inexpensive reception

Hello- I am not engaged yet...but am planning on getting married on LI in a few years. I have been in school in Illinois for about 4 years so I am a little out of touch with prices on the east coast. I was looking at everyones questions and responses and i was wondering if anyone encountered any reception halls that were under $60 dollars a head. I am thinking a Saturday afternoon wedding for 100-150 people - nice but not necessarily fancy. Thanks for your help! Alicia :)

I have something against that birdcage as soon as I walk in a room--dont know why but I do. We made our rounds and Jay put the envelopes inside his jacket, when it filled up we dropped them off at an elderly aunt who guarded the bag with her life LOL. To me there is nothing worse than attending a wedding and never talking to either the bride or groom--better yet, never receiving a thank you. I'm still waiting for one 3 yrs ago-how can you not send thank you's Grrrr!!

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone!

Hi Alicia: How are you? On a Saturday afternoon, you will pay close to top dollar unless you have a buffet. I can sugges East Wind where I am having my reception. I'm paying 39.95 a head, with tax and gratuity it's 51.05 per person for a Friday afternoon buffet. I have over 100 choices of dishes I picked 4 chafing dishes of chicken, seafood, beef, and vegetable dishes. I got 2 carving stations, a pasta station etc and all the sides. Actually my cocktail hour has more food than my reception. They offer an unbelievable package. It's hard to tell what the prices will be in a few years though. I am not sure they book a few years out, but you can call them. They have a website http://www.eastwindcaterers.com. It's in the country in Wading River. They have an Estate house in the back and a country cottage in the front with beautiful gardens, gazebo, pond and waterfall, but not the typical. It's extremely country. The flowers are beautiful. Check out the site and good luck!

I have something against that birdcage as soon as I walk in a room--dont know why but I do. We made our rounds and Jay put the envelopes inside his jacket, when it filled up we dropped them off at an elderly aunt who guarded the bag with her life LOL. To me there is nothing worse than attending a wedding and never talking to either the bride or groom--better yet, never receiving a thank you. I'm still waiting for one 3 yrs ago-how can you not send thank you's Grrrr!!

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone!

Check out the Milleridge Inn, Jericho. They have 3 different menus - and I believe 2 of the 3 are in your price range. They do not have a web site but you can get their number from information.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone!

Karen, They have three different menus? I thought they only had the two star and three star at milleridge?

That being said, its important to know how to handle them with care and respect. At my cousin's wedding, I tried to give her the envelope and she was too busy dancing and REFUSED TO TAKE IT!!! She actually told me that she didn't want it! (which i thought was a little rude. i don't give out $150 every day...) As a result, many people threw their envelopes on her table, many had cash - and she never received them. : (

I like the idea of handing them over to a trusted family member - and I have just the right person in mind! Thanks, everyone for all your input!

they have a 1 star - understandably, as you decrease in stars, the menu gets smaller.....but so does the price.

and i believe the 1 star is only for 4 hours instead of 5.

I like the idea of handing them over to a trusted family member - and I have just the right person in mind! Thanks, everyone for all your input!

Alicia - There are ways to have a more inexpensive reception. In NY, May.June and Sept/Oct are the most expensive months. You can save a ton on the venue and vendors by getting married in the winter. Also, A sunday afternoon will be cheaper than a Saturday. You should be able to stay in your budget and still find a nice place.

I like the idea of handing them over to a trusted family member - and I have just the right person in mind! Thanks, everyone for all your input!

Excellent point! We've saved anywhere between 10-15% because we chose to be Married in March! And not just on catering halls - dj, photographer, video.....because they're not as busy!

January and Feb would have saved us even more!

If cost is that sensitive for you, ask the catering hall for their list of prices for each month throughout the calendar year for ALL of their packages and options. Then you can make an educated decision.