Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

xtina27 Posted: Oct 05, 2011 07:45 PM

Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

hi ladies, this is my first post on the website but I must admit that I have been reading everyone else's post almost daily since I got engaged.
At this point, we have looked at a few locations (Woodbury Country Club, Bourne Mansion, Timber Point, Woodlands, Royalton) and we cant stop thinking about the Bourne Mansion. We liked the Royalton alot as well but it's a little over our budget. We just set up a 2nd appointment with the Bourne Mansion but there are a few things that make me unsure about it. The biggest things are the food and alcohol. As far as I know they only offer 'premium' alcohol which is not top shelf and they arent offering alot for the cocktail hour. The menu is very similar to timberpoint which is asking for a good amount less per person. I love the location but I want my guests to have a good time too. I would love to get anyone's opinions on what they would do and/or whether you have been to a wedding there and what you thought. Sorry for the long first post.

BklynBabe1624 Posted: Oct 05, 2011 08:28 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

Hello!! Congrats on your engagement. Maybe try to negotiate on some things. Premium liquor is good, would your guests know the difference?

Also, changing the time of year of when you are getting married also provides a significance price increase or decrease.

My suggestion to you is still shop around at other halls: Here are a few halls you can make appointments with, each has a great reputation for their service, food and alcohol.

Westbury Manor
Swan Club
Larkfield Manor
Giorgios
Crest Hollow Country Club
Watermill
Villa Lombardis
The Sand Castle

SMDC2012 Posted: Oct 05, 2011 08:54 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

Congrats and welcome!

I would take a look again and see if you can negotiate. Everything is negotiable. We added in and took out different types of alcohol for our contract, specific beers we wanted etc. Talk to them about what it is you want and see what they say. They may offer it at a little higher price or would be willing to substitute. You can also do that with the cocktail hour food as well.

Also, it looks like you're looking for your non-traditional wedding location so you might want to look at Bellport CC and Smithtown Landing CC. They are both similar in feel to Timber Point.

Hope that helps and Good Luck!

amandasmom Posted: Oct 05, 2011 11:18 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

Congratulations! You have time on your side, so take your time.

That said, we looked at many halls and the minute we toured Bourne we knew the search was over. But do not be afraid to negotiate for what you want. My daughter is getting married there in April of 2012 and we were able to come to an agreement that made us all happy.

Best wishes!

Royalgem21 Posted: Oct 05, 2011 11:55 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

Check out the Inn at New Hyde Park, it's beautiful!

9743470_1.jpg

jennybarbie Posted: Oct 06, 2011 11:53 AM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

you should check out crest hollow country club...

Peekaboo218 Posted: Oct 06, 2011 12:40 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

My brother and SIL got married at the Bourne Mansion and it was BEAUTIFUL! I honestly would have gotten married there, if:

A) They were available (they had no Summer 2012 dates available when I called)

B) I also wanted 'my own' place. I wanted my family to remember it for my wedding, not theirs.

Honestly, I loved everything about it. It's so historical and regal looking, yet it still has that South Shore beachy vibe. I loved the high ceilings, it made everything look bigger and boy, does the sound carry!

I'm personally not a fan of Timberpoint because of the location of the dance floor (and the lower ceilings). They're both Lessings-owned, so either way, you know you'll be in good hands.

Hope this helps!

chilly313 Posted: Oct 06, 2011 02:20 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

We are getting married a the View, which is another Lessings venue. FH was concerned about the 'premium' alchohol, because there were some things that he wanted very particular brands - so they are allowing us to bring in bottles on our own and they will put them behind the bar to have the bartenders serve. Yes, its an additional cost, but we loved the venue and this was the only thing holding us back from booking there. Once they said we could do that, we booked.

BobbyDsgirl Posted: Oct 06, 2011 07:20 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

Posted by Royalgem21

Check out the Inn at New Hyde Park, it's beautiful!

I'm 'inn' love I could look at these pictures all day

SummerBeauty Posted: Oct 06, 2011 09:51 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

I do love the Inn too.

PSP Posted: Oct 06, 2011 10:23 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

I love my place, it may be too far out east for most though, Raphael Vineyard on the north fork.
FI and I had on our list Bourne Mansion until we had a bad experience walking all the way out back to the water to check it out. Don't walk back there! Ticks galore!!! We almost stripped in the parking lot checking each other to make sure we got them all off. Never left a venue feeling so gross.

Turned us off the place immediately but then again the water is not anywhere near the main building. Geese droppings on the lawn weren't very nice either but tolerable. I think they need better maintenance and need to patch up the stonework on the ground in the back better for the amount you're paying, just in my opinion. I'm talking about the steps where the patchwork is a bit off and they just painted it over white, like at a school or something.

Sweetpea1 Posted: Oct 06, 2011 11:35 PM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

Yes I agrree with brooklynbabe, continue to shop around and add the Coral House to your list. Congratulations

jovigirl414 Posted: Oct 07, 2011 12:23 AM

Re: Recently Engaged......deciding on a reception hall

Congratulations, and welcome to your newest addiction!

You will find that Bourne and Timber Point have similar menus because they are both Lessings venues. My wedding was at Smithtown Landing, also Lessings, and everything was amazing! No one had a problem with the 'premium' alcohol either - they seemed to have everything requested!

Feel free to ask any questions, that's what we are here for!