My first post here and I'm downright miserable

Original post by halfpintny

Nov 05, 2004 01:44 AM

Hello everyone! I am newly engaged (October 30th) My FH and I had the ring designed by Elsa so I knew it was coming and had already started planning in my head of where to have it, etc. So now I get the ring of my dreams and I figure I'm off to start planning the wedding of my dreams. First stop the Riviera. What's with this minimum for Saturday night? My mother agreed to pay for 100 people. So I called the North Ritz Club....200 people minium. Now my mother informs me that she was expecting to pay $50 a head and why can't I get a DJ for $500? I just got back from the expo at the Riviera and sat down with mom and explained that things cost a little more than they did 35 years ago (her dinner cost $11 a person). Now she says everything is way too expensive and can't pay for anything more than $5K. By my calculations the reception is 10K, DJ 1500, Photo 2K. Is there any advice anyone can give as to where I can have a 120 person wedding on a saturday night that has great food that is not way expensive? Are my figures accurate that it's going to cost 15K for a bottom of the range wedding? I'm so upset right now because I'm dissapointed. My FH who is the most wonderful man in the world said we should just elope now and forget about the wedding if it going to make me so upset...but not have a wedding? I don't think I could bare it. I'm sorry I just unburdened byself but I guess any input anyone has would be so appreciated. Thank you

ellengrisal Posted: Nov 05, 2004 01:30 PM

Re: My first post here and I'm downright miserable

A friend of mine had her reception at the Milleridge Inn (the smaller room about 110 people were there) on a Friday night and spent no more than 15K on EVERYTHING. The food was amazing, raw bar during cocktail hour and surf and turf for dinner. Honestly, it was the best food I've ever had at at wedding.

I'm not engaged yet, but anticipating the proposal will come soon and I know my parents are going to pull exactly what your mom did!! I feel for you. Best of luck!

LFitzy79 Posted: Nov 05, 2004 01:34 PM

Re: My first post here and I'm downright miserable

all is not lost, try the fox hollow, the westbury manor, cheteau le mer, timberpoint (really any of the lessings owned venues) and the harbor club. you might have to go off season (march/february/april) but they are a good bang for your buck, and they have some smaller rooms that they might negotiate on the saturday night guarantee. if you are like me, saturday evening is a priority, look around, don't get overwhelmed. remember, everything is negotiable, try to remove some of the emotion from it, and do your research. Good luck

Steffie05 Posted: Nov 05, 2004 04:40 PM

Re: My first post here and I'm downright miserable

Hello and welcome. I was also having a hrd time with the money. I picked a Saturday afternoon. That is the cheapest for a summer time wedding. It does also depend on the time of year that you are getting married. Good Luck with everything.

halfpintny Posted: Nov 06, 2004 09:39 PM

Re: My first post here and I'm downright miserable

I want to thank all of you out there who responded to this post. I cannot believe all the support and encouragement I have received! Boy....you really are brides helping brides! I am looking into Brentwood Country Club and the Milleridge Inn now. Both are reasonable and affordable (something I didn't think was possible thursday night!). I just got back from registering and my spirts are high. I look forward to counting on all you experienced people for guidance. THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

jensun Posted: Nov 06, 2004 10:24 PM

Re: My first post here and I'm downright miserable

If it is not that big a deal to you, it would be cheaper at most places to have it on a Fri night. Also Eastwind in Wading River is running a special app $50 per head ( might be $60) not sure of the details but you should give them a call. Most catering halls will cut you a break if you plan a winter wedding when they are a little bit slower.

Robinella Posted: Nov 07, 2004 12:40 PM

Re: My first post here and I'm downright miserable

I agree that money isnt everything. No matter how fancy your wedding is and how much you spend there will always be people who hate it and know someone who had a better wedding. Plan whats in your budget (or your moms) and do what you like..if you have to chip in with your own money so be it. But I believe that any wedding you go to where the bride is having a great time is an excellent wedding. A smile can say so much!!

chichila15 Posted: Nov 07, 2004 01:11 PM

Re: My first post here and I'm downright miserable

One other option is to have a 'shot-gun' wedding. A lot of reception halls go down in price on dates that are really close to the present. A friend of mine got married in Westchester & paid $65pp on a Sat, when his room choice normally went for $100pp.... they planned their wedding in 3 months, though.