Reception Sites - feedback requested

Hi; We're planning for April or May of 2001 and traveling (from Boston) to Long Island next weekend to look at reception sites. The groom-to-be grew up there, not me, and I'm not familiar with any of the sites listed in the magazines. We're inviting about 200 people, expecting about 160 - 175 to attend and would like to stay under $70 per plate (hoping to get some nice "extras" if we go that high too. I think the ceremony will be at a church in Bayside,Queens but we may consider an on-site ceremony too. Western or Central Nassau Cty. are our first choices for a location for the reception.

We're considering visiting the following places and would appreciate any feedback, positive or negative. Our time will be limited (2 days) so please let me know if I should avoid even looking at some of these. Additional suggestions are welcome !!!

Can I make a recommendation about the Coral House? My friend just went to a wedding there this weekend, and I feel the need to warn you. She said that there was grafitti on the walls for the outside ceremony, and bird poo on the skylights in the room that they had. Maybe you should run by just to check on the condition and see if they will do anything for you? I'm sorry if this upset you, I know I wouldn't be pleased, but I felt you had a right to know.

Hi Kate-

26 days - how exciting! Re: Your problem - I'd suggest that rather than let this bother you, just call them or have your fiance call. You know that these kind of things can waste alot of negative energy and since you need to know to give the headcount, just call. Sounds irritating, I hope I will remember my own advice in 9 months!! But to let anything unnecessarily upset you at this point is probably best avoided. Just tell them straight out, "I need to finalize the headcount and want to clarify who is attending". It is unfortunate that brides seem to have this added task but I think it can be simply remedied. Hang in there for the next 26 days, you're in the homestretch! You can always vent your frustrations here with us :-)

There are things that are universally important to all of us, like the food and the decor. Then there are the subjective things. My fiancee and I both were especially set on 2 specifics: That we be the only reception going on at the time and that the guest not be crowded in. I have been at weddings that have been so jammed in or that the traffic in the main areas is heavy. I think we paid more at our place (Milleridge) than we would have at others but it's all a personal choice thing.The feedback on this site is great, I love the info I get here. In the end it comes down to following your heart and your gut feeling. Good luck to all!

26 days - how exciting! Re: Your problem - I'd suggest that rather than let this bother you, just call them or have your fiance call. You know that these kind of things can waste alot of negative energy and since you need to know to give the headcount, just call. Sounds irritating, I hope I will remember my own advice in 9 months!! But to let anything unnecessarily upset you at this point is probably best avoided. Just tell them straight out, "I need to finalize the headcount and want to clarify who is attending". It is unfortunate that brides seem to have this added task but I think it can be simply remedied. Hang in there for the next 26 days, you're in the homestretch! You can always vent your frustrations here with us :-)