Q:  My fiance and I are having our reception in Stony Brook in August 2012. We are finding it impossible to find a ceremony site! We want to have an outdoor ceremony (not on the beach). Ideally it would be someplace quiet and as natural as possible (i.e. a little distance between us and the parking lot). Also we are looking for the area to have mature trees to provide shade and charm (it will be August!). To make matters even more challenging, we are both attending graduate school in Arizona so the internet is our main resource. Any suggestions?

A:  Jacklyn, have you considered the Long Island Museum?   They have lovely grounds and have experience in outdoor wedding receptions, and of course, they are right in the heart of Stony Brook!   There will be a fee to have your wedding there — it starts at $550.  For more info, call Julia, their events coordinator at 631-751-0066, ext. 247.   Another idea — how about the Stony Brook Grist Mill for a unique ceremony?   There’s a lovely area behind the mill itself, as well as a pond.  A fee is also required, and the amount depends on your number of guests.  For information, call Deborah at 631-751-2244.   And let us know what you decide on!

Q:  Hi Claudia.  My fiance and I have chosen to get married at the Willow Creek Country Club in Mt. Sinai in Sept. 2012 (apprx. 200 guests), however, we would like like to hold our ceremony on a beach or park near the reception venue. Any ideas or suggestions for a ceremony site? Thanks for your help.

A:  Absolutely.  How about Cedar Beach right in Mt. Sinai?   All you have to do is fill out a simple park permit application with the Town of Brookhaven Parks Dept., include a check for $35 and take it in person to 286 Hawkins Road, Farmingville.   They require about four weeks for processing.  If you have any questions, call the Parks Dept. at  631-451-8696.  By the way, be sure to have a Plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate!

Q:  I purchased a wedding gown. It was cash and carry and needs extensive alterations.  How do I go about locating an alteration specialist that can do this type of work?

A:  Suzie, thanks for getting in touch.  The first place to begin your search is at the bridal salon where you purchased the gown.  Even if it was cash and carry, all bridal salons have  on-site experts who can fix flaws in the dresses.   You can also call other bridal salons and ask if they can give you a recommendation for a good seamstress near you.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Wishing you a wonderful holiday with your loved ones

and we’ll be back soon with more wedding-related information specifically for you, the Long Island bride-to-be!

Q:  We live in MD, but most of our guests are in the NY & NJ area.  Can you recommend a place that accommodates smaller groups (around 80), that is not your run of the mill catering hall, banquet hall, ballroom…that is more on the rustic and/or unique side and that won’t break the bank?

A:  Angel, it really depends on your budget, but here are a few ideas:  I just went to a wedding at H on the Harbor in Port Washington.  This was a small, intimate affair which would suit your guest list of about 80.   I like this venue because, well, it’s not a traditional venue.  Take a look at their Facebook page here, which has a number of interior photos.  Also, check out The Club at The Metropolitan in Glen Cove.  Like H on the Harbor, you can customize the decor by choosing lounge seating, table seating, or a combination of both.  Lastly, here’s a really off-the-beaten-path locale — The Nassau County Bar Association in Mineola; Domus, their historic building, is available for weddings and social events through Quartz Caterers, the NCBA’s resident full service caterer.  It’s a unique space for a wedding, for sure, so really worth giving them a call.

Q:  Hi Claudia! I’m getting married June of 2013 and I’m trying to get a head start on things. I’m trying not to spend more than 5,000-7,000 on my wedding so my fiance and I were thinking about doing a back yard BBQ for our reception. I know that everything adds up with that but I don’t think it’s possible to find a venue for that price either. I did want to have the ceremony somewhere outside in a vineyard or park. We live in Suffolk county so anywhere close would be great, any ideas?

We also had another idea to have our ceremony and maybe just cocktail hour somewhere if that would be cheap enough and easier than getting all the things to have the reception in our back yard? any ideas would be great! thank you!

A:  Katie, thanks for writing in!   I love the fact that you are on a strict budget and want to adhere to it.   Sticking to a budget is difficult for many couples, because, as you rightly say, everything adds up and really quickly.   A backyard reception is a great way to go with limited funds.  Keep in mind that you’ll also need rentals — a tent (especially in June), tables, chairs, china, etc.   But why not combine your ideas of a backyard reception/cocktail hour?  With passed-around finger food (or buffet style), you won’t need as many utensils and other necessities that a sit-down meal requires.   And here’s a money-saving tip:  since your wedding will be outdoors, you won’t need to buy expensive floral arrangements.  Use mother nature as your decor and just place wildflowers in vases or a single bud, on all the tables.   Also, keep your guest list to a minimum and you’ll have a fabulous, intimate wedding.

As for having the ceremony in a park or vineyard, remember there will be permits required for public spaces, so check with the town before making the arrangements.  Click here for a series of articles I wrote for Celebrations.com on outdoor weddings.  A vineyard is also a nice idea, but ask about fees.   Here’s a list of a few Long Island vineyards to begin your research.   Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Q:  Hello Claudia, My name is Mary.  I am looking for an outside venue, I love barns and horses and farms.  I’d like a laid back feel. Obviously money is tight so we cant pay $10,000 site fee!  We are getting married at the end of April and are expecting like 200 people. We think putting a tent up with beautiful grounds is perfect!  I appreciate any suggestions you have!!!

A:  Mary, thanks for getting in touch.  I get that you want a casual, outdoor wedding, but you didn’t say what your budget is.  You want to get married at the end of April, which is wedding season.  Renting a tent may sound simple, but you may also have to rent all of the other equipment that is required for an outdoor wedding — chairs, tables, china, silver, linens…you see where I’m going with this.   When you add it all up and include entertainment, photography/videography, flowers, limo and of course, your wedding gown, it can tally up to a pretty penny.

But don’t be discouraged.   If you are willing to be flexible on your wedding date — consider winter, which is much less expensive — maybe cut down your guest list, and think about a variety of different venues, you can have a wonderful wedding.   I suggest you start by contacting  The Inn at New Hyde Park, which has several banquet rooms that can accommodate large or small weddings.   They also have a lovely outdoor area for the ceremony.   Next, check out hotel spaces and restaurants, which may be less expensive than traditional wedding halls.  Lastly, look at this varied list of venue options offered by Custom Catering.   From vineyards to small inns, I’m sure you’ll have plenty to think about once you visit these and compare.    Come back and let us know what you found!   And congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!

Q:  Hi Claudia.  I’m thinking of having a wedding reception for not more than 50 (# includes wedding party). Water view is ideal for the reception or a garden but not outdoor. Would LI be appropriate and are there places where if I only have a party of 50, I will be charged fairly?

A:  Isabelle, a perfect venue for a wedding for fifty people –whether it’s on Long Island, or elsewhere — is at a restaurant.  If you do decide to have your wedding on Long Island, there are many great restaurants on both the North and South Shores offering water views and fine dining.    If budget is a concern, keep in mind that you are in control of the details regarding the meal — so don’t hesitate to order chicken instead of filet mignon as your main course.   Your guests will be happy to be part of the celebration of your union, no matter what is served!