Review as a Guest at East Inn

I went to a wedding this past July 2004 at East Wind on a Saturday night. As we pulled inside the venue in our truck, they had someone asking which reception we were going to(so I gather they have more than one) and they pointed us to which ballroom to go to. As we arrived at the main entrance of the South Grand Ballroom for Valet parking, the person in charge asked us if we were staying overnight. I guess this is common since they have an INN in premises and also because it is not very close, many people probably prefer to stay overnight that way they can really drink and not have to worry. We didn’t stay overnight, and we didn't have to worry about that either and the gentleman was very poised and nice. He took our truck and we proceed to come in. They had two gentlemen announcing their guests and playing trumpets. I thought this was really cute. As we proceeded into the building, I fell in love with the ambiance and the elegance of the place. They had another staff letting us know where the Cocktail Hour was going to be. The food at the Cocktail hour was delicious and they had a lot of variety. The mussels and stuffed baked clams were delicious, the pasta was incredibly tasty and the cold stations and the fruits were fresh and delicious. There was plenty of space to sit at the CH, which I thought was great. The staff was very cordial and removed the empty plates from the tables very quickly. We were then advised that the reception was going to start. The room was setup so beautiful. The bride had a mix of tall and low centerpieces of roses that looked amazing. I thought that was a great idea and it looked very pretty plus it will save some $$$ as well. I wasn’t too crazy about the layout of the room because I felt all the guests were really away from the Bride and the Groom. The wait staff never asked us if we wanted drinks and they removed the places for the food but for the drinks, I had all the glasses with the drinks that we had on the table. And also, another bride to be from here wanted to know if there were more than two bartenders and there were two of them and only one bar at this room. And also, the bartenders had the bowl for the tips out which didn’t bother me but I think a bride to be for LIW wanted to know if they do that. For the reception, the food was very tasty as well. I had the salmon, which, was delicious and my FH had the beef, which was really delicious and tender. If I had seen this place before I booked mine and it wasn’t so far and the layout of the room was different and I’ve liked it, I’d probably booked this venue for my own wedding. It was really nice. The brides to be that are getting married have nothing to worry about. It was sure a nice place to have a beautiful wedding.
Hope this review was helpful and I also posted this on the thread 'Have You Been to a Wedding at?'. Congrats to all of the ladies that are getting married there. Now if any of the ladies from LIW wants to invite me to their wedding so that I can give a lengthy review from a guest’s point of view, Ask Away!!!

Bride and Groom were set up in the front of the room on the right side further to the back. This was in the South Grand Ballroom. Then all of the tables were set up.
I forgot to add that they had someone playing the saxophone during the Cocktail Hour and it really made a difference. It was real nice!

When we met with Michelle, she showed us the room (Southampton) set up with a small table at the far wall on the far side of dance floor for B and G. I dont want this set-up, so she suggested having our table with (family or BP)off to the side. I guess it depends on how many guests you have how it will be set up.
I knew about the two bartenders and one bar, and also made sure there was drink service at the tables. (I hope this really is true!!)
Im not too thrilled with the tip jar thing, but I will mention it to Kim next time we meet with her.
Thanks for that review!!!!! It made me realize it will all be great!!!