Venues in Long Island & Connecticut that can Hold 200 Guests or More

There are many beautiful venues in Long Island & Connecticut that can accommodate larger weddings of 200 guests or more. These venues feel like an escape from New York City, but you won’t have to travel for hours to get to them. Here are some ideas of venues that you could think about:

Long Island venues:

Bourne Mansion

Carlyle on the Green

East Wind Caterers Inn & Spa

Flowerfield

Garden City Hotel

Hamlet Golf Course

Hyatt Regency Long Island

Oheka Castle

Swan Club 

The Mansion at Timber Point

Watermill Caterers

Westbury Manor

Windwatch Golf Club

Connecticut venues:

Water's Edge Resort and Spa

What To Look For In A Venue

Choosing a venue is one of the most important decisions of the wedding planning process. With so many options it can be a very daunting task and overwhelming. To keep you on track here are a few things to look for and keep in mind when doing your research.

1. Curb Appeal- Overall Appearance
2. Does the Ballroom have windows?
3. What is the cost? Room Rental Fee, Food and Alcohol
4. Does the ballroom have chandeliers?
5. Is the venue close to your home? Is this important to you?
6. Are there high ceilings? This is good to keep in mind for your decor.
7. Does the venue fit your style? Modern vs. Traditional.
8. Is the location overall clean (inc restrooms)?
9. Was the venue personnel friendly and helpful?
10. How late can the party go?
11. Do they have sleeping rooms or are there any hotels close by?
12. Does the venue have what you need for outdoor photos? You want good scenery for your couples photos.
13. Did you like the bridal suite?
14. Do they offer valet parking for your guests? Is this important to you?
15. Overall rating

Pre Wedding Event Unique Venues

Choosing a venue to host your wedding events can be a tricky decision. The options are endless, from event halls to museums to hotels. Though must brides choose the traditional event hall or hotel we always like to suggest a fun alternative for your pre wedding events. Here are some of our favorite locations:

1. Church: It is a growing trend to convert old churches into venues. We love this because of the structural value of most churches. The architectural design and old time charm can add a special touch to any event. One of our favorite ones is Angel Orensanz in NYC. This intimate space is perfect for an engagement dinner or colorful Garba.

2. Club: If you are looking for a fun atmosphere that will keep your guests dancing all night long consider a club. Most of them will allow you to close the whole space for a rental and alcohol fee. Most clubs already have intricate decor which will save you on decor! Consider Greenhouse in NYC for your upcoming Sangeet or After Party.

3. Backyard: Many of our clients have a strong connection with the homes they grew up in and this always add a great sentimental value to any event. Why not have one of your pre events in the same backyard in which you have all your childhood memories? Depending on the size you can host anything from a small intimate party to a grand scale event. Consider incorporating some tents and if your budget permits even covering an existing pool for more space.

4. Hotel: Yes, hotels can be very traditional but there are many that offer modern ballrooms, terraces and open spaces. We love the Double Tree in Tarrytown. There ballroom opens up do their fireplace foyer which has floor to ceiling windows which offer a great view of the outdoors and the outside seating. Great way to combine all the elements.

5. Mansion: If you all looking for add some social charm to your event consider booking an old mansion for your event. This is always a great option because you can book the whole space for your event and it also gives you different rooms as options. Dancing can be in one room, dinner in another and so on. It's like having the event at your home without the mess. Make sure to check out Wainwright  House as a great option.

Long Distance Planners

I read this interesting article about hiring a local planner for a destination wedding. Since sometimes the expense prevents brides from hiring us, I felt this to be a good guide. When you live in a different country or even state than where you will be getting married it is important to follow a few steps while searching for a wedding planner.

1. Get referrals and recommendations

2. See who is on hotels or banquet halls wedding vendor guides. If they are, ask the staff how well they do while running the events in their establishment.

3. Research! Get in touch with the region’s local chapter of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). This organization will lead you to professional planners with degrees and a hefty experience level.

4.  Ask the local planner questions about local vendors to see if they really do have experience and how many vendors are actually local vs. you having to fly in vendors.

5. Talk to past clients of the planner, especially those who are international; Ask the clients how often they communicated with the planner and what was the turn around time for the planner's response.

Ultimately, it may make sense to hire a local planner but make sure to do the research and the questions are answered

Top 10 Florida Hotels

Florida has always been a top destination for weddings. What is there not to love? Great weather, gorgeous beaches, fabulous restaurants and an amazing night life.  With so many fabulous resorts to choose from, here are are top 10 favorite:

1. Eden Roc Miami Beach

2. Fontainebleau Miami Beach

3. Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa

4. Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa

5. Ritz Carlton South Beach

6. Loews Miami Beach

7. Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

8. The Westin Fort Lauderdale 

9. The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale 

10. Mondiran South Beach

Top 10 NYC Rooftops

Summer is here and NYC would not be complete without visiting one of the city’s many rooftop bars and outdoor gardens. Rooftops offer a very relaxing and fun environment for the perfect engagement party or rehearsal dinner. Here are our top 10 options in the city.

1. The Hudson's New Sky Terrace
2. Salon de Ning
3. 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden
4. Cantor Rooftop Garden at the MET
5. Rise at the Ritz Carlton-Battery Park
6. The Park- Garden & Penthouse
7. Highbar Rooftop Lounge
8. Rare View
9. Jimmy at the James Hotel
10. The Empire Hotel Rooftop

The Phoenician Hotel

I was in Arizona last week and was glad to catch up with my friend Connie Thibault. She is now at the fabulous Phoenician hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona.

I was able to check out the property and I must say its stunning. They have a brand new ballroom which looks amazing and it can hold up to 700 guests!!! What is also great about this property is that it has a separate entrance for the Baraat.

The prices are incredible and they have a great in house Indian chef! If you are looking for a great venue in that area make sure to check it out!!