Brides Helping Brides ™ - is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

LovelyL Posted: Jan 10, 2004 08:19 PM

is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I'm feeling a little frustated. Me and my FH have been to at least 20 different reception facilities, and I have not been 100% happy with any of them.

Overall, I love Jerricho Terrace. I think it SO pretty, it's very much my style. I have heard great things about the food and the banquet manager we are dealing with is very pleasant.

However, since we are having a smaller wedding (about 100 people), the smallest room there is our only option. We are worried that it is too small and a bit on the dim side. But, I am torn because I LOVE everything else about the place!!

I don't know if I am being too picky or have unrealistic expectations of finding a place that is 100% perfect in every aspect.

Is anyone else having a similar experience?

gaby25 Posted: Jan 10, 2004 08:31 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I think every bride may go through what you are going through at this moment. I only went to look at 3 places and that is how I felt about the other 2 places. I liked the hall overall, but something was missing and that is why I decided to go with the watermill. It felt perfect to me. I based my decision on each halls services, menus, rooms and overall presentation by the Banquet Manager. I felt we received the attention we deserved and we got a complete presentation of absolutely everything. I loved every single corner of this place. I got the smaller room but honestly, it looks great and comfy. If you're not comfortable or completely happy with the room you are going to have then maybe you should keep looking. If you don't mind me asking what places have you gone to look at. You can FM me if you like.

RedHead Posted: Jan 10, 2004 08:35 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I went to Villa Lombardi's and saw the 'smaller room' and i have about 180 people...and hated the room..we kept looking and found our PERFECT room. So maybe it is out there.

If you like the room then go for it. But if you think you are ify then i would keep looking. Your reception room is the area that you will be spending the most time in..so love it

prncssrachel Posted: Jan 10, 2004 08:52 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

Honestly, DON'T settle. We just 'knew' we were in the right place when we walked into the Bourne. I personally think you will get that feeling when you've found the place. You still have time to look, so there's no need to rush!

butterfly20 Posted: Jan 10, 2004 08:59 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

i wouldnt settle either... there are soooo many halls on long island to pick from... The first hall we went to I loved(stewart manor cc), but it was a little higher than i wanted to pay(we're saving for a house), so I decided if i didnt find anything else that we would come back ther and pay the extra money... well we looked around and the last hall we went to(manor east) was just what we wanted.. and we saved an extra $15pp.. it was the one hall where fh said he could see us getting married there, and the next week we booked it!

prncssrachel Posted: Jan 10, 2004 09:00 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

Well, here's a question, what exactly are you looking for in a hall? Maybe we can all recommend some more places to look if we know what you are looking for.

luvsun27 Posted: Jan 10, 2004 09:16 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I think there is such a thing as the 'perfect' reception place...but each person has their own definition of perfect. When FH and I were looking at places...we went to visit the Three Village Inn...when we went there...it is very pretty and I've heard great things about it...but it wasn't 'us'. Personally...I liked the Riverview Restaurant...but FH didn't like the person we met with and felt it would be a reflection on our wedding. We both loved the Beach Club...it was quaint...only 1 wedding at a time (a MUST for me) and we liked the guy we met with. Some people have had mixed reviews on the Beach Club...but we knew it was the place for us and so far they have been nothing but great.

Sorry this is so long...but don't settle. You have plenty of time...keep looking. There are hundreds of places on LI to have a reception...there is one out there for you that you will LOVE. Good luck.

lorimari Posted: Jan 10, 2004 09:25 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I agree w/ Luvsun - I went to a few places and liked them but I just didn't get that 'feeling' - everyone I met with was really nice but didn't put me over the top.

Then I walked into Flowerfield - it was a bit out of my range but I saved like a maniac and did it. That day it was more incredible than I ever could have imagined...they surpassed my expectations and then some. I'm glad that I stuck with my gut and found the place that gave me that 'feeling'.

Keep looking and chin up - we'll help you find the hall of your dreams!!!!

Lori

melanee Posted: Jan 10, 2004 09:30 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

of course there is such a thing as the 'perfect' reception...isn't everything about your wedding going to be 'perfect'?

if you have some reservations, then try to see other places until you go into one and really fall inlove with the place without any ifs ands or buts

don't worry, you will find your place

1017Bride Posted: Jan 10, 2004 09:36 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I know its a difficult decision but pick the place that feels right for you. Good luck.

LIJuneBride Posted: Jan 10, 2004 09:58 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

The same thing happened to us when we went to look at Jericho Terrace - they wanted to give us the smallest room too, and I just didn't like it. I couldn't envision our reception there so we kept looking. I love the place we chose, but it was on the expensive side so we decided on an afternoon wedding instead of night. We looked at soooo many places if you tell me what you're looking for maybe I can suggest something. Good luck and be confident in your choice, whatever it might be.

nov2004bride Posted: Jan 11, 2004 05:25 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I thought that the reception hall was the most stressful decision. I was crying every night because nothing was right for us. I did not like almost every place we looked at. Then when we went to Flowerfield it was 'perfect'. I could imagine our day there and it was such an awesome feeling. I think you will definetly know the which hall is perfect for you both when you walk in. If you don't, think twice about booking. JMO

Sept17Girl Posted: Jan 11, 2004 05:30 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

DID YOU TRY CHATEA LA MER IN LINDENHURST, THEY ONLY REQUIRE A MIN OF 125 ON A FRIDAY NIGHT. WHAT DAY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? FM ME IF YOU NEED ANY INFO, I WENT TO PLENTY OF PLACES. YOU WILL KNOW WHAT PLACE AND WHAT ROOM YOU WANT WHEN YOU SEE IT. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

LovelyL Posted: Jan 11, 2004 10:55 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

Thanks for your feedback everyone!
Yes, I'm still looking............

We went to a couple of more places this weekend, but still have not found 'IT'.

Guess I know what I'll be doing next weekend too. :-P

AJsMommy122 Posted: Jan 11, 2004 10:56 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

where did u look?

valentinesbride Posted: Jan 11, 2004 11:24 PM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I have to say, that I wasn't in love with any reception hall, until I found Oheka,...I found it by mistake, noone had ever told me about the place ...but one night at 2 am, not being able to sleep after searching online for catering halls....I found it. It surpasses my idea of what i would love for my wedding....

Some may think Oheka is out of their price range....but they offer a discounted price for the winter months....and...on fridays, sundays, and thursday nights...Don't get me wrong it's still expensive, so are all of these places lol

Cecilmack Posted: Jan 12, 2004 01:15 AM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

While I have never been there, would Leonard's be in the style of Jericho Terrace? From the photo's I've seen, they bear similar style, and the board here lists great things about Leonard's. (Jericho as well, but the room appears to be an issue with her and FH)

Baldshrimp Posted: Jan 12, 2004 01:30 AM

Re: is there such a thing as the 'perfect' reception hall?

I felt the same way Nov2004bride did and I'm the groom. My fiancee went to about 20 also. Flowerfield was second and when she narrowed it down to about 4 I went. The pics on the website and the ones she took didn't do it justice. They are so fantastic there. Meaghan is who we are working with. My fiancee wishes she had a camera to capture my face when I walked in the cocktail area with the Koi pond and bridge. She looked back to ask her friend ( a bridesmaid ) and I what we thought. I told her that we should book then but she wanted to see 3 other place the following weekend. Meaghan said it was ok and they would hold the date open for us. I made her call on the way back from one of the places. I am having an ice scupture of either our chinese signs ( Tiger and for her a Dragon, the Tiger and Phoenix, OR the double Dragon for Happiness ) instead of the angle fish one they provide. I love the little details so I asked about having the candles that they have around the pond all new. When we visited I noticed some were smaller than the others.

Best Wishes to everyone,

Thomas