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"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
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There are few things we celebrate as joyfully as the union of two people. Weddings undoubtedly mark one of the most major milestones in anyone's life and often bring together people from every phase of a couple's life. With such a profound event to plan, it's no wonder that you, as the planner, don't know where to start in finding that perfect location for a couple to wed. The good thing is that Long Island offers hundreds of beautiful locations that will make anyone feel special. The better thing is that we're here to help you find that one location that's perfect for your wedding:
- Is there a specific geographic area you would like to restrict your search to?
Knowing what region you do or don't want your wedding ceremony to be located in can easily help rule out several hundred catering halls. Of course the more specific your desired geographic area, the fewer options you have to work with. This fact may be very welcome to some overwhelmed planners, but may seem frustrating to others who look forward to being given a variety of catering hall options. A good compromise is to first limit your geographic area to a very specific area. If you are not pleased with the choices of catering halls in that region, then slowly expand your search to the surrounding areas until you are happy with the number of choices being offered, as well as with the distance. Of course, if it is of utmost importance to the couple to have the wedding ceremony at a specific location (i.e. at a specific church or temple, at a hall close to the bride's home, etc.), then your question is automatically answered.
- Is there a specific type of catering hall (i.e. hotel, vineyard, restaurant, etc.) you would like to restrict your search to?
Limiting your catering hall search to the type of catering hall is another way to quickly narrow down your top choices. Knowing exactly the type of catering hall you would like to use can help organize your event quickly and efficiently. However, being flexible with the type of catering hall you choose can often result in a unique event that impresses all of your guests, including yourself! You may want to consider the personality, likes and dislikes of the couple. If the couple is religious and requires to be wed at a place of worship, then your search is automatically narrowed down. If the couple is less worried about being married at a place of worship, or will be having a large number of people attend the ceremony, then your search can be widened to include hotel ballrooms, outdoor locations, or even museums.
- What is the date of your wedding ceremony?
This may be an obvious "to do", but it is nevertheless an important factor in selecting the perfect catering hall for your wedding ceremony. Just like selecting airline tickets, the more flexible you are the more likely it is to get better rates, options and availability. If the wedding reception date has already been determined, and if you definitely want the ceremony to be held on the same day, then your choices of wedding ceremony dates are automatically restricted. Also, some cultures persuade couples to get married at specific dates, times or times of year.
- How formal an affair do you want your wedding ceremony to be?
The level of formality of your wedding ceremony doesn't necessarily equate to the level of pricing of the catering hall. Instead, it can help you to select an appropriate type of hall if given the choice. The level of formality of the wedding ceremony should reflect the actual couple. If the couple's personality is less formal, then a unique ceremony on the beach, at a transformed hotel ballroom, or at a mansion could be considered.
- Is there a specific theme you would like to portray?
Selecting a theme for your wedding ceremony could really enhance the overall experience for the guests of honor as well as for everyone else. Perhaps the couple would enjoy a beach-themed ceremony with the ceremony taking place on an actual beach!
- How many people will you be hosting at the wedding ceremony?
The number of anticipated guests will undoubtedly help limit your catering hall choices, especially if it's a large number. This is true in terms of amount of space and the pricing per plate of food. Depending on your budget, this could be the determining factor of where your event should be located at. If you are expecting a very large number of people, then you may need to focus your catering halls solely on hotel ballrooms or other larger capacity catering halls. Depending on the weather, you could also host large ceremonies outdoors.
- Will you be requiring onsite food catering?
If your wedding ceremony is traditionally a longer one (i.e. longer than one hour), or if the ceremony is taking place outdoors on a hot day, you may want to consider offering your wedding guests with a light beverage or snack before, after or during the ceremony. Most of the catering halls we showcase on our website include food catering. However, some do not (including some places of worship) and will require additional cost and planning in order to provide quality food for your guests. Additionally, if the catering hall of your wishes allows onsite food catering, but not the type of food that you wish to feature, then you may be able to work out a deal with the catering hall's management in order to bring in your choice of food. This could hold especially true for wedding ceremonies hoping to feature the foods of their specific ethnicity and/or culture.
- Will you be requiring a Kosher, Vegetarian or Vegan menus?
Many catering halls do offer Kosher, Vegetarian or Vegan menus. If this is a must for your wedding ceremony, make sure your catering hall choice has this option.
- Would you prefer a location with attached or nearby accommodations for out of town guests?
If your answer to this question is yes, then you should highly consider hotels as your choice of catering hall. However, pay special attention to non hotel catering halls or places of worship that are in close proximity to hotel accommodations. Most halls should have this information ready at hand. Another option you may want to consider is hiring services that can help transport family members or close friends from wherever they are staying to your desired wedding ceremony site.
- Will you be requiring a party planner?
If you book your party at a catering hall, chances are you will be provided with an in-house party planner that can help ensure that your event goes smoothly. If you are not provided with one, but you are still interested in having a party planner, keep in mind that Long Island party planners have a wide range of rates, involvement and expertise - including weddings. The catering hall of your choice could also assist you in finding a party planner who has been involved with past events at that location.
- Would simultaneous events at your location be acceptable?
This is an important, yet often overlooked, factor to keep in mind when booking your wedding ceremony. Neighboring events could distract from a meaningful wedding ceremony. It could also affect the feeling of exclusivity that some wedding couples expect. On the other hand, catering halls that offer simultaneous events could help keep your costs low. In any case, as the party planner, you should be aware as to what types of events may be going on simultaneously to ensure that your wedding ceremony guests are comfortable and safe.
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