just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Hi everyone,

I was just engaged on 2/6 and am sooo excited I have already started looking places because I need to set the date for June or July of 2007 and know that these are very busy months to marry. I want to be the only bride and want to stay close to home (Massapequa area). I have looked at two places already, Thatched cottage and Carlyle on the green. I was very impressed with the choice and amount of food offered at the Thatched cottage but not overly thrilled with the look of the place itself (no offense to anyone, just my opinion). I absobutely loved the ambience of Carlyle, but am not so thrilled with the food selection and the PRICE. I love the look of Carlyle so much I am willing to pay the money and try to negotiate with the menu. My question is how exactly do I go about negotiating, do I simply ask if the price is negotiable and what extras can be added in? (the price I was given was $135 a head for a Sun afternoon 6/07 + 20% gratuity, tax, valet fee of $125 per valet and $1,000 for the ceremony). I actually had an appointment for tonight to leave my deposit, but then realized I really want to see Milleride cottage first because it looks nice, offers a larger menu and I think is cheaper. I will lose my date. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions to help. Is Milleridge a nice affordable place? Thanks and congratulations to everyone recently engaged and married!!

Dawn

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

I can't help with the halls, but just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Congratulations... and welcome to these boards! You'll be addicted in no time! .

Have you tried the Riviera? It's BEAUTIFUL!

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Milleridge Cottage has the same feel as Carlyle except you won't see golfers out the windows! Milleridge is also cheaper and willing to negotiate much more.
You can negotiate a few ways:
1. guarantee more people than the minimum and get them to come down on the price per person
2. tell them you have X budget to deal with
3. try to take things off the menu to lower the price
4. see if they will throw in some of the extras/up grades you want without having you pay for it...

Every place is different so don't be discouraged if some won't budge on the price because others definitely will!

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

I wouldn't be overly concerned about losing a date. We started looking in Jan at halls and there were many open dates for this summer. Take your time and make sure you are getting exactly what you want!

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

To be honest, it sounds like you're not 100% thirlled with either hall. I think you should keep looking....try the Milleridge and see what other halls are out there, if you need to to..there are so many!

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Not familiar with the area, But congrats and welcome aboard

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Congrats !!!! I would def check out the Milleridge Cottage, and I am not just saying that because I am getting married there!! I am getting married on a Saturday night in October.... I've been to a few weddings here and the food is AMAZING!!!! One wedding at a time and for what I am getting, I can't go wrong with the price.....

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Congratulations!!
It seems to me you aren't really sure about either hall. I think you should look at some others. You will know when its right.
The Riviera is in Massapequa (I think) and I have heard really good things about them.

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

I am getting married at the Milleridge Cottage and I totally recommedn going to see it. Halls are a very particular thing for people but I really love Milleridge. The space is beautiful, the food choices are aplenty....deifniteky check it out, IMO!

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Don't rush yet on the first place. Look around!

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

I would check North Ritz Club, Fox Hollow or Crest Hollow are also not far. There is a list of halls and there location if you search under Vendors.

Good luck and welcome

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Congratulations and happy planning

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

First off, congrats on your engagement!!!

Like some of the other girls suggested, I would definitely look at some other halls. There are many places out there for you to choose from, even staying close to Massapequa.

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Congrats!!!!

I have never been to the TC myself, but have heard good things. I have been to my SIL's wedding at Carlyle, and I will tell you, working in the wedding industry myself, Carlyle is top notch. The food is very good, the atmosphere and the quality. Yes, they are a little $$, but IMO totally worth it.

As far as the Milleridge, you have a good competitor there. It obviously isn't the same as Carlyle, but they do a great wedding there too! I have been to about 5 weddings there and all I can say is that they are consistently great! The food is very good, the cocktail room is beautiful and I have always had a good experience there.

Good Luck, and if you need any more info, let me know!

Gina

Also, make sure you check out the Bride's Review page, and do a search of halls, this is a great tool to get honest reviews....

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Congrats on your engagement!

I just sent you FM about the Thatched Cottage.

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

Milleridge is very nice.

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

If you want to stay close to home, check out the Manor East . We had our reception there and everything and everyone was wonderful. If you have any questions, just ask.

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

the millridge cottage is very intimate, much like the Carlyle. Be careful with thinking you have held dates though!!!!!!!! As an event planner, simply meeting with a venue and telling them your date offers 0 gaurentee they will hold it. I cannot tell you how many times I have been on both sides of this. Money talks and if a couple walks into ANY venue--check in hand--all bets are off. Sad but true.
HTH

Re: just engaged and need opinions on two halls

We had our reception at Milleridge Cottage and Thatched Cottage was our second choice. We chose Milleridge over Thatched Cottage because of our own logistics issues.

You may want to start out by thinking about how much you want to spend -- overall and for the reception only -- and then consider reception halls that will get you where you want to be.