What would you do if....

I would be concerned - for example the garden city hotel has done some construction recently and it took about 2 or 3 months longer than it was supposed to.

I personally wouldn't take the chance

I called them up again and they told me that it is a 3 month long job that they were allocating 5 months to (December - April) so that they would be covered in case the weather caused delays. They are family run which I like.

Here is the big pic (I gage everything in terms of distance on the LIE):
I live off exit 41.

Carlyle - exit 48
Bellport - exit 64

My father likes Carlyle better b/c it is closer to our house and church (about 20 minutes) whereas Bellport can be an hour with traffic. Carlyle would be a Friday night wedding roughly 20% more expensive than Bellport on the Saturday night. Everytime I lean toward the better deal on a saturday night i always get drawn back to this:

Bellport - 2 negatives: construction & distance.
2 positives - more affordable & room size (perfect for my amount of people).

Carlyle - 2 negatives: expensive & room is big - might not fill the space completely.
2 positives - close to home & Dad likes it (that's important to me).

They are both beautiful, both on a golf course, both require stays at hotels for out-of-towners etc. So the question is which negatives are easier to deal with?

That's a tough one-but I would air on the side of caution and say look elsewhere--ONLY because the thought that goes through my mind is that if we have another winter next year like we are having now (STILL IN APRIL!!!??!! ) I doubt the construction will done on time--construction usually isn't anyway--be careful! good luck!

If it were me, honestly I would NOT take the chance of the construction not being done in time. For my wedding, the last thing I want to stress about is whether or not they will be done. The thought alone would get to me. BUt not everyone is like me, but I still wouldn't do it, because you never know.

As for the Carlyle, you don't sound too convinced about wanting it. My question is, do you love the hall?

Have you looked at other halls?

lizlen - the only reason i don't sound convinced on the Carlyle is only b/c of the price (i tried to talk myself into reasons it may not work for us but....none really stick). Trust me, I think it is GEORGOUS! I walked in 5 minutes before a wedding last weekend and almost teared up b/c it was sooo pretty. But the thought of having to hear it forever from my FH that 'we spent too much money on 5 hours' and then pray every night for the next year and a half that i don't go overbudget on anything else is like torture! (b/c between us girls, don't we always go over budget?). The thought of the total damage to the wallet makes my stomach drop.

Anyway, Bellport is also beautiful on a more toned-down level (for lack of better terminolgy at this hour). More quaint, a cozier ballroom and still elegant - which is just too funny b/c that is originally exactly what I was going for. BUT I CAN'T HAVE EVERYTHING NOW CAN I? (well.... I beg to differ but the FH keeps me in reality check ).
So, needless to say, if not for the construction (which by the way, the place does NOT need and POOEY on them for doing that to me!), I would be having my wedding there. But they are! So I am not!

CARLYLE IT IS!!!!

- is it impolite to bring a barf bag when signing a contract b/c I think I might vomit

p.s. - what am i doing up at this hour?

you need to follow your heart on this one. will the construction be done on time?? probably - no hall would risk pi$$ing off brides like that. they seem to already allocated extra time for any overruns.

you need to do what your heart is telling you to do. not to sound weird or anything - but when you picture your wedding day and they announce you for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. - where do you see yourself???

good luck, laura!!!

at this point i picture myself throwing up on the side of the road!!!!! So nervous! Carlyle is $5000 to lay out for the deposit! Bellport is only $500!

LauraPete,
I got married at the Carlyle last October. Yes, it is pricey, but it is well worth the money, if you are willing to spend it. The level of service there is beyond anywhere else I have ever been. You will be treated like a princess on your wedding day. If I can help you answer any questions about the Carlyle, let me know. Good luck with your decision!