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Reception Location - Need Help!!!

FFsBride Posted:

Reception Location - Need Help!!!

Hi All!

I'm new on here and really excited about joining the site. FH and I got engaged back in June but we first spent time planning an engagement party (we went kind of big with that) and now we're finally making a decision on a catering hall. I could really use some help deciding on a venue.

I'm deciding between:
1) Leonard's of Great Neck and
2) Chateau Briand

I'll take any advice/opinions about both places. (food,service, quality, maitre'd, bar service etc...)

I will be having both the reception and ceremony at the catering hall. My main concerns are:
- food: both taste and need lots of it
-service: both the waitors and bar service - I need very good bar service (FH is a firefighter so his whole fire house will be there ...at the bar all night lol)
-I also want a place that will cater to what I want that day and stick to their word if something is promised to me

I really don't know anything about these places because I have never attended a wedding at either venue =/

Also, at Leonards I would have the upstairs ballroom, does anyone know if they have a balcony up there that is open for guests to use? (I've heard they have one that might only be open for the bridal party) - I wanted to get a cigar roller for the reception but I need a place for people to go outside and smoke!

Thank you!!
FutureMrsDe Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I have herd a lot of mixed reviews about Leondards, do your home work on the site and read other brides experiences. It seems like there are a ton of 2011ers going to Chatue I havent been there in years but it looks really nice.

JLWSJC Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I personally didn't look at Leonards simply because of the sheer number of weddings they do at a time.

I hear a lot more positive things about CB than I do about Leonards, but that's just through the grapevine.
ellie424 Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I don't know much about either location...but I just wanted to say congrats and welcome!!!!!!
FutureMrsLMS Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I am booked at Leonards..loved it and before choosing Leonards I saw about 15 RHs in Queens and Long Island. I did not see Chateaubriand only because they dont accomodate smaller weddings (Im at 40-60 guests).
Leonards offered me the best price and their food was fantastic. I highly recommend going there for a food tasting. FM me w any questions about the booking process. I will be meeting with them in a few months to go over the menu but so far I have had a positive experience..

be aware that some of the negative reviews of Leonards, esp those before 2004-2005 were because of a change in management.
harts2976 Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I Never went to Leanards. But if there is a certain modern look you want def CB. I saw it and absolutely fell in love!!! Food is awesome too FH a chef and that was major! Good lUck

HSsweethearts Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I've heard similar things about Leonards and a lot of weddings at once and paper thin walls, etc.

justnicethings Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I've been to both places. Definitely liked CB more.
If you're having a wedding during warm weather months, that outdoor courtyard for cocktail hour is GORGEOUS. I was totally surprised.
Notwedyet08 Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I've never been to Leonards but haven't heard too many good things about them but like a prior poster said maybe that was during some changes in management.
Cb is having a bridal showcase this wednesday. You might be able to taste a little food there and at least get a good idea of what they offer if you've never been....my choice between the two would be CB.

Good luck!
kimmaymb20 Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

Ok im VERY biased but everytime I go to CB the food is outstanding. The Bar service is great. The whole staff at CB is wonderful. I was just at a wedding for a fellow LIW at the begining of the month and of course it was nothing less then wonderful. Plus you will not find a CH room like the Eurpoa at CB everyone will be able to sit and the booths were recently redone and they look HOT. Oh and you get so much food there is nothing to worry about especially for the prices they are so reasonable.

if you have any other questions FM me.
Bee12 Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

Chateau Briand...

FFsBride Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

Wow, thank you these responses were extremely helpful!

Meanwhile I brought FH to Chateau Briand yesterday because he wasn't with me the first time I met with the banquet manager ... and well, he loved it so we booked! :)

10/09/11

I hope the weather will still be nice then to use the outdoor area - it is absolutely gorgeous

Thank you again! so excited :)
harts2976 Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I booked mine back in Nov. and they said in Oct they were able to use the outside. they have heaters that don't even look like they are heaters!!! CONGRATS!

scooby8323 Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

Congrats on booking your hall!!
HSsweethearts Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

I've seen pics of that outdoor area--it looks amazing

justnicethings Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!


Posted by FFsBride

Wow, thank you these responses were extremely helpful!

Meanwhile I brought FH to Chateau Briand yesterday because he wasn't with me the first time I met with the banquet manager ... and well, he loved it so we booked! :)

10/09/11

I hope the weather will still be nice then to use the outdoor area - it is absolutely gorgeous

Thank you again! so excited :)



wedding month twins!!!!!
Notwedyet08 Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

YAY!! COngrats for booking!!!

jenn_eric Posted:

Re: Reception Location - Need Help!!!

Congrats! You'll be there the week after us!

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