I am not happy today..and today is not a good day to be upset since it is Christmas Eve :( I am very worried about my choice of reception hall.
Ill give you a little background. I live in Pittsburgh (for those of you who dont know) so its quite a hike for me to come into LI. When I was in town for Thanksgiving we started looking at reception halls. The first places we looked at were Medeterranean Manor and Pine Hollow inn. Both places were not anything fancy and I was not happy with the quality of the halls.
The next day, I saw there was an expo at Windows on the Lake. We went there and the food was great and the view was great as well. When i went back home I called to follow up and found out the dates were booking fast so was forced to make a fast decision. We booked Beach Club Estates (since they are planning on doing a complete interior/exterior renovation).
However, more and more everytime I read reviews about Windows or BCE it gets me nervous because there are so many mixed reviews (both good and bad!) I dont know what to do. I am nervous that I made a wrong decision and jumped the gun with booking. I already but a *(@# load of money down and I dont want to lose deposits because we are on a tight budget (which is why we went with a Thursday night wedding).
I wish I heard nothing but good things. Is everyone hearing mixed reviews about their halls or am i the only one and im screwed? I wish i had a chance to look at other halls..i assumed this was the only nice one with waterfront location that I can afford (since we are getting married on Thursday night it is only $60 a head).
Ugh....this stinks!! I dont want my wedding to be bad. I want nothing but good raves from everyone when they leave my special day!
2007 Crescent Bride
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Re: Really upset and worried!
I looked at halls one day and picked the best one. I ended up regretting my decision and decided to book another hall. I will lose all my money from the first hall (2 deposits) if no one books it. If someone books the date, then I only end up losing $1000.
What did the reviews say about your hall? You said they are renovating. Which is always a wonderful thing. I wouldn't worry about it. I think all halls get mixed reviews. Cheer up!!!
FutureMrsCarrieri
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You listed two big positives! You already tried the food and loved it. The place is being renovated -- all new stuff!
Get a great dj or band and I think your guests will have a great time!
coley1027
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i agree, if you tasted the food already then thats a huge thing you dont need to worry about! most people only remember the food, and the music from weddings so if you get a great dj, or band then you should have no problems your wedding day
tlp123
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Re: Really upset and worried!
Most halls have mixed reviews. Things can be very subjective when it comes to hall preference. Some people love some food while others don't. What type of things have you heard about the hall? Try to bring up some of your concerns with your banquet manager so you can try to head off any problems.
Also, don't put too much pressure on yourself to have a 'perfect day'. We all want a perfect day, but unforseen things happen, so take them as they come. You loved the view and the food, so relax. Nothing bad has happened so far.
babieblueeyez96
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im sure youll be fine, whay are the bad reviews saying?
kokomo181
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Some of the bad reviews were just that some of the people had some dry beef (could of just been an off day)...or that they butted heads with one of the guys who works there (who is a little car salesmanish) but all the other people there were nice! He isn't mean he just is a blunt guy..a real 'New Yorker' stereotype if I say (and since im from new york im allowed to say) just cause hes loud.
Luckily I don't think my family is that picky. Im only having 90-100 guests. Plus a little alcohol in them and they'll be fine :) At least i spent extra money to book 2 guys for DJ (1 MC/1 DJ) so they should have fun I hope!
Alexandra1028
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Every hall has mixed reviews, you tasted the food so thats a huge plus!!! I really wouldnt worry, Im sure your day will be amazing!
KSquared
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No matter where you book you'll see mixed reviews. All that really matter is what you think, and you've already mentioned you were happy with the place. I totally understand where you're coming from and I felt the same way at one point, then I realized that I'm marrying my best friend and as long as that happens, the day will be perfect. I'm sure this feeling will pass, try to focus on the good reviews you've read.
kokomo181
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THanks everyone just wanted to make sure I wasnt only one having second thoughts/ or being scared at one point
MsPotterhead
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I second guess every choice I make, its totally normal. The place is on the beach, isn't it? What could be wrong with that?! You chose it because you loved it, trust your gut decision, no place is perfect. I ate at Nobu once and wasn't crazy about my food--- no place is going to have 100% positive reviews. Your wedding will be wonderful!
As someone who also lives in Pittsburgh and is planning a Long Island wedding, I know what you are going through! I'm sure you will understand what I am saying without me coming across the wrong way... that your Pittsburgh guests will think your Long Island wedding is like nothing they've ever seen before and that you have nothing to worry about! Your day will be fantastic!
But I am sure that you are just questioning your decision since you had to make it so fast, I almost went through the same thing last year. Just tell yourself this... there had to be something about the reception hall that you saw that made you fall in love. There had to be a reason that you saw your dream day taking place there. Otherwise there is no way you would've signed that contract. I am sure everything will work out fine!
Let me know how the Pittsburgh/LI planning goes! What part are you from?
iwannabmrsD
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Re: Really upset and worried!
every hall.. i mean EVERY HALL.. has mixed reviews.. if you liked it. your guests will LOVE it.. don't stress bout that.. there is so much more stuff you can stress about.. lol.
like u'r dress.. will it come in on time.. u'r bridesmaids-will they get on u'r nerves u'r mom-will she get on u'r nerves u'r invitaitons-will they have errors u'r flowers-will they be wilted u'r limos- will they arrive on time, will they break down in the middle of the road u'r dj. will he get people to dance..
i could go on and on and on and on.. i'm sure other ladies could as well.. despite the reviews on my hall, that is the ONE THING i'm not worried about.. u'll be fine!! JUST FINE!!!
BunnyBears
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i have heard good things about windows on the lake. .- is beach club estate a part of that rh? (confused : ) ) if so no worries.
LauraD419
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My fh's aunt had her wedding there just under 2 years ago and it was beautiful. Also, BCE is in suffolk county. They have a law that they must refund all of your money less $100 if you cancel within a certain amount of time. If you're not happy, I would shop around. You shouldn't lose too much $$. Good luck!!
Kirby
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Re: Really upset and worried!
Don't worry--I went through the same fears! Like everyone said I believe every hall has its positives and negatives. Also, I don't know if they showed you the ideas for the renovation but it looks like the BCE is going to be gorgeous! So you will be a lucky bride.
I was booked for BCE for this upcoming April, and a couple of weeks ago they informed us of the renovations (never heard a peep when booking a year ago though ) They thought they would be done by April but apparently they are running behind schedule a but. (Shold be done by June though) At first I was shocked and angry and felt as though the reviews were right, but they were very accommodating and are now moving us to Windows on the Lake which is definitely going to be a money losing step for them. So I think, in the end they stand by their word for keeping the bride happy and wanting your wedding to go as smoothly as possible--and the food was great so that's one of the most important parts.
keep your head up!
LIprincess
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Don't worry.. there will always be mixed review on any vendor you choose. Just think positively (even though i know it can be difficult).
DCLM726
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There will always be both good and bad reviews about a place. I have been to a wedding at Windows on the Lake (its sister hall) and it was very nice. I wouldnt worry about it. Plus, you are getting a brand new revonated hall. You cant go wrong with that!
TrueLoveIn2008
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Re: Really upset and worried!
Please do not worry. My sister got married at the beach club estate in 2004 and to this day, she still gets compliments. All her friends tell her it was the best wedding that they have ever been to. The food was great, the service was wonderful, and it was really fun (especially the bowling alley!). I only hope my wedding is as fun as hers. Please, do not worry. It's a great place with a GREAT view. Your pictures will be wonderful, too. Trust your decision! I know it's hard when you only looked at a few places but you did pick a good one.
