How to go about looking for Reception places?

Some places I went to look at didn't need an appointment. I called anyway, just to make sure.

They do not expect you to give them ANY money the first day you meet with them. Of course if you decide to book, you will have to give a deposit.

If you want to look at places on the weekends, I'd definately call! Just incase. Some places might have a tight schedule, if there is a wedding taking place that day.

I hope I answered all your questions. Anymore... feel free to ask!

There's a magazine that lists almost all the reception halls in NYC and Long Island. I actually just picked up a copy for my friend yesterday. Go to Barnes & Noble.

Sometimes you can get away with walking into a reception hall and talk to someone, I did that a couple times but during the week when they don't have functions. You need to contact a banquet manager at the reception hall and make an appointment. Its the same for most vendors.

Before you start driving around, you need to figure out what kind of wedding you and FH are trying to achive (formal/informal; possible color scheme, do you like the rustic cosy looks or the grand ball type of idea, or perhaps an outdoor wedding). Then you have to figure out what's important.
I would definitely visit hall websites to see pictures, but you can also call them and ask about their minimun/maximum # of people they can accomodate, and possible range for rates for specific season/days/times (yes, I was able to get that on the phone as well, when I told them that I live far from the hall).

In you case, with a larger size wedding, you'll need to make sure that the rooms you see can accomodate that many guests.

I made a list of places and FH and I got in the car and spent all day on a sat looking from one place to another.

Not very organized but it worked

Hi!

Check out these websites:

www.locationsmagazine.com

www.weddingfacilitiesandservices.com

I hope I was of some help!!

Jen