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

Original post by LovelyL

Jan 10, 2004 08:19 PM

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?

NYCHICK Posted: Jan 12, 2004 07:56 AM

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

I think there is such a thing as the perfect hall. The hall picking is probably the most stressful because it is such a huge part of the day that you want it to be perfect. Hang in there kep looking, you will find the one

MrHostility Posted: Jan 12, 2004 01:49 PM

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

Being the L's future man, I'll clear up a few things:

20 was somewhat of an exaggeration, we have seen a ton though, and I'll list what I can remember, and what we liked and didn't like about each.

Jericho Terrace - We both love everything, except I dislike the small room. We may only have 100 people, but the room feels sort of boxed in, and small even for 100 people.

Fox Hollow - I liked this more than L did. Our catering manager we both didn't like very much, Mel, he was rude to my mother. Plus they would not do a food tasting, and told us to pay to eat at the resturant. The room was fantastic, with the waterfall in it. We also didn't like the bridal suite is on the 3rd floor.

Thatched Cottage - We liked it, everything seemed good. Though I hear now that there is problems with them maybe going under? I also was told by my sister-inlaw that the cocktail room(we didn't see) looks like it's tailored to Bar Mitzvahs, with neon all over. (she was there quite a few years ago though) Please don't be insulted by our opinions, these are our tastes only. :)

Chateu Le Mar - We both disliked it the minute we saw it. So not to be rude, we went on the tour anyway. In both our opinions the place was falling apart. Again, it's only our opinions and we aren't trying to insult anyone, please don't take it that way.

The Meadow Club - L liked it more than I did. One problem I had was 1 waiter per 15 people. I like 1 waiter per table. I also thought they weren't giving nearly as much food as other places for the price. The room(meadow room I think) was very nice, but the cocktail hour (heated patio) was lacking.

Larkfield Manor - L loved this place, I wasn't quite as impressed. The banquet manager was very rude in general, and quick to insult the places we had been or were considering going. That really turned me off to it.

Manor East - Thought the pictures on the site made it look really nice. However, we just were not impressed in the least once we saw it.

Continued...

BillysBride Posted: Jan 12, 2004 01:53 PM

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

You should def check out Leonard's..I'm sure they have a room that would suit you. Good luck!!

Marcela1654 Posted: Jan 12, 2004 01:55 PM

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

Posted by prncssrachel

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!

I agree. We just knew when we walked into Floral Terrace. Don't settle, you will find something

MrHostility Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:04 PM

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

Riviera - Made an appointment, the manager was still busy with someone else. 20 minutes of waiting around, without even being acknowledged. She finally got up and closed the door to the office, without saying a word. We took that as what her attitude would likely be, and walked out. For what we saw, it wasn't us anyway.

Woodbury CC - We both thought it was nice, however, it just wasn't us. It did rank relatively well overall, but we decided against it.

Crest Hollow CC - We didn't really care for the food choices. The grounds are beautiful, my prom was here so I recall it well. But since the wedding is in Nov or Dec, it really doesn't do us any good.

Georgio's - We called ahead to make an appointment, and told them how many people and what night we were looking for. We got there, took the tour, and got told with 100 they could only do it on a Sunday afternoon. Waste of gas...my gas.

Coral House - Not our style, didn't really impress us at all. We did the food tasting with them though, as they offered that day, and I thought it might sway me. The food was really tasty, and I'm not a big fancy food eater. (a pizza wedding would be fine by me ) But the style we want isn't there.

I understand where my FW is coming from, it feels like we've been doing this forever, because we can only do it on weekends, and only do 1-2 a day. I think we visited more than this, but I don't even remember right now.

Next weekend's(or 2 weekends) visits hopefully include:
Windows on the Lake
Beach Club
Villa Lombardi
Leonard's
Flowerfield
East Wind

We like the modern look, but not too modern. Marble and and granite is nice. And the room can not be in the basement. We aren't looking to go higher than $100-$110pp w/ tax+tip. (hopefully the lower end of that) It's either going to be in November or Decemberr, early in either month.

Do these guys negotiate when you are ready to book? Just hoping to keep costs down and get the most for the

AtticaQT Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:06 PM

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

Posted by MrHostility

Riviera - Made an appointment, the manager was still busy with someone else. 20 minutes of waiting around, without even being acknowledged. She finally got up and closed the door to the office, without saying a word. We took that as what her attitude would likely be, and walked out. For what we saw, it wasn't us anyway.

Woodbury CC - We both thought it was nice, however, it just wasn't us. It did rank relatively well overall, but we decided against it.

Crest Hollow CC - We didn't really care for the food choices. The grounds are beautiful, my prom was here so I recall it well. But since the wedding is in Nov or Dec, it really doesn't do us any good.

Georgio's - We called ahead to make an appointment, and told them how many people and what night we were looking for. We got there, took the tour, and got told with 100 they could only do it on a Sunday afternoon. Waste of gas...my gas.

Coral House - Not our style, didn't really impress us at all. We did the food tasting with them though, as they offered that day, and I thought it might sway me. The food was really tasty, and I'm not a big fancy food eater. (a pizza wedding would be fine by me ) But the style we want isn't there.

I understand where my FW is coming from, it feels like we've been doing this forever, because we can only do it on weekends, and only do 1-2 a day. I think we visited more than this, but I don't even remember right now.

Next weekend's(or 2 weekends) visits hopefully include:
Windows on the Lake
Beach Club
Villa Lombardi
Leonard's
Flowerfield
East Wind

We like the modern look, but not too modern. Marble and and granite is nice. And the room can not be in the basement. We aren't looking to go higher than $100-$110pp w/ tax+tip. (hopefully the lower end of that) It's either going to be in November or Decemberr, early in either month.

Do these guys negotiate when you are ready to book? Just hoping to keep costs down and get the most for the

Try the north ritz club

gaby25 Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:20 PM

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

Why don't you look at the Sandcastle. My friend is getting married there
in March and the pictures look real nice and their menu sounds great.
It looks like it has the modern look. I would recommend you guys check
out the Watermill (only because I'm in love with it ) but I don't know
if that's what you're looking for and they don't have room in the basement
either. Check out all different kinds of places because you would be
surprised at what you might really fall in love with. Best of luck

dawnie Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:21 PM

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

I only looked at Flowerfield and didn't want to look anywhere else. Keep looking. I am sure there is your 'perfect place' is out there. Plus it is your wedding so it will be wonderful no matter where you choose.

MrHostility Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:27 PM

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

North Ritz said a guarentee of 185 on a friday night. That was on the list prior to that. Watermill I thought was ok, my cousin was married there. L dislikes it though, her parent's love it! (haha) Both L and her parent's think Sand Castle looks tacky. I wanted to give it a try, but I guess I'm over ruled again.

AtticaQT Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:32 PM

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

Posted by MrHostility

North Ritz said a guarentee of 185 on a friday night.

Oh wow - i guess they have upped their requirements - We only had to guarantee 150 for a sunday night -

Sorry...

AJsMommy122 Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:32 PM

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

I am getting married as sandcastle and it has everything you are looking for. Plus since I am getting married on sunday I only had to garuntee 150. And it is within your price budget

gaby25 Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:42 PM

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

Oh wow! you guys really have been just about everywhere
but maybe you will have better luck with the places you go visit this
weekend. Please keep me posted!!!!!!!!!!

MrHostility Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:49 PM

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

Posted by Soon2bMsZ

I am getting married as sandcastle and it has everything you are looking for. Plus since I am getting married on sunday I only had to garuntee 150. And it is within your price budget

Yeah, I'm sure Friday night is also 150. If we had 150, the decision would be made already, the bigger room at Jericho Terrace. Anyone want to come to a wedding??? lol

gaby25 Posted: Jan 12, 2004 02:56 PM

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

ME!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL. How's the menu at Jericho terrace. Do they offer alot?

OctGroom Posted: Jan 12, 2004 03:11 PM

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

When my future bride and I were looking for a place, we would go there and she would notice so many things that she would point out to me that she didn't like.. and I would be like.. 'wow, now that's attention to detail.'.. LOL

Women I think are just better at that in general. Now no place will be 100% perfect. BUT.. when you find a place that just makes you go want to be there.. you'll know it. Listen to your heart and go with the place you love even if it's not perfect.

MrHostility Posted: Jan 12, 2004 03:14 PM

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

I hear what you're saying. To her this place is Jericho Terrace. But to me, the room being small and dark is a big detail. It seems her heart is set on it too, and I hate to make her unhappy, but I don't want her to regret it either.

The food there seems adaquet. Very very Italian, so of the stuff I have no idea what it even is. Hopefully this weekend will end up being more fruitful.

Ronnie&Theresa Posted: Jan 12, 2004 03:16 PM

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

Did you guys check Russos

AJsMommy122 Posted: Jan 12, 2004 03:20 PM

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

they didnt want to spend more then 110 per plate.. you cant get dessert for that at russos. j/k but it is alot more then 110

OctGroom Posted: Jan 12, 2004 03:21 PM

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

Try the Thatched Cottage and Chateau Le Mer.. we didn't go with them.. but they were both a VERY strong number 2 and 3 choice.

The people at both were very professional and friendly and easy to talk to and get long with.