On my 26th Birthday, my boyfriend (also one of my best friends since 6th grade!) proposed to me! I'm a very lucky girl :) That was two weeks ago... and in two weeks, I think I've made a little bit of progress.
Once the initial shock wore off, I started googling around and found LIWeddings.com. I had no idea where to set the budget, where to look, what to do first. All I know is that we're paying for it ourselves and we want it to be VERY low-budget, so that we don't have to go into debt to plan it.
In the past two weeks, we came up with a guest list of about 140 people. We shaved that down to about 110 and are even open to shaving it down to 90 or so. It all depends on what the lowest price per head we can get is.
We've set the budget at $8,000. I know this seems next to impossible, but I *think* we can do it. We're very flexible and aren't going to anything monumental here. We're just trying to share our day with our family and friends without breaking the bank.
As a result, we're considering a January 2012 wedding (6 months notice!), on a Sunday afternoon, Cocktail Reception style. One Bride's Maid, one Best Man, no limo, no sit-down dinner, no DJ, some photography. Also, my mom wants to buy me my dress, so we're not factoring that into the budget.
I'm hoping to get a date with a Hall on a day that they thought would not get booked in January. We are literally open to ANY time of year any weekend day and any style reception (except a dry one)!
I have meetings this Saturday with The Thatched Cottage, The Coral Room and Mediterranean Manor. I'm crossing my fingers, praying that we can get the price per head down to somewhere between $50-$60 per head. I know it'll be tough and involve lots of concessions, but I think we can do it, because we're so flexible. If we have to put something together in six months, I'll do it.
I will do anything it takes to come in under our $8,000 budget.
And I'm taking ANY and ALL suggestions, starting NOW. :)
Thank you, ladies!
jhines4684
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Re: Newbie with a plan (and budget!)
TC was $100 a head for me - but SOOO MUCH was included. Our wedding cost 14,000 - but we had 142 guests and we did add ons.
Rob and Robin
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Re: Newbie with a plan (and budget!)
Welcome and congrats!
I am also on a tight budget! I am getting married in my mom's backyard, so I am no help with RH, but I have lots of other budget-friendly ideas if you need help with anything else!
ChrisAnt1121
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Re: Newbie with a plan (and budget!)
I checked out the Coral House and it seemed nice and reasonable. We didnt try the food but it seemed like a nice place to have a party. The manager was willing to negotiate to a really low price as well!
Happy planning!!!!
csteen85
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Re: Newbie with a plan (and budget!)
You guys are great!
I've added the following places to my list based on your recommendations:
Chateau La Mer - Spoke to them... quoted me at $55 pp ++ for Sunday in Jan 2012 - seemed firm Fox Hollow Catering - looks GORGEOUS Jericho Terrace Larkfield Manor - Spoke to them... the guy John on the phone wasn't Mr. Personality, but he quoted me at $60 pp ++ Miller Surf Beach Club Miller Place Inn - Their packages look really great and also unique Sans Souci Smithtown Landing - Spoke to Rich... I'm excited about this one Swan Club The Riviera Watermill Westbury Manor
Currently, I'm most excited for The Thatched Cottage and Smithtown Landing, but I'm worried I won't get them down to where I need to be.
In the end, I don't care where we wind up. I just don't want to feel guilty about how much we spent.
Our list is 110 people, including four kids under 12 and another 2 over 12, so that helps a bit. It's really the tax and tip that kills me. $55 pp can quickly become $75 pp with 20% gratuity and tax. :(
We'll find something! Thank you for all of your help!
csteen85
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Re: Newbie with a plan (and budget!)
Posted by ChrisAnt1121
I checked out the Coral House and it seemed nice and reasonable. We didnt try the food but it seemed like a nice place to have a party. The manager was willing to negotiate to a really low price as well!
Happy planning!!!!
I spoke to Laurie on the phone tonight. She does seem really nice and accommodating. She's given us the lowest quote by far... it's Buffet style, which isn't bad, but the Cocktail Hour seems really scant. But how can you beat $49 pp ++ (for a Sunday in Jan 2012)?
I'll have a better idea when we go see it on Saturday. She also told us we could try the food when we come by. I'm open to it if it turns out to be the best option for us.
Thanks again! :)
FutureWifey
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Member since
Re: Newbie with a plan (and budget!)
Posted by csteen85
You guys are great!
I've added the following places to my list based on your recommendations:
Chateau La Mer - Spoke to them... quoted me at $55 pp ++ for Sunday in Jan 2012 - seemed firm Fox Hollow Catering - looks GORGEOUS Jericho Terrace Larkfield Manor - Spoke to them... the guy John on the phone wasn't Mr. Personality, but he quoted me at $60 pp ++ Miller Surf Beach Club Miller Place Inn - Their packages look really great and also unique Sans Souci Smithtown Landing - Spoke to Rich... I'm excited about this one Swan Club The Riviera Watermill Westbury Manor
Currently, I'm most excited for The Thatched Cottage and Smithtown Landing, but I'm worried I won't get them down to where I need to be.
In the end, I don't care where we wind up. I just don't want to feel guilty about how much we spent.
Our list is 110 people, including four kids under 12 and another 2 over 12, so that helps a bit. It's really the tax and tip that kills me. $55 pp can quickly become $75 pp with 20% gratuity and tax. :(
We'll find something! Thank you for all of your help!
I was just running it into my calculator... $60 pp for $100 people comes to $7821.
I booked a year ago for a Thursday during peak season (July) and I'm just out of that range at Fox Hollow... but I'm getting a full package. Since you said it's gorgeous, definitely check it out, but make sure you speak with David because he's just the best.
