My fiance and I are in the process of planning our wedding, scheduled for next summer.

Unlike the traditional arrangement, in which the bride's parents pay for the reception, we are paying for it ourselves (there goes my mod money!)

So we are trying to find a NICE place for not too expensive.

The ceremony will be in Whitestone. We looked at a few halls in Nassau (Roslyn & Syosset), but we are concerned that traffic on the LIE will be really bad, we would end up sitting in traffic instead of enjoying the cocktail hour. So we are thinking of keeping the reception closer to Whitestone.

Any suggestions for places to check out? Or places to avoid?

Thanks!!

-- Peter

here's her list:

Verdi's on Cross Isl. Svc Rd.
Leonard's - Great Neck on Northern Blvd.
Villa Bianca - Great Neck/Northern Blvd.
Cafe on the Green - Bayside/Bell Blvd.

FYI, I haven't been to these places

My fiance's father used to work at Villa Bianca when he first moved to the US. It has since been bought out and renamed The Reception House.
We're looking a little more upscale than that.

Caffe on the Green looks nice, but the room layout is terrible for parties above 120. Plus I've heard that the food is only mediocre.

I've seen listings for both Leonards and Verdis. But I am trying to get opinions about places before trekking out there, especially during the holiday season when traffic sucks and things in general are hectic.

Thanks again!

-- Peter

Marina Del Ray just off the Whitestone Bridge.

Damn! I am in the process of building a catering hall right now.... Too bad I'm in CT.

She works in Bridgeport and I work in NYC. So we'll probably try to find a house somewhere in between. Westport, Norwalk, etc.

Any suggestions for a good area to buy a starter home?

-- Peter

lol.. That's my home town baby. Not in the rich crowd, I can honestly tell you places near Syosset are a big $$$$$. Sorry doode wish i could help you more but I've only been to like 2 weddings in my life, well two Christian weddings.

Congrats and good luck in your find.

Our place is right off the Merritt Parkway in New Haven. You can't miss it.

FFLD county is BIG money. Norwalk, Stamford, Darien, are all big coin. My cousin lives in Milford, right on the water, nice community, takes the train to NYC every day. Says it's not such a bad ride. Good luck with your decision.

George Washington Manor in Roslyn also. Jerhico Terrace in New Hyde Park as well. Doug

You will find Milford is the first affordable town north of NYC, with affordable being an arguable point. It is not on the market yet, part of the divorce BS:)

I assume you will be taking the train in to work?

If you get even semi-serious, my realtor that I used to buy the place kicks ass.

Let me ask.. what do you consider starter prices? I can steer you to a town.

but it is on Cross Bay Blvd... right before going into Rockaway... Really nice place..

Not our style. But thanks.

-- Peter