*Update*Finally going to see Reception Halls

And I am soooo nervous!
I have the book Bridal Bargains and it lists some things to ask and look for when searching for a location; but I don't want to sound like I am repeating something out a book. I need advice on this!
Some details:
We don't have a date set as of now because we are trying to be as flexible as possible. However we are leaning towards the end of March or early April 2007.
We are still working on the guest list but it is looks like we have aprox 170 ppl.
We are working on a serious budget and although I am willing to do without limos and floral centerpieces I don't want to skimp out on food choices.
We are going to Milleridge Cottage, Smithtown Landing, Captain Bills (Bayview House) and West Sayville CC.
Okay (wow this is turning out to be long), So I know I should negotiate but should I even bother negotiating on my first trips to these places? Especially since I don't think I will be booking any place right now because I still want to see the Old Field Club and that appt isn't until the last weekend in April.
And what do I even start with....Should I contain my excitement if I really like a place? Should I tell them of my budget right away?
ANY ADVICE would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

My only advice to you...please give Chateau La Mer a call...They are phenomenal and have amazing prices

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

you have FM

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

See them all unless you get 'that' feeling. I got that feeling about places that were out of our price range too!

You will know it. Talk about price ranges but unless you are sure you want to consider the place-I would just write everything down and compare it.

When we finally narrowed our choices down to 2-we went back and negotiated. We put both places on a piece of paper and noted pros and cons. That's how we did it.

BTW-Love Old Field.

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

I read bridal bargains too and it inspired me to be a haggler throughout this whle process.

I pretty much knew where i wanted to have my wedding but I tried to keep a poker face the first time around and said that I couldn't meet their minimum. They wouldnt budge. I went back the next day with FH and I guess that made them think we were serious and then the negotiations took place.

Im not sure if thats the norm?

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

Try Fox Hollow, I was happily surprised by their prices. But wherever you go, let them give their speech, go over the menu, etc. and give you a price. THEN you say, 'okay, now how much better can you do for me?' If they say they can't, THEN tell them you're on a budget, that you really like the place (even if you're not sure) and ask if they can do anything else. They may be able to knock some things off the menu to drop the price a little. And who knows...you may not even care about what it is they want to drop.

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

I would check out Chateau La Mer, there prices are excellent! Its worth the try!

goodluck, let me know how everything goes

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

I would discuss prices while they know you're on your way to other places... a little competition never hurt.

Also, my place (which I HIGHLY recommend) is charging 110 pp (plus tax/gratuity) if I guarantee only 125... but if that number goes up to 150, they drop the price by 5 bucks a person.

(no matter what, we're still paying $5/pp on top of that to extend our cocktail hour by a half hour... and probably a few bucks more a person for the chocolate fountain)

Definitely try to get these places to throw stuff in BEFORE you sign a contract. I wish I knew about the chocolate fountain I wanted before we signed... we would have had more leverage.

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

First, relax and enjoy it!!!! They'll talk you through it and give you an idea of what they normally do for weddings there. Then when they're done with their sales pitch you'll get to ask any questions that they haven't already answered.

You sound like you're prepared with an idea of guests and budget, good for you! You don't have to have a definite date picked out just yet, you've got a nice time frame to go by so that should be suffice for them to work out pricing, etc.

I wouldn't share with them what your budget is, let them show you everything they've got and then you decide what you can afford. Remember you're the customer and they've got to sell to YOU! They want your business, make them work for it. It's ok to negotiate on your first meeting, it'll show you how willing they are to accomodate you. If you're really excited about a place go ahead and get excited, but don't feel pressured to sign with the 1st place you see, sometimes this can be a lil overwhelming and you don't want to have doubts later.

Lastly, write down your questions beforehand so you remember to ask them when the time comes. Taking notes is also important, but most places have some information for you to read.

HTH!! GL!!

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

If you are on a budget and dont want to skimp on imporant food etc.. don't see captain bills (i was in the same sitch very excited been there for a FD function loved it... and went there.. it was 100 pp on a saturday afternoon and they lady who took us around wasn't nice at all.. very dissapointing..!!)... west sayville and timber pt are awsome for the bride on a budget.. also like nina said chateau la mer..

For your time of year you'll get a good deal (im also an april bride... for the $ reason )..

FM me if you have any more questions..

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

you girls are, as Always, so helpful!!!

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

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Posted by Nina

My only advice to you...please give Chateau La Mer a call...They are phenomenal and have amazing prices

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good advice and yes they do !!

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

This was my favorite part of planning. I fell in love with Giorgio's, which was out of my price range for a Sat. night and also for minimum, so I went to a Sunday day and couldn't be happier.

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

Check out the North Ritz Club too...their prices are very reasonable there as well...

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

WAHOO! So excited for Cynthia! I wish they had an emoticon that did the running man... instead you are getting a bunch of these clappy ones.


I am so beating you in the emoticon competition.

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

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Posted by kimbermiller

WAHOO! So excited for Cynthia! I wish they had an emoticon that did the running man... instead you are getting a bunch of these clappy ones.


I am so beating you in the emoticon competition.

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this is crazy kim. ..nerds in love. do you have any advice on this subject or are you just going to try and beat me in the emoticon race?

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

Advice? Me?! Cynthia, you know I am so clueless in all this wedding stuff. I am a victim of the first place, first vendor syndrome.

I sign on the dotted line quicker than you can say 'Joel secretly loves Prince!'

haha.

Just have fun, and then tell me every single detail you can possibly remember.

Oh, before I forget.

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

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Posted by kimbermiller

Advice? Me?! Cynthia, you know I am so clueless in all this wedding stuff. I am a victim of the first place, first vendor syndrome.

I sign on the dotted line quicker than you can say 'Joel secretly loves Prince!'

haha.

Just have fun, and then tell me every single detail you can possibly remember.

Oh, before I forget.

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I need to stop this before it just becomes an inside joke post and i think I am getting that way with choosing a photographer. I keep looking at other sites But I can't help but love Angelica I felt like I was just going to call her and book her over the phone...quicker than you can say 'Who really listens to prince?' just kidding.

Re: Finally going to see Reception Halls

You may want to look at bridgeview yacht club - good prices and pretty.

Re: *Update*Finally going to see Reception Halls

Edit: This weekend wasn't as productive as I would have liked. I really liked WSCC but I'm wondering if it was because the prices were really good and Steve was so flexible. I didn't fall in love with the place. The Bayview House was GORGEOUS but the location is okay and they didn't budge on Anything!! Milleridge looked too formal for us and we couldn't even see the ballroom at Smithtown landing. How could they not tell me that there was a function going on when I made the appt? Especially when I'm coming from out of state. The search is still on for a fun laid back location that is within our budget. Thanks for all the reccommendations...round two of RH hunting will be happening in two weeks.