I need a little help and advice for finding our reception site... I didn't think we were being that picky but after going through magazines and reading these message boards, I'm getting a little nervous.
We just moved to North Carolina so we're waiting two years until the wedding. I thought I'd be fine but I've called a few places and found out at least one is booked for my date. So now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and would like to look at at least one place when I'm on LI next weekend for a bachelorette party (I don't think I'll have time to see more than that unfortunately).
Here is what we're looking for: we'll have about 250-275 guests, we want to spend around $100 pp, we need to have the reception on site (I'd like to do it outside but it's not necessary), we want everyone to be able to sit at the CH, on the water would be nice but isn't necessary and we want to be the only wedding at the place. Is that being really picky?
I'm very interested in Eastwind but can anyone tell me the story there -- there is one wedding at a time at each little location? Can you see the people at the other locations?
Any suggestions of places would be great! So far reading this board obsessively has helped me rule out a few places, you guys are really helpful. Thanks in advance!
jackie&jim
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Re: Reception site for picky us
Also biased but I would check Vineyard Caterers... we are having the ceremony outside next to the vineyard... I think they would be within your price range too!
jill13bean
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Re: Reception site for picky us
Posted by lostbride
Majestic Gardens looks really nice (I know it's ridiculously picky but I think the name sounds cheesy), I'll put it on my list to call.
Flowerfield is definitely out of our price range, I wish it wasn't. Lands End is at the top of my list right now though...
Riviera is beautiful and reasonable and it is on the water
I was quoted almost the same price for Flowerfields.... Flowerfield was about $5 more a person and it requires different minimums
$105??????????????????? what!!!!
oh ok i just read for a sunday
lostbride
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Re: Reception site for picky us
Ok so Lands End is actually $120 for Sunday nights according to the menu they emailed me. I wonder why they told me $105 on the phone? That's might be doable, I think.
Vineyard Caterers looks perfect but a close family friend is having it there and there will be too many of the same guests. The Riviera is too small...
Anyone have more ideas?
My parents went to the Hamlet in Commack for me today but they were turned off by the idea of golfers walking through my CH...
I feel like there is nowhere to have our wedding!
Bride2B93
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Re: Reception site for picky us
Posted by lostbride
Ok so Lands End is actually $120 for Sunday nights according to the menu they emailed me. I wonder why they told me $105 on the phone? That's might be doable, I think.
Vineyard Caterers looks perfect but a close family friend is having it there and there will be too many of the same guests. The Riviera is too small...
Anyone have more ideas?
My parents went to the Hamlet in Commack for me today but they were turned off by the idea of golfers walking through my CH...
I feel like there is nowhere to have our wedding!
Just remember that you have to add tax and gratuity to the price that they quoted you!! It really adds up! Good Luck!!
holly231
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Re: Reception site for picky us
Call me biased too..but I am in love wiht East Wind....
There are several properties, each property hosts one at a time. And no, you do not see the other wedding parties unless you are checking into the Inn or you make an appt to have your pictures done on the grand staircase....
They will probably be within your price range (this is including the tax and grat)
With the amount of people you want, I would imagine you would have it at The Inn, that has the biggest room. It is also the newest, and beautiful
Good Luck!
FM me if you have any other Questions!~!
bridget&jimmy
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Re: Reception site for picky us
I too have to agree with the East Wind, I too wanted only one Wedding at a time, and this was a way to have it without the price. I know if you have your wedding in the Estate it is its own building with a seperate entrance. Also the Inn both rooms have there own entrance and seperated from each side. You will not see another wedding or bride unless they are checking into the Inn. But they even have designated areas that you can take pictures just for the purpose of not running into the other wedding. If you need more info let me know.
THE CRESCENT IN BAYVILLE IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL. THEY DO ONE WEDDING /PARTY AT A TIME AND IT IS RIGHT ON THE LI SOUND. THE CH IS HELD RIGHT ON THE BEACH. SINCE ITS A SUNDAY WEDDING I AM SURE THE PRICE WONT BE TO MUCH. GOOD LUCK
Johnnysbaby
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Re: Reception site for picky us
Hi,
Yes, remember that for $100 pp would be about an add'l $27 for tax and gratuity.
Have you looked into any of the Vinyards out east? Sorry I cant think of ther names off hand. I'm not sure how many people it can hold but I hear the Miller Place Inn is nice.
Its hard to find a place out East where there is only one affair at a time thats affordable.
Good Luck!
littlewilson
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Re: Reception site for picky us
Posted by lostbride
Ok so Lands End is actually $120 for Sunday nights according to the menu they emailed me. I wonder why they told me $105 on the phone? That's might be doable, I think.
The prices that these places provide on 'official' printed materials are starting points for negotiation. In general, these are the highest prices that you would possibly pay. If $105 was their first offer on the phone, I'd guess that they'd be willing to go even lower than that. You've got two strong bargaining points:
1 - The huge number of guests. This is a MAJOR bargaining point for you. Places will be willing to go much lower per head for large groups. Keep reminding them of the high minimum - they won't want to let you go somewhere else.
2 - The fact that you're willing to do this on a Sunday, and even more so, on a holiday weekend. This is less of a point than number 1, but still important. They are way less likely to sell a Sunday or holiday weekend wedding than other dates.
Good luck! It sounds like Land's End may be the one that fits your needs perfectly!
Giorgio's also can accomodate that, so can Bourne Mansion , the Watermill......and there are a few others as well... Is there any region in particular that you would prefer?
