My fiance and I became engaged in August & have been actively looking at venues (21 so far) throught NY & NJ. We've narrowed our search down to NYIT's de Seversky Center in Old Westbury & The Old Field Club in Setauket. We're expecting approx 85 - 90 ppl to show (105 invited) and we're down to the food tastings. The Old Field Club is considerably cheaper, but so far the Catering Manager has been a bit difficult to deal with. He's told us numerous times he doesnt normally do tastings (how can you book a place and spend $15-$20-something thousand and never have tried the food), and even told us that he didn't know if our dates were still available (when all 6 options were open the week prior). Initially I was leaning more towards the Old Field Club b/c of the savings, but the manager's attitude (before even booking) is making us a little apprehensive. Can anyone give tell us if they've had similar experiences? Does he get better once you book? Is there someone else there we can deal with? Is he more responsive after you've booked w/him?
I must say, to date NYIT has been great! They've been responsive, polite, professional, but they are considerably more expensive so I'm I little torn. My fiance and I don't want to choose a place b/c of $$ ONLY to have our day ruined. At the same time, I don't want to pass up on a venue I really like b/c I'm misreading a catering manager. Help!! I'd welcome any stories of either venues. Thanks!!
mokie74m
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
I looked at Old Field Club back in February and I didn't like the BM either. I believe his name was Tom. He rushed us through when he was showing us the facility, he didn't even sit down with us and go over the details, menus, etc. He acted like we were bothering him. So i went with another site.
JMO but if your having a hard time with him now what's it going to be like later on.
BarbieGrl10
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
I can only tell you that as a member of the Old Field Club ( for over 10 years) I eat there all the time and the food is amazing every time I go!!!!!!!!!
Nitania13
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
That was exactly what he did to us too! We had a 3pm appt. and were there ontime (I never want to be a late bride). When we arrived he acted like he had no idea who I was and said 'Well I have a wedding starting soon that I have to set up for so I don't have much time' (mind you we'd driven over an hour and a half from Queens). My fiance told him 'Fine, but you also made an appt w/us so we need to see the place'. I guess he didn't like that, and proceeded to rush us through the place. We loved the look of the place and were super nice to him, but everytime we interact w/him he acts like we're pestering him (and mind you I'm not one of those brides to call 100/day). We're trying to schedule a tasting (which has become a mission). Does anyone know of anyone else there I can deal with? Or is he the do all, end all there?
MrsList09
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
If he's like this now, he'll be like this later too. My advice is to just ditch the Old Field Club and go with NYIT. NYIT is closer to where you live, there are some great photo locations near here (Planting Fields Arboretum, C.W. Post Arboretum, a bunch of places in Roslyn) and you won't have all the hassle. I've never been to either place but I can tell you that his attitude will only get worse.
Espo22
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
not 100% sure but doesnt de seversky center have alot of rules about things you cant do. I know its one of those places and im thinking it might be de seversky that has alot of rules. Maybe something to think about then.
laurak102476
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
My sister got married at the de Seversky Center in November of 2006. It was absolutely beautiful. She had 90 people and everything was perfect! The food was incredible, the people there were all SO incredibly nice, and the grounds there are absolutely beautiful.
Nitania13
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
I'm not sure what you've heard, so I can only speak from my experience w/de Seversky and so far there haven't been any crazy rules. The only one I can think of is they don't allow open flames on the fireplace mantles b/c of obvious reasons (but you can use flameless candles). Other than that, they haven't told us too many 'no's'. Maybe it's one of the other mansions? I even missed the last tasting and can't make the next one (having heart surgery the day before - yippee, lol) so they set up a private tasting for us last night in a back room during a wedding where we'd be out of site. It was really nice actually. But again, they're a lot more money so I guess you get what you pay for...I wish Old Field had more than one BM.
hpercyz
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
I'm getting married at the old field club, and initially Tom was a concern of mine too. What I've heard from girls who've gotten married there (on this website and also good high school friends since I grew up in the area) is nothing but RAVE reviews! Tom is totally focused on you as the wedding nears and day of, and I don't think he tries so hard when you're looking at the place b/c I don't think they really need the business so badly. They're funded by there members and it doesn't seem like they need the additional income to survive. They've been super accomidating with our payments and one thing he told me was that he's awful with email.
I would check out other bride's reviews who have gotten married there b/c they all say Tom was excellent. And I also was told the food is excellent by my friend who just got married there in July! Push for a tasting b/c ya never know! Also, please FM me with any additional questions!
Nitania13
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
Thanks! I'd really appreciate anyone else who has had a weddding there, been to a wedding there or is going to have a wedding there. The more 'Yays' or 'Nays' I get, the better I can feel about a decision either wya! Thanks ladies for making my 1st post so informative!
stefandken
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
i had my engagment party there... everyone raved about how good the food was and how nice the place was... FM me for details....
I've never heard of old field club.. so im no help there
Nitania13
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
Thanks!
Nitania13
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
UPDATE: So I did a tasting at both venues and I have to say that OFC BLEW away NYIT. Don't get me wrong, the food at NYIT was very good. But my mother, fiance & I agreed it was a bit bland and would require some flavor enhancements. We did our tasting there first (on Sunday) and thought that if we went w/them that we'd just inform them that it was bland. We excused it to ourselves saying 'well maybe they customize it to ppl's liking' or 'maybe they don't want to over salt stuff b/c of ppl's different needs'. The quality was great though, so I really can't knock NYIT. It is a great place.
That being said though, it can't hold a candle to the food at OFC. Forget OFC being the best wedding food I've ever tasted, it was one of the best meals I've had in ages, PERIOD. And I go out constantly in Manhattan, Queens and LI, trying different great restaurants. We went there last night for our tasting, walking in 99% sure we were gonna get married at NYIT, and walked out having completely changed out tune. My fiance was the hardest sell since he's been dealing w/the difficult BM the most, but in the end we walked away thinking OFC could be it. We're going back on Sat to try some Hor D'Oeuvres and show my mother the place. We're also going to look at the Hamlet Gold & Country Club and try a tasting there before we decide for sure, but I had to let everyone know the results.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and gave me their various insights and opinions. I welcome any other insight or feedback on any of the venues. Please feel free to post or FM me. Thanks!!
lizzie217
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
Just to add..if the place is being unwelcoming BEFORE you book that isnt a good sign. They are supposed to be nice and woo you it is a service they are providing. JMO do not know anything @ the place just my reaction .
lauraandrob2009
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
I'm not sure if you've already seen Aug07OFCbride and her review of the Old Field Club but when I first joined LIW I was totally convinced I wanted to do Old Field Club. In fact, the only reason I didn't was that most of our family and friends are from Nassau county and further West so it would have been a total hike to get out there. When I went to see it though, I loved it. And i can see what you are saying about Tom. But I would agree with the earlier comment that they don't 'have to' impress people to get married there because they have members...I don't think that means they want to be rude but do think if you are patient and really want to do it there, it will be great - look at Aug07OFCbride's review...she had one of the most amazing wedding's I've seen on this entire website. Just my opinion. Good luck!
Aug07OFCbride
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
Yes, he absolutely gets better after booking and totally pulled through on everything day-off. Any worries I had beforehand were a waste of time. As the date approaches especially, he is much more in contact and faster about getting back. I don't have a single regret about the OFC. Not to mention, once I had heard positive things from every single person to have eaten the food, I didn't care about not having a tasting. Just keep in mind, and others have said it, OFC doesnt run itself like a wedding factory (and thats what I loved about it). GL making your decision! FM w/ any questions. Check out my review for more info.
Aug07OFCbride
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
Posted by lauraandrob2009
I'm not sure if you've already seen Aug07OFCbride and her review of the Old Field Club but when I first joined LIW I was totally convinced I wanted to do Old Field Club. In fact, the only reason I didn't was that most of our family and friends are from Nassau county and further West so it would have been a total hike to get out there. When I went to see it though, I loved it. And i can see what you are saying about Tom. But I would agree with the earlier comment that they don't 'have to' impress people to get married there because they have members...I don't think that means they want to be rude but do think if you are patient and really want to do it there, it will be great - look at Aug07OFCbride's review...she had one of the most amazing wedding's I've seen on this entire website. Just my opinion. Good luck!
didnt see this til after posting. thx laura!
Aug07OFCbride
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
Posted by abrennan01
I've never been to either place but I can tell you that his attitude will only get worse.
Not true, he pulls thru.
Aug07OFCbride
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
Posted by Nitania13
UPDATE: So I did a tasting at both venues and I have to say that OFC BLEW away NYIT. Don't get me wrong, the food at NYIT was very good. But my mother, fiance & I agreed it was a bit bland and would require some flavor enhancements. We did our tasting there first (on Sunday) and thought that if we went w/them that we'd just inform them that it was bland. We excused it to ourselves saying 'well maybe they customize it to ppl's liking' or 'maybe they don't want to over salt stuff b/c of ppl's different needs'. The quality was great though, so I really can't knock NYIT. It is a great place.
That being said though, it can't hold a candle to the food at OFC. Forget OFC being the best wedding food I've ever tasted, it was one of the best meals I've had in ages, PERIOD. And I go out constantly in Manhattan, Queens and LI, trying different great restaurants. We went there last night for our tasting, walking in 99% sure we were gonna get married at NYIT, and walked out having completely changed out tune. My fiance was the hardest sell since he's been dealing w/the difficult BM the most, but in the end we walked away thinking OFC could be it. We're going back on Sat to try some Hor D'Oeuvres and show my mother the place. We're also going to look at the Hamlet Gold & Country Club and try a tasting there before we decide for sure, but I had to let everyone know the results.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and gave me their various insights and opinions. I welcome any other insight or feedback on any of the venues. Please feel free to post or FM me. Thanks!!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed the food. PS- the hors d'oeuvres were our fav! Everyone devoured them, esp Bacon wrapped scallops!
soontoobemrsk
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Re: NYIT's de Seversky Center vs. Old Field Club
I havent been to a wedding at either but I was very turned off by the feeling of being rushed that i kept getting from tom, both on the phone and in person. If they dont need the business, thats fine, but they dont need to be rude.
On the other hand, everyone who has had a wedding at OFC or been to a wedding there has said the food there was AMAZING, so apparently they are consistent.
Personally, food is the thing people remember most about a wedding...not to mention you would be saving money at OFC. I would book there and hope that his attitude changes. I would take the girls opinions who have had their weddings there very seriously bc they have experienced tom throughout the entire planning process. Apparently he gets better GL!
