Wedding Location

Someone posted these names awhile back as options for less expensive wedding sites. Verdi's of Westbury (formerly GiGi's), Imperial Manor, The Riviera, Southwind Caterers, Chateau LeMer, Manor East, Thatched Cottage, Villa Victor. My disclaimer is that I don't know about pricing or quality on any of them but if you do a search here you might be able to find a lot of feedback. I actually have been at Verdi for a wedding this past summer. It was a bit glitzy but that is subjective. As you look at some places, keep in mind what is important to you and your fiance. If your budget dictates a less expensive place, figure out what things you are willing to compromise on. The wedding I went to a Verdi was my fiance's 2nd cousins who I do not know well. They had a buffet style wedding which was actually fine. It food was fine and everybody seemed to be having a great time so I'd have to say their wedding was a success. I know they payed a lot less than we are paying but so what? It's your wedding and you do the best you can. At the time, we were already planning our wedding and you always go to another wedding checking out all the details. The bathrooms were nice, the place looked clean, the valets were prompt. Don't get discouraged. Do try to look at as many places as you can soon though so you can try to lock in 2001 prices. We went and booked our hall in March 2000 and they were already in 2001 prices.

I'm getting married at the Stewart Manor CC in two weeks. I booked with them back in Sept. 99 and got an excellent price. I would try them ...

It feels overwhelming until you go to the places. Once you start looking you will feel more at ease with it. Trust me, it ends up getting so much easier with a little more experience :o) hang in there.

Thanks

Michelle
First and foremost find a place that you are both very comfortable with, decor, atmosphere, location.

You will find big variances in price depending on the time of year (Big bargains can be found in Jan - April) and day Friday night and Sunday afternoon are always less expensive than Sat. Also, when you talk about a price range of 50 -60pp remember tax and tip, sometimes places try to push a service charge rather than a tip which ends up costing more because its taxable in NY. We found that if you push on the service charge issue places will bend on it. We also found that we were able to negotiate on the tip % in places that say their standard is anything over 15%. It all adds up. Happy Planning!

If it's the one Im thinking of, it is called just Locations Magazine. If you go to Fortunoff's registry area they have that book and a lot of others for free, especially if you are planning on LI but have some borough stuff too.

Good luck and Happy planning

Have you looked at Snug Harbor in Staten Island? The hall and the grounds are beautiful (I believe it is the Staten Island Botanic Gardens). In May, there are tulips everywhere, which is really pretty. The food was okay, but not the greatest.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN ME POSTIVE RESPONSES. I AM STILL LOOKING FOR PLACES. SO FAR, THE NICE PLACES IN BROOKLYN LIKE THE RIVERIA OR BOTANICAL GARDENS ARE BOOKED UNTIL 2002 SO I STILL NEED HELP. THE BOTANICAL GARDEN ONLY SUGGEST AN AFTERNOON WEDDING SINCE I HAVE 100 GUESTS, I PREFER AN EVENING WEDDING. PLEASE KEEP SENDING INFO.

THANKS A MILLION