Too Good to Be True?

Hi all! Happy Summer...

We are looking at an August 2003 wedding.

Okay, we've been calling around to several different locations and been getting basically the same ballpark figures quoted to us everywhere we looked....including Larkfield Manor BUT...they offer so so much more for the same price. Example: for the same price quoted at another place, Larkfield will give us 3 ice carvings at the cocktail hour, EIGHT chafing dishes (instead of the standard 4 or whatever), pasta bar, 2 carving meats, 8 passed hors d'eouvres. Open bar the whole time, wine on the tables (free flowing and replenished) for dinner, cold app starter, salad, pasta, and SIX entrees to choose from. My question is why? Are they trying to restore a reputation? Is it because they are on an ugly main road across from a strip mall? Or is it because the business is so competitive that they offer something more? Does the food suck? I haven't been there in 4 years so I don't know the reasons here. But my mom always said if something sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Any thoughts?

Re: Too Good to Be True?

I would tell them that you want a tasting BEFORE signing a contract. Also, I agree it sounds too good to be true. I would invesigate their business a bit more. Ask for recommendations of RECENT brides. Call those girls. I have heard of the place, and they probably do charge less because of their location but that is A LOT for less. How many wait staff are there per table? Is the cake included? Is the reception for 5 hours? Ask those questions also.

Re: Too Good to Be True?

My FIL's always seem to be going to a function at Larkfield Manor. They LOVE it! They say the food is great. They're pushing us to book there, we'll see. The price seemed to be on par with other places, and the location is convenient for us.

Re: Too Good to Be True?

My FIL's too! My FH grew up in Commack and in fact, on one of our first dates we went to a wedding there...I remember thinking it was nice at the time. Apparently it has changed ownership since then and the new owner is a chef. Any recent Larkfield Brides out there?

Re: Too Good to Be True?

LM was going to be our second choice. We also felt that they offered alot. We didn't get to see the banquet hall b/c a wedding was going on but everything looked beautiful. I haven't heard anyting bad. Do a search on past posts.

Re: Too Good to Be True?

Hi Thrilled,

Larkfield is under new ownership (recent, I think less than 2 years now) so they are, in part, tyring to make a good impression, and the second thing, which you mentioned, is the location.

My FH and I looked there and were very impressed with the food, the package, and Frank, the manager. You definitely get more for your money.

I, however, don't like the big room because it has low ceilings and no windows, and if you are taking pictures outside, you are practically on the street (but who says you have to take your pics there?).

I love the smaller, glass room and used it 3 years ago for my parents' surprise anniversary party and it was the best party (even better than many weddings I have been to). I was more than thrilled with how that party turned out, but that was under different owners.

As I recall, they plan on doing more remodeling and making the cocktail room larger, so you may want to talk to them about when that will be ready.

How many guests at your wedding? If it's a smaller number, you may be able to use the glass room, which has very high ceilings and is much brighter than the larger room.

Good luck!

Re: Too Good to Be True?

I am glad that the owners are trying to build their business with good prices. That is great for brides.

Re: Too Good to Be True?

My girlfriend had her wedding at LM in April, I was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was. My FH was in the bridal party and he said the suite was great. I didn't like it being right on Larkfield Road (I grew up not too far from there) and I had my HS music banquets there so I did not want to get married there. But I was surpised that the food was great, they wound up paying about $100 pp but they had a ton of food! And the renovation looks great! If you need any other advice I can call my friend or offer anything else I know.

-Stacey