Hello, I'm new to the forum but I've been reading it everyday for the past week and finally decided to join.
Originally, I wanted to have a backyard wedding for October 2010 in my mom's yard. She said yes... but now she's having second thoughts. I understand all of her concerns. My FH and I want something small and intimate. We're aiming for 75 guests. I thought the backyard would be the perfect venue and would allow me to be a bit more creative.
Has anyone had a backyard wedding? Please offer me some advice!
In the meantime I'm also looking at halls. We've visited Timber Point and I thought it was nice, very budget friendly, however I want something different than the typical reception hall wedding.
In other words, I'm thoroughly confused and already overwhelmed. HELP!
Im getting Married
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
Welcome & Congrats
If you want halls that have low minimums these are the ones I visited
Westbury Manor ~ Saturday night 60 min Swan Club ~ Sunday evening 70 min Coral House ~ Sunday evening 50 or 60 (can't remember)
I also beleive Jericho Terrace has a low min as well.
check out the west sayville country club - they are also lessings but I think would cater best to the amount of people u want. Their minimum is 75 guests...
GiannisWifey
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
CONGRATS! Welcome!!
I think backyard weddings are really nice BUT they are a lot of work and at times can be very expensive. My cousin had her e-party in her parent's backyard for about 85 people and when all was said and done, she said it cost her more to have it in the backyard than at a hall/restaurant.
IMO, I would look for a hall that fits your buget and minimum and have it there. The weather can be very tricky. You would probably rent a tent in your parents backyard but if it is cold, hot, rainy, humid, etc., it might be uncomfortable. Atleast when you have it at a hall, rain or shine you can still dance and enjoy the day!!
Leonards really works with your budget and has some rooms that have lower minimums....
Good luck and happy planning!
JAAMS
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I just wanted to say welcome & congrats!!
I don't know much about backyard weddings, but I do know that Westbury Manor has a smaller room!
Lucky2010
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
Yeah, it looks like it would work out to be the same or less having it in a hall than at home and definitely less stressful.
Like I said I want to do something more unique and I guess I'm also looking for suggestions on some lesser known halls or locations to rent, etc or places that are very accommodating, offer different things, etc.
Anything would help at this point!
amarra121
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
Congratulations and welcome to the addiction have you thought about a destination wedding? Its the same feel as a backyard wedding and the ceremony would be extremely intimate. A girl i work with is having a destination wedding and says that it is extremely budget friendly also.
grkbarbie
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
welcome to the boards!
jericho terrace has a minimum of 75 guests in the Oak room.
backyard weddings are awesome, but its a lotttttt of work.
FrenchToast13
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
My dad and step-mom offered up their backyard to us, but when FI and I sat down and started going through what we'd have to do, it all seemed so overwhelming, and like it could definitely end up costing more in the long run. We went with Smithtown Landing - they have a 60 person minimum (I think) for the room we're using, although we'll end up with more than that I'm sure..... Plus, Donna is *awesome* to work with! GL! FM me for more info.
Lucky2010
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I thought about a destination wedding. It's not entirely off the table...
I should add that most of our guests will be friends and not family. My FH will only have his mother and brother and I will have about 20 family members on my side.
jcreilly
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Welcoma and congrats
Spring143
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Posted by StaceYums81
check out the west sayville country club - they are also lessings but I think would cater best to the amount of people u want. Their minimum is 75 guests...
i agree . Also swan club, lombardis in port jeff.
MarjorieFrank
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
WELCOME and CONGRATS!!!!
A backyard wedding does seem ideal as a thought, but sometimes when it is brought into pracitce and reality it ends up being very costly and so much work! Definitely call around and see how much $ everything would cost and then weigh your options. Good Luck!
01ELLIE
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Welcome! I think a backyard wedding would be great but like many of the other girls already said...it will be alot of work and it might even end up being more expensive than having it at a RH.
My wedding ceremony will be in my parents backyard. But my reception will be at a hall.
Good Luck with everything
JAAMS
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
How about one of the vineyards? That is something different
Oh! Also maybe check out the Deep Hollow Ranch.
amandah75
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We are having a backyard reception. Having it catered by Garage Eatery with a bbq and other hot foods, renting tents, tables and chairs, getting the nicer portopotties to alleviate any fears my mother had about people going in and out of the house, my father will be building a dance floor to save the grass and we're having fun with the decorating. We'll have about 210 people at our reception. Between the reception and the full day wedding photo shoot we're having we should be under $8000. We liked the idea of a backyard reception because it can be as long as we want it to be. We are supplying the alcohol and will have lots of snacks and probably heroes so there will be plenty for people to stay for after the caterer leaves. It's not fancy by any means, but definitely more our style.
halfbaked
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Re: New here - Backyard wedding?
Posted by GiannisWifey
CONGRATS! Welcome!!
I think backyard weddings are really nice BUT they are a lot of work and at times can be very expensive. My cousin had her e-party in her parent's backyard for about 85 people and when all was said and done, she said it cost her more to have it in the backyard than at a hall/restaurant.
IMO, I would look for a hall that fits your buget and minimum and have it there. The weather can be very tricky. You would probably rent a tent in your parents backyard but if it is cold, hot, rainy, humid, etc., it might be uncomfortable. Atleast when you have it at a hall, rain or shine you can still dance and enjoy the day!!
Leonards really works with your budget and has some rooms that have lower minimums....
Good luck and happy planning!
Ditto! It usually works out to be more pricey and more hassle to do a backyard affair. If you're looking for something different why not look into museums or parks or restaurants (especially since you're planning on having a smaller, more intimate group.) I think I the Brides Helping Brides board they even have a thread about more off the grid reception venues. I'll look for it and see if I can link it over here. I'm not exactly tech savvy.
my cousin just went to a wedding at swan club on saturday afternoon, she said it was a very nice, small, intimate affair and everyone was really pretty w/ the CH out in the garden. May be worth a try!
I am having my reception at fox hollow but i am not sure of their minimum, but try them as well!
Tonys_Girl_03
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Welcome and Congrats!
I originally wanted a backyard wedding, but it is soooo much work. But I did like the idea of a vineyard wedding, so I looked into a few, but I ultimately decided on my RH.
Palmer Vineyards is really pretty. Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyards is very quaint. Raphael's is gorgeous, but pricey. My suggestion would be drive out east one day just check them all out, don't forget to sample the wine!!
Try the Riviera in Massapequa. When we started looking they were the most reasonably priced and allowed a 75 person minimum. They only do one wedding at a time and they are right on the water so they have gorgeous views!
