RH Help

saxtrevNmeg Posted: May 28, 2012 08:21 PM

RH Help

Hello All! Been lurking for a bit, but new to posting here. Just started RH shopping this weekend, and could really use some help/advice.

FH and I REALLY want something on the water (Bay, Sound, lake, anything) and want the option of an outdoor ceremony and preferably CH as well. In addition, we need to keep to a reasonable budget (ideally <85pp). We've seen five places this weekend and while we liked one or two, I have not yet had that 'WOW, this is it!' feeling. I realize five RHs is not a HUGE number, but based on our requirements/preferences, I am getting nervous that there aren't too many other options and I might just not get to feel that...

My question is three-fold:

1. Have any of you signed a contract WITHOUT that feeling, and if so, did you regret it?

2. Do any of you have any other suggestions for where else to look? We've been to:
*The Riviera
*Venetian Yacht Club
*WaterView Club
*Beach Club Estate
*Captain Bill's

3. Does anyone have any insight on any of those places that may sway me (for or against)? FYI, they are roughly posted in order of our preference ATM.

Thank you so much in advance for any thoughts you may have.

pjt212301 Posted: May 28, 2012 08:55 PM

Re: RH Help

I think it's important to have that feeling - not only in looks but the feeling that you get with the staff/sales people that you meet with; you'll need to feel comfortable with them for tasting, questions, etc.

I might be biased but have you tried the Thatched Cottage? It's on the water, the food is amazing and the staff are so friendly and helpful.

Bride2Be78 Posted: May 28, 2012 09:08 PM

Re: RH Help

Try Crescent Beach Club and Chateau La Mer.

saxtrevNmeg Posted: May 28, 2012 09:10 PM

Re: RH Help

Thank you! I think the 'people' issue was really a huge deal with me. At my top pick venue-wise, I just didn't 'click' with the BM we met. She seemed a bit... indifferent, honestly. She didn't even offer to show us the outdoor spaces--just pointed out the window, and sent us to the Bridal Suite by ourselves...

Maybe it was an off day. Since it was our top pick and we only saw a portion of it through a window, we may be going back. I'll see how she is then, or if there's someone else to talk to.

Thatched Cottage IS on our list of places to still check out. I was there for a business function of my brother's a few years ago and so I don't see it as a 'wedding' venue, but I'm sure it'll just require going again with a different mindset.

Thank you again!

saxtrevNmeg Posted: May 28, 2012 09:14 PM

Re: RH Help

Posted by Bride2Be78

Try Crescent Beach Club and Chateau La Mer.

Thank you!

However, Crescent Beach quoted us almost TWICE what we were looking to pay (over the phone).

As for CLM, I DO love it. Maybe too much...

This is actually a second marriage for both of us, my first wedding was there. Can't really do it again.

Thank you for your input, though!

vppjzv Posted: May 28, 2012 09:27 PM

.

mattandjess2013 Posted: May 28, 2012 09:54 PM

Re: RH Help

Almost every place we looked at was on the water, it was a requirement for FH. We booked the Thatched Cottage, which was our second RH we looked at. I absolutely fell in love right away, but FH still wanted to see what was out there. The food is incredible and the woman we worked with (Maureen) was beyond amazing. FH is Batman OBSESSED and the first thing she said was 'So you are walking in to the Batman Theme Song right?' That was already our plan, but it was great to have someone really looking out for what is interesting to us.

teacherteacher Posted: May 28, 2012 10:21 PM

Re: RH Help

FH & my parents and I left the Riviera after waiting fifteen minutes alone - the BM saw us come in and kept talking to another staff member, though we had said we had an appointment and such. The view was really nice there, but the combo of the BM and small space made us check out other places. I'm at Fox Hollow, so no water, but I think the girls have given great feedback - if I had known about it I think I would've checked out Thatched Cottage, too, though I love my rh

FutureMrsMartin Posted: May 28, 2012 11:03 PM

Re: RH Help

I may be biased but def check out the crest hollow country club. I originally wanted something on or by the water as well but as soon as I saw their beautiful pool/beachy area I just fell in love. prices are reasonable too! for 85++ you would prob have to do a friday but i believe they quoted me friday night in may for 80pp or april 75pp. hth

Sdegennaro2 Posted: May 28, 2012 11:20 PM

Re: RH Help

Try lombardis on the bay it's gorgeous!

2013Bride Posted: May 29, 2012 12:47 AM

Re: RH Help

I third Thatched Cottage!

You may also want to look into Land's End in Sayville!

angelicd77 Posted: May 29, 2012 07:56 AM

Re: RH Help

I would say that LOB is a little steep for your budget but try sunset harbour. It's right on the docks in patchogue and packages start a $55++ and for what they charge you really can't beat it! Fm me if you want more info!! Hth!!

ETA: My dream location was LOB and I totally settled with Sunset because of our budget. HOWEVER; I love Sunset, the room is beautiful and the food is plentiful, and the people are fantastic to work with. If you need to compromise because of budget dont settle on something you dont like. You will regret that in the end.

scottsbride Posted: May 29, 2012 08:53 AM

Re: RH Help

I think you have to get that 'wow' feeling. I love the Venetian Yacht Club!!!! It was the first place we went and we didnt go anywhere else. They do have what you are looking for. They do give you ALOT of food for what you pay for. Eric is my BM and he is awesome!

chilly313 Posted: May 29, 2012 10:12 AM

Re: RH Help

How many people are you going to have?

saxtrevNmeg Posted: May 29, 2012 05:52 PM

Re: RH Help

We're estimating probably about 100.

chilly313 Posted: May 29, 2012 06:00 PM

Re: RH Help

We had our wedding at the View in Oakdale - they do one wedding per week, on Sat afternoon when the restaurant is closed, so you have the entire place, including the outside area to yourself. Its very different than a regular catering hall, but I loved it. Everything was great on the day of the wedding. We traveled by boat to the wedding. We had our ceremony outside, at the gazebo, and I loved that our guests could hang out outside or be inside, during the entire wedding. The food was amazing (we still get many compliments about it) and they threw in a bunch of extras for us. (Plus, they will take you over to a small private island by boat, to take pics, if you want) We wound up having about 130 people, but originally told them 100 - they were fine with that. Its definitely a 'different' kind of place, but it was perfect for us.

Sabellabride12 Posted: May 29, 2012 06:27 PM

Re: RH Help

Swan Club is on the water and is very reasonably priced I'd check them out

saxtrevNmeg Posted: May 29, 2012 06:45 PM

Re: RH Help

Swan Club was on our list to check out, but I do tend to like the places that host only one event at a time (which I know they do not). Since our party will likely be on the smaller side, I'm afraid the larger parties will take the majority of the staff's attention. Has anybody been at a smaller party there? Was staff attentive to you?

I will definitely check out View.

Thank you all!!