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Sad about reception sites

Original post by LauraPete

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.......
MaryK Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Couple of things:

First of all my FSIL always says people remember the atmosphere more than the food. I don't necessarily agree, but I have heard that. I also don't think you have to sacrifice one for the other!

I've been to Caffe on the Green a number of times, New Year's Eve party, Valentine's Day and just for dinner and the food is excellent! I would def. check them out!

Also, did you see the Milleridge Carriage House? I LOVE that place, but it was too small fo rthe number of people we're having. I really want to have a party there someday though!

Just my thoughts for now, but if I think of anything else I will let you know!

Good luck!
Becky Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Laura, I love the Hamlet! I actually thought I was going to want something on the water, as well, but then when I saw the view at the Hamlet I was blown away. It is one of the highest points on LI and sits on a golf course. There is only wedding at a time, so only one room.

I am July 5, 2003, so my minimum is 125. The weekend before that it would have been 150. I am not sure if they will negotiate lower than 125 during the summer, but it can't hurt to ask.

As for the price, my price is less than $100 per person BEFORE taxes and gratuities. It is $89.50 before all that jazz, and about $115 or $116 after, so you need to consider that as well.

I don't have many pics, becuase my wedding has not rolled around yet. But Michelle31 was married there in Oct or Nov (not sure exactly) and she posted many wonderful pics. You can search for her thread.

Probably more infor than you were looking for! If there is anything else you want to know please ask.

Also, I have been dealing with Denise at the Hamlet and she has been great to work with. Give her a call.
Irishbride Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Hi - I to have been looking for a place to have my wedding for under $100 and for 100 people aprox. I checked out The Beach Club Estate on Lake Ronkomona (probably spelt wrong) and I really liked it. They came in under $100 with Tax and Grat for a Fri night in June. They are also affliated with Windows on the Lake. They are having a show case tonight. We have a hold on a date so we are going to taste the food tonight. Flower Fields wanted $135 pp and a min of 160 people! If I was rich I there are some really great places but I dont want to go broke planning my wedding. Good Luck!

LauraPete Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Wacky - does Bedells have a website? I can't seem to find it on-line.....

VickiC Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Another good place to check out is The Meadow Club. They have a room that would accommodate you, and it would be under $100 a head. We had our reception there and have nothing but wonderful things to say. People are still telling us how much fun they had and that the food was great at our wedding.

The Meadow Club
minniebride14 Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

What made you pick/decide on Bridgeview Yacht Club? How was it when you went to look?

minniebride14 Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Yes, but Cafe on the Green has NO bridal suite; it's simply a bathroom, with a small outer 'area' with a mirror you can sit in front of - very small (if that matters to you). Also, the cocktail room (on first floor) is very small too - holds less than 75 comfortably - maybe 50 comfortably, if you're lucky. Lastly, it is a running restaurant, so you will have to 'share' the place with the public, no matter what night/day you choose. There is no private entrance; just the room upstairs is 'private'.

LauraPete Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Okay, that certainly puts a damper on it for me! I want a bridal suite and I don't want to share. Drat! Knew it looked to good to be true.
OctBride03 Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

I'm sorry Laura, I didn't know....

I'd still go check it out though...
chmpgnrose Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Try these resources for your reception venue shopping:

Locations Magazine

Wedding Facilities and Services

Did someone mentioned Caffé on the Green? I had my wedding reception there! DH and I loved it! Food, service and venue location and grounds are excellent! Caffé on the Green. To our knowledge when we booked it back in May 2001 the price was under $100.00 per person; however since then the price has increased. We don't know the price per head now, but the outdoor garden, six (6) choice of entreés for your guest to choose on the wedding day rather than having it listed on your RSVP card are all great. It does have a pond which from the outdoor garden you get a nice view of it, very picturesque and photogenic. You even get your very own private bridal suite with a bathroom also, no need to worry about sharing with another bride. I'd share with my BM's and let almost our entire wedding party to put their personal items in the room. However, the room is small but it's all yours for the 5 or 6 hours!

However, this venue is located in Bayside, Queens not in Nassau or Suffolk counties of Long Island. IMHO, a wedding venue for 100 people for under $100.00, preferable on the water with greenery is kindaof hard to come by these days especially with a slow economy. At first I really wanted a greenery in Manhattan only since I'm a native New Yorker having always to live in Queens. However, with the outradious prices out in the wedding market we had to sacrifice that Manhattan only dream for a Queens reception venue... but luckily our ceremony was in Mahattan--directly across the street from the United Nations!
LauraPete Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

That's ok Lauren! I appreciate any and all opinions!!! The more the better.
I am still going to check it out bc/c if I love it then I might be able to overlook some other things.
michele31 Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

The Hamlet Windwatch is beautiful and the food is great. Feel free to FM me any questions.

LauraPete Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Mindy - you have forum mail!

LauraPete Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

HOLY COW! Michele31 I just did a search on your name to read past threads about your hall. 4412 threads found!!! Hahaaaa! Liwedding veteran is see.

tarakinspa Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

What about the Watermill

janatlantica Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

I checked out caffe on the green for my wedding and I believe that 'top of the line' for a wedding was $75 a head which is an awesome price and their food is excellent. (I ended up having it at Atlantica because Fh was insistant on a Long Island location, but I was very into having it at Caffe!) Good luck whatever you decide!
Summer04 Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

The thing to remember is that NO site is perfect. Youre going to have to overlook some things or go NUTS trying to find the perfect place. Unless you have $100,000 for a wedding, and there IS someone on this site who is having that type of wedding...she knows who she is...youre going to have to compromise. A road too close to the front door or a powerline or a small bridal suite. SOMETHING will have to be overlooked. And believe me...on your big day, NOBODY is going to notice such things. Everyone is going to be way too busy having a great time to notice a telephone pole in the corner of the property or that a little paint is chipped on the door of the men's room of the bridal suite. You have to look at the BIG PICTURE. Does the place meet your tastes for food, layout, decor?? And of course, is it big enough to accommodate your guests? And finally, is the price right?? If all this is answered yes, then go for it. You'll be fine.

Best of luck!!!
prncssrachel Posted:

Re: Sad about reception sites

Have you tried the Vanderbilt Mansion in Oakdale? They are beautiful and they have many options when it comes to your budget. They are right on the water, too.
If you're will to check out something not on the water, try Villa Lombardi's. I believe it is in Holbrook. The food is out of this world, and their weddings look as if you paid 200pp, but really, they are only 74pp! I was shocked when they gave me the price. Also, Smithtown Landing Country Club, Giorgio's in Baiting Hollow, the Hungtington Townhouse and Larkfield Manor in East Northport. I can give you TONS of others if you'd like! Good Luck!!!!!
jenny2penny Posted:

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