Sad about reception sites

Original post by LauraPete

Feb 24, 2003 11:58 PM

Edited to add a few places I forgot to mention in my list -

I spent the last 2 weekends searching all through Nassau and Suffolk for a wedding place for 100 people for under $100, preferable on the water with greenery. Am I kidding myself? I know there is a lot out there but I have been a Nassu resident my whole life and been to 5 proms and 3 weddings so those places are out (Westbury Manor, Woodbury CC, Fox Hollow, Crest Hollow, Swan Club, Riviera, John Anthony's). I would love something cozy, quaint and charming over your traditional ballroom. I dragged my sister out for 10 hours straight on Saturday in the torrential downpour to 7 places plus what we saw last week. My FH is no help and just wants me to 'book it' whenever I mention a place b/c he doesn't want me to stress out. Too late! 'Psycho Central' has become his new nickname for me. Help! Also, I can't go too far east b/c his side is coming from Jersey and even PA! Girls, I really need some help.

Okay, so to recap, here is where I have been so far:

1. THATCHED COTTAGE (liked)
2. SAN SOUCI (liked)
3. G.W. MANOR (didn't)
4. CRESCENT CLUB (if we were rich)
5. TIMBER POINT (so-so)
6. VANDERBILT MANSION (liked - pushing the budget)
7. CAPTAIN'S BILL'S Bayview House (liked but too big - i would need to buy plants to fill the space)
8. PORT JEFF CC (liked - nervous about catering lease - even if I booked this year, will they do a shotty job knowing they won't be around after to hear me cry?)
9. DANFORD'S (too small - even for me!)
10. OLD FIELD CLUB (really liked but over my budget and only butler style cocktail hour!)
11. MILLERIDGE - they won't give me the big room.
12. CHATEAU LA MER - liked but it gave me cold feeling, they are remodeling, and past threads reveal their service may be sketchy.
13. HARBOR CLUB - mostly view of a parking lot.

I've had an appt. with East Wind 2 weeks in a row and never made it out there - kinda far but I hear it is good. So far, I am very confused and need a break. I am jealous of you lucky girls that knew it was the right place from the moment you drove up to it. I haven't had that and I don't think I will b/c as my FH says 'I have champaigne taste and a beer budget'. I hear Land's End is georgous but $180 a head. Flower Field in the same boat. Oh my God, I am having panic attacks thinking about how bad I am going to be choosing a dress!!!!

I am willing at this point to give up the water if I have to . Any opinions????? How long did it take everyone to find their hall? Is this normal? I think I am being to picky.......

KarenK122 Posted: Feb 25, 2003 09:32 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

You should try the Three Village Inn in Stony Brook. Its right across from the harbor and is very quaint (not your typical reception hall). There room would hold 100 very comfortably (i'm having about 90) and I think the price is about $90 for a saturday night.

Good luck!!!

EaD04 Posted: Feb 25, 2003 09:40 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

I would go back to East Wind. They are very affordable and although a bit out of the way, very nice. Its worth the drive out there- Good luck!

LauraPete Posted: Feb 25, 2003 09:42 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Deborah - this interests me. Do they have a website - my guess is no if they can't advertise? It sounds nice and different! So how did you hear about it? Do you have pictures? Tell me more!!!

Scoop Posted: Feb 25, 2003 09:43 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

It's not on the water but have you looked into the Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club in Manhassett. It looks like a castle. It is beautiful. I'm not sure of prices but I think it might be in your budget.

I'll try to think of more.

LauraPete Posted: Feb 25, 2003 09:47 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Vanderbilt Mansion in Centerport sounds and looks wonderful but there is a $5000 site fee. My FH can't swallow that one. And yes, I absolutley tried for dates this year and intend to keep trying but my FH does not want to rush it. Only if I find the place I absolutely MUST HAVE then I would seriously consider maybe late August or September of this year. Otherwise, I could never pull my sh** together in time. I am sweating just thinking about dress shopping. My problem is I always like the ones I can't afford. Typical girl I guess. Plus, I alway ask the same question of myself - are my guests going to care more about the atmosphere and beautiful setting or the food? Of course I would like both but if I had to sacrifice one.......? What does everyone think?

wacky Posted: Feb 25, 2003 09:50 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Look you can get married in a dump but if the food is good and the music is great, people could care less.

Yes a reception hall should reflect your style, but Im not one to put myself in the poor house because of what people think..

Checkout Bedells in Freeport is seems very pretty and its on the water.

Betty Posted: Feb 25, 2003 09:51 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

I say check out Bridgeview Yacht Club!!! We almost booked there but then decided to go with JAs.

Becky Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:00 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Don't be sad! You will find a great place. Try to find out prices before you spend ten hours looking at places you can't afford.

You will get a better deal if you have your wedding during off months (winter months) or on a fri night or sat afternoon rather than a sat night. Also some places, like mine (Hamelet in Happauge) have a different minimum for different times of year. In teh spring and early summer their minimum was 150, but in mid summer it was 125.

When you go dress shopping, tell the person helping you what price range you are looking for. You don't want to fall in love with a dress that is $1,000 more than you want to pay.

Good luck.

LauraPete Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:04 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Lauren - Thanks for the Caffe on the Greene - I just called them and have an appt. for this weekend! Definately does not have to be in L.I. !

kelly6273 Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:04 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Check out The Lido Golf Club. Ask for Eric.

OctBride03 Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:05 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

You're welcome! Did you look at the pics? I didn't even realize there is that much involved!! The place looks better than I thought I've been to a few parties there!

Let me know how it goes! Good Luck!

LauraPete Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:33 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Becky - I was actually thinking about checking out the Hamlet. Please tell me more about the rooms and the view and price - they never have enough pictures on the website!!!! I am a warm weather bunnie so winter is 95% out for me (always gotta leave the 5% just in case ya know....
)

EvenEdan Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:33 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Just wanted to let you know that I was recently at an engagement party at Caffe on the Green and the food was soooo good. The service was excellent as well.

LauraPete Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:35 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Lauren, since you have been to parties there you opened up a new line of questioning for me (ha ha!) How is the food? When I called the woman would not quote me prices over the phone but told me she has very 'basic' packages in my price range. Also, I would need both rooms opened, how does that look? Is the dance floor big enough?

nylisa Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:35 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Laura: Does it have to be near the water? ChippaTriD and I are both having our receptions at the Manor East (which is not near water) and we are paying about what you are willing to spend. Here is their website Manor East . If you have any questions or need more information, FM me or Chippa.

On another note, have you and your sister decided if you are going to be able to attend the 04 Brides GTG on Friday?

OctBride03 Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:43 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Unfortunatly... I was at very small parties there! The food was DELICIOUS! The service was GREAT! EvanEden, just posted that she's been to an engagement party there - the room she was in was probably bigger....

You will need both banquet rooms open? if it's do-able I think that's fine! They do have banquet rooms that accomodate over 100 people though, with dance floors and all, hold on let me see if I can post it for you... Also on the site you can see their menus... which I'm sure can be adjusted to your liking!

Okay, it won't let me post JUST the rooms, but if you go to the site and click on banquet rooms, it gives you info and pics, they have 2... you have to click on each room. Also, their is a link for their menu too! Any more questions, ask away!

OH - not many catering halls will give you a quote over the phone... Good Luck!

ddunne23 Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:48 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

I know you said you went to the Milleridge, but did you consider the Milleridge Carriage House. It is the smaller stand-alone building at the rear of the Village. I had my wedding there and it was perfect! I wanted a quiant atmosphere, not a huge wedding hall. Plus I had the about the same amount of people. i think our final count was 95. The room is perfect for a party up to about 100-110. I would really check it out. I got an AMAZING price per person there. Food and service is incredible. Cake and centerpieces are included. Check it out and let me know if you have any questions!

AimDom Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:52 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

what is the website for the Habor Club?? Is it in Huntington?

LauraPete Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:57 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Scoop - do you have a website for the Strathmore?

jennyg Posted: Feb 25, 2003 10:58 AM

Re: Sad about reception sites

Not to mkae you more confused, but did you check out the Stewart Manor Country Club? Sounds like what you're looking for - very cozy, fireplaces etc although not on the water, it is extremely easy to get to from all points you mentioned. Right in Nassau County next to Garden City.