Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
Original post by WishfulRinne
Hello my fellow Brides!
I need your honest, blunt, opinions please. I have been engaged for about a year now. There have been many disagreements concerning the reception between my Fn and I. We will be paying for the wedding by ourselves and he does not agree with spending 20k or more on one day. In fact he wants to spend the smallest amount of money as possible. I partly agree with him however, part of me wants my dream wedding :(
I have searched the web insanly trying to find the most costly reception site on Long Island. This has left me with nothing. Of course we would like to get married in July (most expensive month) and would have between 100-150 guests. The day does not matter...I was wishing for 2009(I know I need to get moving)
My question is if you could share with me your cheap reception site finds, web surfing tips, areas to cut back etc. I would really appreciate your help. I have literally made myself crazy looking online.
Just to add a little soft spot to this...I was the girl that said she would never get married...I wanted to support myself...blah,blah LOL. The day I met my FN, I knew he was the one. He changed my mind and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him:)
Any comments, help would be greatly appreciated.
DeeluvsVinny
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
I know Douglaston Manor used to have an all inclusive package for 100 ppl it was $10,000. That includes: Dj, centerpeices, invites, photog, and some other things. Maybe you can make a deal with them ? It's a beautiful place and the food is good. My friend got married there last year and didn't do the all inclusive, but spent less than $15,000 on everything with about 120 guests!
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
you would probably save a ton of money getting married during the off season i got married in march and our hall knocked off $6 per person.
Can you try any local knights of columbus halls?
BAL5-9-05
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
I just bumped my old post on cutting corners...w/lots of great responses & ideas....& sent you FM
mandab
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
I got a really great deal at Larkfield Manor...I absolutely love them there...they do a FANTASTIC job!! They really worked with us and they provide a lot of the higher end stuff at a much cheaper price than I found at a lot of the other reception halls...there are 6 entree choices with 2nd's if people want, the bars in the reception room and in the cocktail hour are antiques and absolutely beautiful...the outside area is stunning with a huge beautiful granite and stone bar...valet parking, the cake is included...I can go on and on, but definitely check it out!! Their cocktail hour is amazing!! Marianne is a sweetheart, I would make an appt. and explain the situation to her!! I'm sure they'd be willing to work with you.
I can't wait to get married there!!
FM me if you want more info! Good Luck!
stephanienyc2002
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
just wanted to add that you have much more negotiating ower if you pay cash, at least you don't pay tax
Browneyesncute
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
what about having a thursday night wedding, they def give better pricing
WishfulRinne
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
You ladies are wonderful! I already have a notebook started with your lists of options! It is a bit overwhelming but I know it will be worth it. I will keep you posted with my outcome. thanks for all your tips!
Future Mulligan
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
you can also try places that are not catering halls -
we had our eparty outdoors under a tent (at the alice austen house, but its in staten island though) it was really nice - we have seen gorgeous weddings there! i bet you could have amazing wedding there for 20K - there are pics in my album under eparty, the place is on the water and its gorgeous - also my FHs cousin recently got married at the firemans museum in NYC (groom is a fireman) it was a trendy loft space above the museum - also a really nice spot and it was different.....so maybe you can look into something like that - where you rent out a space and then have a caterer come in - our eparty and FH's cousin were both under 20K and really nice parties...
mcbride62009
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
Posted by hogie2be
Mediteranean Manor in Patchogue does a package as does Windows on the Lake in Ronkonkoma- I've been to a wedding there it was nice!
Definately do as much as you can stand to do on your own.
And ask close family members (If it is not too uncomfortable) to help! You could always let one little birdy know of your situation and they can tell the rest. You never know who would rather help you create the wedding than give you their gift later! My aunt is paying for my wedding dress! My FH's parents were giving us a large money gift because they're not really helping- but are giving it us when we need it to pay for things ahead of time!
MY sister got married at Mediteranan Manor and it was great! Everything was lovely and there was a package. I recently saw a booth in the middle on the smith haven mall with these inclusive places. FM me for questions GL
DrWho
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
I had a wedding your size, and we got really really good deals on photo, DJ, flowers, skipped the limo, and I DIY'd a lot (including albums, CP's, invites, table numbers, card box, and BM jewelry ). To stick to your budget, you should look for a price below $60 / head. Gratuities and taxes add up!
I didn't read the whole post, but you don't need a full open bar (just don't ask guests to pay for things). Marry at the RH, and you really don't need a limo. Don't go overboard with flowers - keep it in season and limited to bouquets / bouts (lots of other things can be used as CP's). Look for jewelry at craft fairs ( I got mine at one - $25 for necklace earrings and bracelet).
Most important: If you want to get married this time next year, look around RIGHT NOW for what's seasonal, cheap, and/or on sale. Buy it now and store it. Most of this stuff doesn't change from year to year, and you're right on schedule to get things on clearance.
GinaZ
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
if you are willing to sacrifice july and saturday, then you can totally do it!!! Look into Fridays or sundays in nov-april.
make your own centerpieces. Think candles! They usually look awesome!
smaller bridal party= less gifts and flowers.
for video only get the raw footage (if you have to have video) thats the most fun to watch anyway!
dont cut back on photography, but do make your own albums. Just make sure you book someone that gives you a dvd of all images.
If the hall provides a cake, use theirs and dont go for the upgrades.
get married on site at the hall so you dont have to get limos. Also consider using a hall with a hotel attached or very nearby so you dont feel like you have to provide transportation.
Buy your dress at a sample sale if you really want a designer dress. Or go to Davids bridal $99 sales.
skip favors- no one will notice
cut back on the invitations- you can get beautiful ones for cheap. Or you can make your own.
if you do a unity candle, make your own.
use the halls toasting flutes and cake server
go to a salon for hair and makeup- it might be a lot less money than them comming to you.
get a basic DJ package without add ons.
Make your own programs or skip them.
Depending on your florist, if they charge for type of flowers, go for a flower with a large head- you will need less of them, therefore making the bo-k's cheaper. Think peonies, mums, sunflowers etc.
if I think of more I will add them.
mrsjpc3
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
try captain bills in bayshore. some pics in my album. we got an awesome price for november. FM for more info.
trojo1521
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
I know what saved DH and I the most money was having a Sunday brunch reception. We were able to have everyone we wanted and not break the bank.
krislee316
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
i second both those i checked them out myself and liked both very affordable good luck and happy planning
ohhhhhh another tip is to go to bridal showcases u can win some prizes that can help u out i went to one last night and a girl won a wedding videographer for FREE!!!
ETA: Manor East in Massapequa and Windows on the Lake , also Beach club Estate all have all inclusive
donegal419
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
you can totally do it under $20K...
I did and that included having 165 guests, a live band at my wedding, a videographer and our honeymoon!!!
I had my reception at Stewart Manor Country Club and they were very affordable!
We also looked at the Coral House in Baldwin, also very nice and affordable.
I cut back on flowers... no centerpieces or anything like that... just for the BP.
I went with a phtographer that also did video so that saved.
I also got married in february which really helped.
GOOD LUCK!
Check out my review!
SuzArtie69
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
Hi there,
I used Wedding sites and Services to find a place. It gives you names, capacity and price ranges. From there you can go into the RH sites for more info.
We got married at Douglaston Manor . They have great food, service and the cake was to die for. I highly recommend them. Their expos are usually in Sept/January.
We saved money by getting our invites from Party City and I loved them. We spent about $200 for 100 invites, this included everything that we need, along with color ink.
There's so many things you can cut back on. You can do some things yourself. For instance I spent $40 on untity candles, when all I had to do was buy a pretty ribbon and 3 candles. Dress them up yourself. We cut back on fresh flowers and used artifical centerpieces. We had a fall wedding, so I wanted pumpkins. I thought what we did was great. Pictures are in my albums. I found a piece that I liked an added to it.
I never wrote my review and this is pushing me to do so.
Have fun and any questions, please let me know.
SuzArtie69
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
Posted by SuzArtie69
Hi there,
I used Wedding sites and Services to find a place. It gives you names, capacity and price ranges. From there you can go into the RH sites for more info.
We got married at Douglaston Manor . They have great food, service and the cake was to die for. I highly recommend them. Their expos are usually in Sept/January.
We saved money by getting our invites from Party City and I loved them. We spent about $200 for 100 invites, this included everything that we need, along with color ink.
There's so many things you can cut back on. You can do some things yourself. For instance I spent $40 on untity candles, when all I had to do was buy a pretty ribbon and 3 candles. Dress them up yourself. We cut back on fresh flowers and used artifical centerpieces. We had a fall wedding, so I wanted pumpkins. I thought what we did was great. Pictures are in my albums. I found a piece that I liked an added to it.
I never wrote my review and this is pushing me to do so.
Have fun and any questions, please let me know.
BTW, I got all my other day of stuff at party city too, cake cutter, place cards, etc. Check out my albums
Kris2782
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
Posted by mandab
I got a really great deal at Larkfield Manor...I absolutely love them there...they do a FANTASTIC job!! They really worked with us and they provide a lot of the higher end stuff at a much cheaper price than I found at a lot of the other reception halls...there are 6 entree choices with 2nd's if people want, the bars in the reception room and in the cocktail hour are antiques and absolutely beautiful...the outside area is stunning with a huge beautiful granite and stone bar...valet parking, the cake is included...I can go on and on, but definitely check it out!! Their cocktail hour is amazing!! Marianne is a sweetheart, I would make an appt. and explain the situation to her!! I'm sure they'd be willing to work with you.
I can't wait to get married there!!
FM me if you want more info! Good Luck![/QUOTE ]
I second this! LArkfield is awesome and will work with you and your budget !
Lisafer1973
Posted:
Member since
Re: Long Island Bride in DESPERATE NEED of your advice!!!
Ok, breath! I was in the same boat. Check out Rock Hill. It is in Manorville on a Golf Course. He has a house DJ that only charges $1100 I think. And he is upstairs and noton the dance floor. They are on here check out his site. FM me and I can give you anything you want to know about it and the contact person.
