My FH loves it but I hate how it's on a busy road and that it has no gardens or grounds. I feel as if there is nothing majestic about it. I'm so confused I don't know what to do HELP!

espresso Posted: Nov 18, 2005 05:49 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

Have you felt like this for a while? Maybe you're just stressing today?

is there an out clause in the contract

PaddysGirl15 Posted: Nov 18, 2005 05:55 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

I hope you have a lot of money girlfriend!!!

Russos is prob one os the MOST extravagent weddings I have ever gone to. If that is what you want- you'll def have it- from the cocktail hour to the reception to your arrival- from under the floor!!!!

My FH cousin got married there at is cost about $75000- yowzaz.

LorinElizabeth Posted: Nov 18, 2005 05:56 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

I went to a Sweet 16 there and the food was absolutely fabulous! When it came down to looking at places for my wedding, I also didn't like the fact that there isn't property/garden to take pictures. But at the same time, you can't guarantee that it's not going to rain on your wedding day. I know that's something that we're all dreading. But the fact of the matter is that you can't anticipate the weather. Unfortunately there's always a chance that even if you have a place that has an outside area you're not going to be able to use it.
It might sound weird to you but an option for to take pictures at that has a lot of greenery is the Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge. You can get to it if you go over the bridge that takes you from Howard Beach to Broad Channel. I think the Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge is 'officially' in Brooklyn, but you can get there off Cross Bay Blvd. (that is if that really is the name of it-- it's been a while since I've been there.) I would call that place and see if maybe they'd let you set up a time slot for you to go there to take pictures if you're doing your ceremony at another place before the reception.
Good luck, I'm sure we'll all have doubts at some point.

raisin Posted: Nov 18, 2005 05:59 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

I always thought that I would love the place that I was getting married at. Maybe I'm being too picky.

espresso Posted: Nov 18, 2005 05:59 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

what did you like about it in the beginning?

raisin Posted: Nov 18, 2005 06:02 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

I loved the menu and the interior decor of the room. I feel like it really lacks a nice entrance. I've seen a lot of country clubs that were really nice but heard the food wasn't good. I can't seem to balance what I think is more important. Food or grounds.

espresso Posted: Nov 18, 2005 06:05 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

i understand how you feel. that's why I'm taking a loooooooooong time deciding on the place. I really want to be sure.

I think you should step away from reception hall thinking for the weekend as you might just be obsessing over small details that presently seem bigger than they really are. Just spend the weekend not stressing over it. Maybe by monday you'll realize you like the hall after all.
No hall is perfect!!

If you don't, and you still don't like it, are you bound to it?

raisin Posted: Nov 18, 2005 06:10 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

we put down a $500 deposit so I'm assuming we won't get it back. My FH said he wouldn't mind losing out on it if I really didn't want to get married there.

espresso Posted: Nov 18, 2005 06:11 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

Posted by raisin

we put down a $500 deposit so I'm assuming we won't get it back. My FH said he wouldn't mind losing out on it if I really didn't want to get married there.

Ok. then I think spend the weekend NOT thinking about it!! it's hard , i know..but I think you're better off thinking about it with a clear head after taking a break from wedding planning.

If you are willing to lose $500 and you feel that you seriously can't have a beautiful wedding there, then cancel. But don't do it on impulse. you might change your mind again later.

raisin Posted: Nov 18, 2005 06:19 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

thanks grils

giapet99 Posted: Nov 18, 2005 06:31 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

If you don't love it then DON'T get married there. You want to look back on your wedding and be happy. Maybe you should visit a few places over the weekend and that will help you decide. As for the grounds I'm getting married at Venetian Yacht Club so if it rains I'm screwed cause it's on the water, but my photographer has a place in Westbury can't remember the name that lets you take pics inside a mansion if it rains. So talk to your photographer and maybe he can give other options.

MrsMichel07 Posted: Nov 18, 2005 06:53 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

I think you should just really sit and think things through..... I was in love with the first hall I visited and then.... I was like it was not for me.... I went another hall and wound booking with them..... now I my hall!!!!

It is how I always visioned it to be and FH knows this!!!

Missladybug15 Posted: Nov 18, 2005 10:53 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

definitely think it through calmly with your FH, second thoughts are completely natural

milerose Posted: Nov 23, 2005 03:01 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

I have went to several functions there and although the food is good it never really wowed me. The last function I went to was with over 300 people and we were sitting on top of another in the cocktail room.

The food is definately very good though.

If you are not 100 percent happy then look around a bit more.

weddingbunny Posted: Nov 23, 2005 05:52 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

Posted by raisin

I loved the menu and the interior decor of the room. I feel like it really lacks a nice entrance. I've seen a lot of country clubs that were really nice but heard the food wasn't good. I can't seem to balance what I think is more important. Food or grounds.

Food definitely matters more. Food makes a huge difference for the guests, and good food will make the whole experience more pleasant, which means people will have more fun, which means that you and everybody else will have better memories.

And people won't really even be looking at the outside, they'll just come straight to the inside. Nobody will remember that there weren't nice grounds. And you can always go to a nearby park or something to take pictures, or do it at your ceremony site.

espresso Posted: Nov 23, 2005 05:54 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

Posted by raisin

I booked Russo's on the Bay for 2007 and I'm having second thoughts about it. Everyone I talk to has had nothing but good things to say. I've never been to a function there so I'm not really sure what to expect. My FH loves it but I hate how it's on a busy road and that it has no gardens or grounds. I feel as if there is nothing majestic about it. I'm so confused I don't know what to do HELP!

did you figure out what you are doing?

raisin Posted: Nov 23, 2005 06:33 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

We've made appointments to go see others halls, including Marina Del Ray, Harrison House and Carlyle on the Green. Hopefully seeing other places will put things into perspective for me, either way.

Nina Posted: Nov 23, 2005 07:02 PM

Re: Help...I don't like my reception hall

You most definitely have to do whats in your heart. I went back and forth with a lot of places. And actually, the first time I went there I was like 'This is what all the fuss is about?!?'

But when it came down to it, and when I looked at other halls. Russos captured my heart. From the impeccable service, outstanding food, grand entrance to your reception, and ambiance, it took the cake.

But you do have to do whats best for you. And go with your gut feeling. And just remember, don't worry about where it is or what it looks like when you first walk in, your guests are there to see YOU and celebrate YOU AND YOUR HONEY'S union. Go with your gut, but if you need another positive second opinion of Russo's you got it right here. I would recommend them anytime, and rarely if ever do you hear anything bad about Russo's