Help this reader!
Brooklyn Bride reader Cara is having a total crisis with her reception…anyone have any ideas?
I’m sort of in crisis mode and wondering if you and/or the Brooklyn Bride community can help. I’m getting married on October 10 in Park Slope. The ceremony is at St. Saviour Catholic church (8th Ave/6th Street) and the reception was going to be at a local restaurant. The restaurant said they didn’t need a deposit until we had finalized the menu – but we had worked out several other details and drafted a contract. So after our recent tasting I emailed the owner with our finalized menu choices and asked when we should drop off the deposit. He responded with a short email that said they had changed their events policy and will no longer close the restaurant for events and that if we’d like to use a portion of the restaurant for an event no larger than 65 people he could work with us. Our guest list 130 (according the previous arrangement we made) – we’ve already sent Save-the-Dates, our families have booked hotel rooms in Park Slope, we’re in the process of printing invitations with the name of the restaurant on them, and we’re less than 4 months away. Needless to say we’re sort of freaking out. As a back-up we might be able to hold the reception in the parish hall at the church, but we’ll need to very quickly figure out decorations and catering. I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions on where to turn for venues in Brooklyn that might still have availability on short notice and can handle 130 guests or caterers that won’t break the bank and are easy to work with (as I’ll probably be more frazzled than anticipated) … since I hadn’t intended on using a caterer, I didn’t do any research about local options. Help!!
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July 6th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
what about checking with the montauk club in park slope?
July 6th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
There’s the Bell House in Park Slope that’s an amazing venue. They will host weddings and have a lot of helpful info on their site: http://www.thebellhouseny.com/events.php
I’m sure they could recommend a local caterer as well.
Good luck!!!
July 6th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
what about Rebar in DUMBO? I’ve heard they do great wedding parties and have great prices
July 6th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Hi Cara,
Firstly, remain calm! I know this sounds like a nightmare, but I promise good will come out of it. Secondly, go back to the original restaurant will all your correspondence and prove to them that they are making an error based off of their conflicting policies. I would try and go in person to do this as well {a little emotion never hurt anyone} and be as rational as possible, despite not having a signed contract, you have been promised certain things and the restaurant should have notified you prior to changing their policy.
If all else fails, ask that the original restaurant suggest comprable places for you to have your wedding. It’d be in their best interest to try and be helpful. With the internet these days, a negative review of a place or service holds much greater weight than a positive one.
Good Luck! Let us know how things progress.
July 6th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I agree with Lisa. I think you should tell us what restaurant this is, that is crazy!
I’m not sure what your budget is, Brooklyn can be very pricey.
I went to a wedding in the Water Street Restaurant in the DUMBO area, very nice!
Don’t worry! We live in NYC, you will find GREAT vendors!
July 6th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Oh, that is so awful. Let’s see: I second reBar (that’s where we’re getting married in Sept) — it’s a big, open that can accommodate your guest list, and has in-house restaurant that can handle food (it’s yummy, too!), as well as a really flexible owner who will prob be willing to work with you. Also: have you tried any of the Prospect Park venues, like the Boat House or the Picnic House (http://www.prospectpark.org/parties_permits/weddings-occasions)?
As for restaurants: Ici in Fort Greene has a lovely private room upstairs (and amazing food); and Five Front in DUMBO does a lot of private events. May I ask the name of the restaurant that left you hanging, btw?
July 6th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
my suggestion would be to try once more with the original restaurant. explain to them that you understand the change in policy but ask if they are willing to make an exception given that you were on the brink of finalizing the contract and already have guests committed.
have you gone up high enough on the food chain, so to speak? are you negotiating with an event coordinator for the restaurant – or is it the owner? is there anyone higher up that can override their reversal?
and while i appreciate you withholding the name of the restaurant and not turning it into a mudslinging contest, i am also curious to know what restaurant this is just so i don’t get caught in a similar situation.
July 6th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
So sorry to hear this is happening to you. Don’t be afraid to call your favorite restaurants, you might be pleasantly surprised at the cost. We had our reception at Prune and were amazed that it worked for our budget. Food and service were beyond amazing.
Some ideas: Dressler (williamsburg), Peter Luger (if you like steak!), Superfine (dumbo), I second CP above with Ici. Aurora (williamsburg).
It will all work out for you!
July 6th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Hi Cara,
Agreed with the other commenters about trying to speak with the original restaurant and see what concessions they may be able to offer you. At this stage in the game, it might be smart to try to salvage the situation (especially with your invites in process). It’ll be best to call ahead and find a time you know that a. isn’t so busy and b. the manager/owner will in fact be there.
If they cannot offer you help, I’d suggest the Bell House (ditto Emily) or the Brooklyn Historical Society http://brooklynhistory.org/visitor/building.html.
Their in-house caterer (Naturally Delicious)http://www.naturallydelicious.com also might be a good first call – they work with a lot of local venues and might have a good solution for a last minute problem. At this stage, try to minimize the leg work and look for vendors who can offer you an all-in-one service.
Best of luck and please keep us posted how things progress.
Fingers crossed!!
July 6th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
i’m glad others agree you should try your best to salvage the situation. after all the effort don’t give up and don’t let this derail you just yet – do try to flatter them and explain how it is the perfect venue for you and you can’t imagine doing anything else (aside from the logistical problems). try to be extra generous (honey versus vinegar, bla bla bla) and play dumb if you have to. don’t act angry or threatening no matter what, don’t risk spoiling it. if they fail to see your position, then try to find an alternate. after the original is out of the picture (and only then) feel free to lash out however necessary at them, but for now, even though they may be in the wrong, play nice and hopefully they will come around.
July 6th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
agreed that you should try to salvage the original plan. but if it doesn’t work out, have you considered babouche on 5th avenue and lincoln place? i live nearby and see them hosting weddings there more and more – it’s super cool, the staff is friendly, and the restaurant itself is humongo. i’ve only been there for brunch but it the food was excellent.
July 6th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Have you tried Bubby’s Pie Company in DUMBO? They are great! Also, as far as event spaces go try the Picnic House (its a great deal) and if you need a caterer look into Chef Rossi at Raging Skillet, I hear she is great.
Good luck! I am sure it will all turn out ok!
July 6th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Hi! I’m of a different mind-set than some other people in that I find if people are willing to play w/ your wedding once, they are probably not the most trustworthy and I don’t know how confident I’d be without a firm contract in place. I third the Bell House! iCi is probably a little too small, but you may really like Water Street in DUMBO as well. Harry’s Off Site is a great bet for reasonable catering. If you want to stay in Park Slope, you may want to try The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. Might work better for cocktail style though. Sette might also be an option (on 7th and 3rd street).Good luck and don’t freak out! It really will work out in the best way possible!!
July 6th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Thanks for all the helpful advice – I’ll keep you posted on how this all goes down. I’m withholding the name of the restaurant until we get everything straightened out – don’t want to burn any bridges too soon. But once we figure out whether we can salvage our contract or not I’ll be sure to divulge the info. At this point I’m hesitant to work with them because I’m afraid of what else they might pull last minute, so if I’m hoping to figure something else out. Thanks for all the ideas – I think I’ll be making tons of phone calls tonight!
July 6th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
you might also try the old stone house. i second the bell house too. is prospect park all booked? they have 2 locations.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
I know it isn’t in Brooklyn, but The Housing Works Bookstore is where I’m having my reception this October 31st (getting married in Brooklyn). They are very friendly and all the proceeds go to Housing Works, Inc, a not-for-profit that helps provided services for HIV + homeless living in NYC and beyond. I’m also using their affiliated caterer. you should check out their website if traveling to Manhattan is an option for you. Good luck and keep your chin up.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
as a fellow october 10th brooklyn bride, i feel your pain, cara. that’s awful! i hope that restaurant comes to their senses…or maybe we can get you on “help me, howard”
how about barge music? with alittle love, it would be an amazing venue. best of luck!
July 6th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Hi Cara –
As a wedding planner, I actually would suggest that you steer WAY clear of the original restaurant. The fact that they didnt have you sign a contract before any work began was a huge red flag and then the fact that they went back on what they originally said makes me think that they would do it again to you without a second thought and that you are better off without them.
The fact that you are finding out NOW that they arent good for their word is a blessing – I know it doesnt seem that way – but there is definitely time to retify the situation, and if it wasnt this with them, it would have been something else.
I love ReBar as suggested above and actually Bubby’s in DUMBO is also an beautiful space that does events all the time…..
Congratulations and good luck!
July 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I definitely second bubby’s! The price is great, the view amazing, and the food is fun and yummy. I have done several weddings there, and my brides were always really satisfied.
July 6th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Yikes! I’m so sorry you have to deal with such a crazy inconvenience, but I’m sure everything will turn out just fine.
Makes me wonder though – what is the typical process with restaurant weddings? We’re having one at our favorite Boston restaurant in June 2010. We’ve signed a very basic contract, but they won’t take our deposit until January 2010. Does any one else have restaurant experiences worth sharing?
July 6th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Are you interested in seasonal cuisine? I know a fantastic group of caterers, graduates of New York’s The Natural Gourmet Institute, who will work with you on a seasonal, local menu, and since they are recent graduates (yet very seasoned) they can work with you on a very decent price.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I don’t have specific suggestions for venues, not being anywhere near Brooklyn, but I thought I’d add a bit of perspective: We just held a wedding for 120 people, in a different country, and everthing was decided and planned in the 3 months prior to the wedding. A bit of letting go of having total control was needed, but we had a lovely day pretty much the way we wanted.
This is just to say: months is enough time to find a new venue and come up with decorations and menu ideas in time.
I do understand the frustration and anger at this unprofessional restaurant though. Good luck!
July 7th, 2009 at 12:34 am
There is a big bright green building on union @ bond street. It’s an old warehouse apparently quite charming inside & they now do events. It’s huge, could be more affordable than the other places listed, though not sure how they handle rentals, catering, etc. Worth checking out!
July 7th, 2009 at 8:37 am
I’m so sorry for your headache! I know it’s barely a condolence now, but like people said above – maybe it’s for the best. Pretend you’re saving 50 people from unexpected food poisoning or something.
If you end up in a situation where you have to find a caterer, I’d recommend to shop around. If you look, I’m sure you can find someone who’d be willing to work with you and your budget. The economy is putting a lot of people in a bargaining-type of mood. Maybe you can offer some press photos and have your photographer take some food shots in return for a discount.
Good luck! You seem on top of things – I’m sure it will work out!
July 7th, 2009 at 9:30 am
unionite i’d love to know more about that warehouse – i know the location, but any contact info?
July 9th, 2009 at 11:40 am
I live in Park Slope and I’m going to agree with the suggestions of the Montauk Club and Bell House. I’m also going to suggest contacting Bussaco on Union St. (former Le Bernadin chef, a sommelier and big space), The Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, BAMcafe at BAM, Bklyn Botanic Garden, Picnic House in Prospect Park, and the Pros. Park Boat House. don’t worry, you’ll find something.
July 9th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
That green building on Union and Bond St mentioned above is gorgeous. Their web site is down for some reason, but it’s 450union.com. I haven’t been inside, but they have a box with fliers next to the door and if I remember correctly, they have some photographs on it. They do have plenty of pictures on the web site. Because it’s new and maybe not as well known, it might be more affordable?
July 9th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Flatbush Farm (www.flatbushfarm.com) has a great space and the food is fantastic and affordable. I don’t know if it’s big enough for 130 to sit down, but they could probably fit that many for a standing dinner. It would have to be spread across their two rooms, which isn’t ideal, but it’s a charming place.
So sorry to hear this story – it’s frustrating to hear about a vendor acting so unprofessionally.
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I agree that reBar is a good option. My fiance and I actually stopped in there the other night and are considering it for our wedding reception. The owner, Jason, is really great and their prices are very reasonable.
July 26th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
My heart goes out to you as a fellow bride I cannot imagine what that must be like. I have no helpful advice for you (I live in Dallas) but definately find some place else to have your reception. A restaurant like that does not deserve your business. But I would definately, speak to the owner/manager and tell him of your dissapointment and let him know that people will know how your have been treated. He cannot just walk all over you with reprecussions. If you do decide to go ahead with the restaurant for convenience sake, make sure the contract is air tight.
September 10th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Have you spoken to the people at the Summit NJ Arboretum? Lovely spot; you need find an outside caterer.
You could also take a look athttp://bloominghillfarm.net/. This is a farmstand in Blooming Grove NY that is quite wonderful. It’s not NJ, but it’s not far!
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