Reception Hall Advice

Hi ladies. I'm new to this, I just signed up tonight. I was engaged on New Years Day. My fiance and I just started looking at reception sites. I've seen Watermill and Villa Lombardis. I'm going to Wesbury Manor and Milleridge Inn next week. We're looking for March of 2006. I would appreciate any advice you have on food, service, atmosphere etc...Also, any other locations that I haven't mentioned that you really love.

Thanks!
Jenn

Hi!!! Congrats and welcome!!!

HI Jenn! Congrats, and good luck. i'm getting married in 4 weeks at the villa, and i must say, there attention to detail thus far has been unbelievable. The amount of food that your guests would get is insane, not to mentions delicious. I've been to many food tastings there. Also, my brother is getting married at the watermill in october...another beautiful place. Have been to weddings there and the atmosphere and food have always been good.

Hope this helps, let me know if youwant anymore details!

Good luck planning!
christine

Hi

Christine,

I loved both the Watermill and Villa. Villa is a bit more $$ but I was really impressed by them. The menu looked like a bible. They give you so much food. My fave thing about Villa is the glass pavilion. OMG, it's beautiful in there! I'm sure you are going to have an amazing wedding. I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!!!

Congrats!
Jenn

Congrats and Happy Planning!!

check out hamlet willow creek!!! Im super biased!!!

Congratulations! I've heard great things about Watermill and Villa! You should also try Fox Hollow. Its not too far from Westbury Manor and Milleridge. Have fun looking!

one piece of advise I can give you so that you don't drive yourselves nuts. Narrow down what you like instead of going everywhere. For example, if a place that only does one wedding at a time is what you want. You can take a lot of places off of your list right away. If it doesn't matter, then narrow it down using different characteristics. Most places are all very beautiful but for us, one wedding at a time was a must. Also, outside beauty is what we searched for so that we could hold the ceremony on site. The banquet manager's personality was something else that drew us to a place.

Check out Majestic Gardens if you need outside beauty and one wedding at a time. If you're willing to go far east on LI check out the vineyards, or Raphael's vineyard. I love vineyard weddings!!

Welcome Jenn-I agree with what another bride said about figuring out what you like and dislike before you make yourself crazy. My big thing was that I didnt want any other bride in the building at the same time, so I looked at East Wind (the Inn has two brides at once but not the Estate or Country Gardens) also I really like Miller Place Inn.

Best of luck!

The BETS advice I can give you is to narrow it down, think about the size, cost, formality and atmosphere of your wedding, then think about a few characteristics you want.

!) What price range do you need?
2) How many people do you need the hall to hold maximum? How many can you guarnatee minimum?
3) Do you need kosher food?
4) Do you want the wedding to be one wedding at a time?
5) Do you want the wedding on the water, at a mansion, at a country club, etc
6) What locations Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, brooklyn is best? What is unacceptable?

Then with these question in mind, get a copy of wedding sides and services maagzine and go through it. It has the site name and location, type of food, #of weddings at a time, price range, capacity, photos and other info. As you go through cross out anything thats too far, too big or too small, too expensive, or doens;t match your other criteria. You may want to cross out anything that's just not your style. For me I crossed off anything with lorts of mirrors and neon lights. Circle the ones that really appeal to you. Then you'll ahve your short list and you can come to LIW and look at reviews and pics and see what other rbides are saying about those halls and then set up some appointments. Don't be afraid to cross halls of fthe list. if your short list doens't work, you can always go back and revise, but making that short list WILL help. I really think with so much out there, there WILL be something that meets ALL of your needs!

best of luck!

Cheaper than buying the magazine, check out the site...the other one is good too. I agree with Mary, go with what you like, you are your own best judge. Good luck!

www.receptionhalls.com

www.weddingsitesandservices.com

Well, most of the brides have already given you the advice I was going to pass on--so, all I can say is Welcome--and best of luck in your planning!!! Congrats!!!

Congratulations on your engagement - and welcome!