Ask LIWeddings

Long Island Brides and Grooms are bound to have questions that need answering. Feel free to ask your question here or browse through some of our archived questions & answers.

What are some fun and unique ways to incorporate Long Island’s beaches into my wedding, whether for the ceremony, reception, or photos?
Answer:

Long Island’s beautiful beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable wedding. Here are some fun and unique ways to incorporate the beach into your special day:

1. Beachfront Ceremony

Exchange vows with your toes in the sand at venues like Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater SpaOceanbleu at Westhampton Bath & Tennis, or Allegria Hotel in Long Beach. These venues offer stunning ocean views and dedicated beach ceremony setups.

2. Coastal Reception

If you love the beach vibe but prefer an elegant indoor setting, consider The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville. This venue allows you to celebrate with a tropical, waterfront ambiance while still offering a luxurious ballroom experience.

3. Nautical-Inspired Décor

Bring the beach theme into your reception with driftwood centerpieces, seashell escort cards, and ocean-colored linens. A beach bonfire or tiki torches for an evening event can add a magical touch.

4. Beachside Photo Sessions

Capture stunning wedding photos at iconic Long Island beach locations like Robert Moses State Park, Coopers Beach in Southampton, or Montauk’s cliffs. Sunset shots with the waves in the background create a dreamy, romantic look.

5. Coastal-Themed Food & Drinks

Enhance the experience with a seafood-inspired menu featuring fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and clam chowder. Signature drinks like a Blue Lagoon cocktail or a coconut mojito can give your wedding a refreshing, beachy twist.

I want my Long Island wedding to feel like a fairytale, with lush floral arrangements and a grand ballroom. Which venues offer a romantic, storybook-like atmosphere with top-tier service?
Answer:

For a fairytale Long Island wedding with lush floral arrangements and a grand ballroom, here are some top venues that offer a romantic, storybook-like atmosphere with exceptional service:

1. Oheka Castle 

If you dream of a wedding in a grand, European-style estate, Oheka Castle is the ultimate choice. This historic Gold Coast mansion offers breathtaking gardens, sweeping staircases, and a magnificent ballroom that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

2. The Mansion at Oyster Bay 

This elegant estate features stunning architecture, crystal chandeliers, and beautifully manicured gardens, perfect for a storybook wedding. Their attention to detail and top-tier service create a truly magical experience.

3. Westbury Manor 

Westbury Manor combines classic elegance with a warm, intimate feel. With its lush gardens, grand ballroom, and refined Gold Coast charm, it provides a romantic and personalized experience. Plus, they offer a dedicated wedding planning app to make your dream wedding seamless.

4. Flowerfield 

This 56-acre private estate is perfect for couples who love lush floral arrangements. Flowerfield boasts stunning gardens, a picturesque pond, and a glass-enclosed ballroom that brings the beauty of nature inside.

5. The Garden City Hotel 

For a luxurious and regal wedding, this historic hotel offers grand ballrooms with crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and impeccable service. Their floral and décor team can transform the space into a true fairytale setting.

I'm looking for a Long Island wedding venue that combines rustic charm with modern elegance. Are there any barns or vineyards that offer a romantic setting for an outdoor ceremony and a stylish reception?
Answer:

Long Island has several beautiful venues that blend rustic charm with modern elegance. If you're looking for a vineyard setting, The Vineyards at Aquebogue is a stunning option, offering lush vineyards, an outdoor ceremony space, and a stylish ballroom for your reception. Flowerfield in St. James is another fantastic choice, featuring a scenic private estate with gardens, ponds, and a greenhouse-style reception area that blends rustic and contemporary aesthetics.

For a more barn-inspired wedding, Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard provides a cozy, intimate setting with rolling vineyard views, while Brecknock Hall in Greenport offers a historic yet elegant backdrop for your special day.

I'm planning my wedding on Long Island and want a waterfront venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces in case of bad weather. Do you have any recommendations for locations that offer a scenic view, flexible event spaces, and a great backup plan for rain?
Answer:

Long Island offers several stunning waterfront venues that provide both indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring a beautiful setting regardless of the weather. Here are a few top recommendations:

1. Windows on the Lake (Ronkonkoma, NY)

  • Overlooks Lake Ronkonkoma for a breathtaking backdrop.
  • Features outdoor ceremonies on the lakefront and an indoor ballroom with panoramic views.
  • Backup indoor space ensures your day is seamless, even if the weather changes.

2. The Vineyards at Aquebogue (Aquebogue, NY)

  • While known for its vineyard setting, it also offers a charming outdoor ceremony space with scenic views.
  • The elegant indoor reception space is a perfect backup plan.

3. The Boathouse Shelter Island (Shelter Island, NY)

  • hidden gem with stunning water views.
  • A rustic yet elegant indoor space complements the outdoor terrace, ensuring flexibility.

4. Solé East (Montauk, NY)

  • Coastal vibes with a garden courtyard and indoor lounge for a stylish, weather-proof option.
  • A great choice for a laid-back yet elegant wedding by the water.

5. Allegria Hotel (Long Beach, NY)

  • Offers a rooftop terrace with Atlantic Ocean views for ceremonies.
  • Indoor ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows provide a scenic backup option.

Each of these venues is designed to handle unexpected weather changes while still offering breathtaking waterfront views. Let me know if you’d like more details on any of them! ????

I am looking for outdoor and indoor places to take family photos between the church and reception near Kings Park and Roslyn. (We have 2 hours to kill before we can arrive at our catering hall.)Any suggestions? I'm looking for places that don't need permits or cost a fortune. Please Help!!!!
Answer:

Here are some beautiful outdoor and indoor locations between Kings Park and Roslyn that don’t require expensive permits:

Outdoor Locations:

  1. Sunken Meadow State Park (Kings Park) – Scenic beachfront, boardwalk, and natural greenery. Great for romantic shots near the water and on wooden walkways. (Small parking fee but no photography permit required for casual shoots.)

  2. Nissequogue River State Park (Kings Park) – A peaceful setting with waterfront views, rolling fields, and charming pathways.

  3. Old Westbury Gardens (Old Westbury, en route to Roslyn) – Stunning estate with gardens and grand staircases. Entry fee per person ($14/adult), but no permit required for wedding photos if you don’t bring large equipment.

  4. Planting Fields Arboretum (Oyster Bay) – Beautiful gardens, historic architecture, tree-lined pathways, and a greenhouse. Entry is around $8 per car.

  5. Sands Point Preserve (Port Washington) – Features castle-like mansions, sprawling gardens, and breathtaking waterfront views. Entrance fee is around $15 per car.

  6. Cedarmere Park (Roslyn Harbor) – A hidden gem with stone bridges, a pond, and lush greenery. Perfect for intimate shots.

  7. Christopher Morley Park (Roslyn-North Hills) – Features a charming footbridge, natural gardens, and open fields for elegant photos.

Indoor Locations (for backup or unique shots):

  1. The Vanderbilt Museum & Mansion (Centerport) – Historic mansion with grand staircases and antique charm. Entry is around $10 per person.

  2. The Library at The Mansion at Glen Cove (Glen Cove) – A classic indoor option with elegant interiors.

  3. A Stylish Café or Wine Bar (Roslyn or Oyster Bay) – A cozy spot like Sweetie Pies on Main (Cold Spring Harbor) or Bar Frites (Roslyn) can make for romantic and intimate indoor photos.

  4. A Local Boutique Hotel Lobby (Roslyn or Garden City) – Some hotels like The Roslyn Hotel have stylish interiors that could serve as an elegant indoor setting.

Our son is getting married to a young woman from Flatbush at El Caribe Country Club in the fall. We will pay for the flowers. We have been quoted at least five figures for flowers. Can anyone recommend a florist who has a good eye and a reasonable charge-out rate
Answer:

Congratulations on your son's upcoming wedding! El Caribe Country Club is a beautiful venue, and florals can truly elevate the ambiance. Five-figure quotes for wedding flowers are definitely on the high end, but there are talented florists in Brooklyn and Long Island who offer stunning designs at more reasonable rates.

Here are a few highly recommended florists known for beautiful work and fair pricing:

Brooklyn-Based Florists:

  1. Seasons A Floral Design Studio (Brooklyn, NY) – Known for elegant and creative arrangements, they cater to different budgets while maintaining quality.
  2. FleursBELLA (Brooklyn, NY) – Artistic and customizable designs, often working within various price points.
  3. Lily of the Valley Floral Design (Brooklyn, NY) – A boutique floral shop known for affordable wedding arrangements without sacrificing style.

Long Island-Based Florists (Often More Budget-Friendly):

  1. Jack & Rose (Long Island, NY) – A well-regarded florist with decades of experience in weddings, offering custom packages.
  2. Mattituck Florist (Mattituck, NY) – Specializes in weddings with flexible pricing options.
  3. Wicks Florist (Huntington, NY) – Provides personalized service and reasonable rates for wedding flowers.

To keep costs more manageable, consider:

  • Mixing high-end flowers with more affordable blooms (e.g., roses instead of peonies, greenery-heavy arrangements).
  • Opting for repurposing arrangements (ceremony florals can be used at the reception).
  • Selecting in-season flowers to avoid premium pricing.
Looking for the best low cost vineyard style wedding options for about 50 guests.
Answer:

For a budget-friendly vineyard-style wedding on Long Island with around 50 guests, here are some beautiful yet affordable options:

Best Low-Cost Vineyard Wedding Venues:

1. Harmony Vineyards (Head of the Harbor, NY)

Intimate waterfront vineyard with a charming rustic feel
Affordable for smaller weddings
Indoor/outdoor options with a historic tasting room

2. Clovis Point Vineyard & Winery (Jamesport, NY)

More budget-friendly than some larger vineyards
Cozy and charming with a rustic barn aesthetic
Options for an outdoor vineyard ceremony

3. Loughlin Vineyard (Sayville, NY)

Small, family-run vineyard with a charming, relaxed vibe
More affordable than large, commercial vineyards
Allows for flexible catering and decor options

4. The Vineyards at Aquebogue (Aquebogue, NY)

One of the most elegant vineyard venues, but they offer smaller wedding packages
Stunning vineyard views with a dedicated indoor reception space
Options for off-peak or weekday weddings at lower rates

5. Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard (Baiting Hollow, NY)

More casual, but offers a vineyard setting without breaking the bank
Perfect for a laid-back, intimate wedding with rustic charm
Offers flexibility with catering and rental options

We are getting married in Seaford NY and the reception is at the North Ritz Club in Syosset, NY. We will have time to kill in between church and the reception looking for ideas where we can take pictures. Thank you!
Answer:

There are plenty of beautiful indoor and outdoor locations between Seaford and Syosset that would be perfect for wedding photos. Here are some great permit-free or low-cost spots:

Outdoor Locations:

  1. Planting Fields Arboretum (Oyster Bay) – One of the most picturesque spots with stunning gardens, tree-lined pathways, and a greenhouse. A small entry fee per car (~$8), but no permit is required for casual wedding photos.
  2. Cold Spring Harbor Park (Cold Spring Harbor) – A scenic waterfront location with a charming dock, perfect for romantic shots.
  3. The Bayard Cutting Arboretum (Great River) – A gorgeous garden setting with rustic elements and historic charm.
  4. Oyster Bay Waterfront Park (Oyster Bay) – A peaceful location with water views, docks, and lovely open spaces for elegant photos.
  5. Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park (Oyster Bay) – A beautiful park with stone bridges, a waterfront setting, and lots of greenery.
  6. Stillwell Woods Preserve (Syosset) – A hidden gem with natural woodsy backdrops and walking trails.

Indoor/Backup Locations (If It Rains):

  1. The Mansion at Oyster Bay (Woodbury) – A historic mansion with elegant interiors, grand staircases, and classic décor.
  2. The Roslyn Hotel (Roslyn) – A chic and sophisticated indoor option if you're looking for a stylish modern backdrop.
  3. A Local Winery or Café (Oyster Bay/Roslyn) – Places like Bar Frites (Roslyn) or Sweetie Pies on Main (Cold Spring Harbor) have cozy interiors that could work for intimate shots.
Is an affordable LI wedding possible? We are newly engaged, just purchased a house, and have two kids together. We are looking to have a December wedding but can’t seem to find a venue that is budget-friendly for approximately 150 guests. Is it possible?
Answer:

Best Budget-Friendly Wedding Venues on Long Island:

1. Less Traditional, More Affordable Venues

Fire Island Lighthouse (Fire Island, NY) – Unique waterfront setting, great for a winter wedding with indoor options.
American Legion Halls/VFW Halls (Various Locations) – Many have elegant spaces that you can decorate beautifully, and they allow outside catering.
Libraries & Community Centers – Places like The Vanderbilt Museum (Centerport) or Bayard Cutting Arboretum (Great River) have event spaces at lower costs.

2. All-Inclusive, Budget-Friendly Catering Halls

East Wind (Wading River, NY) – They offer off-season pricing and packages that include catering, bar, and décor.
The Sterling (Bethpage, NY) – A classic, elegant venue with competitive pricing for winter weddings.
Chateau La Mer (Lindenhurst, NY) – Affordable waterfront venue with great packages.
Windows on the Lake (Ronkonkoma, NY) – Offers off-season deals and includes a lot in their packages.
Coral House (Baldwin, NY) – Overlooks a lake and has budget-friendly winter wedding specials.

3. Restaurants with Private Event Spaces

The View (Oakdale, NY) – Intimate waterfront setting with amazing food at a better price than traditional halls.
Blackstone Steakhouse (Melville, NY) – Upscale but often offers budget-friendly packages in the winter.
Captain Bill’s (Bay Shore, NY) – Waterfront, cozy for a December wedding, and reasonably priced.

4. Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries

L.I.V. (Long Island Spirits, Baiting Hollow, NY) – A unique and fun venue that allows for a relaxed, affordable wedding.
Clovis Point Vineyard (Jamesport, NY) – Smaller but has great winter wedding pricing.

I'm having a fall wedding and am thinking about navy and burnt orange with cream and tan as the color scheme. I want my bridesmaids to wear navy, but I am stymied about what the guys should wear: navy suits with burnt orange accents seem like too much navy. Any suggestions?
Answer:

Your navy, burnt orange, cream, and tan color scheme is perfect for a fall wedding—warm, elegant, and seasonally appropriate! Since the bridesmaids will be in navy, here are some stylish groom & groomsmen attire ideas that will complement your palette without overwhelming it with too much navy:

1. Tan or Light Beige Suits with Navy & Burnt Orange Accents

Why? A tan or beige suit adds warmth and contrast while keeping things elegant and light.
Navy ties or bowties to match the bridesmaids
Burnt orange boutonnieres or pocket squares for a fall accent
Perfect for an outdoor/rustic fall wedding

2. Charcoal or Deep Gray Suits with Burnt Orange & Navy Accents

Charcoal adds sophistication and pairs beautifully with burnt orange.
Burnt orange ties or navy ties with burnt orange boutonnières
Works well for formal or evening weddings
Adds depth to your color palette

3. Classic Black Tuxedos with Burnt Orange Accents

Why? Black tuxes are timeless and let burnt orange take center stage.
Burnt orange or navy bowties
Crisp white shirts with burnt orange pocket squares
A great choice for a black-tie or formal wedding

4. Mix & Match Look (Groom in Navy, Groomsmen in Tan or Gray)

Why? This keeps the groom standing out while maintaining balance.
Groom in a navy suit with burnt orange accents
Groomsmen in tan, light gray, or charcoal suits
Everyone wears matching burnt orange boutonnieres

Would you like suggestions for specific suit styles or retailers? ????

Just a church ceremony and immediately following have a "champagne toast" that would last 2 hours,champagne and appetizers and music played in the background (no dj) some tables and chairs. The vibe I want to create is a non obligation, meaning if you want to stop by after the church grab a glass of champagne, have a toast, take a picture, grab a bite to eat and leave in 20 mins or stay the whole time. can i do this on LI if so where?
Answer:

"Champagne Toast Reception" is a wonderful and elegant way to celebrate right after the ceremony, without the full obligation of a sit-down meal. Long Island has plenty of venues that could accommodate this, especially wineries, small event spaces, private rooms in restaurants, and even scenic outdoor locations. Here are some ideas:

1. Wineries & Vineyards 

  • Del Vino Vineyards (Northport, NY) – Has a stunning outdoor terrace and indoor space for intimate gatherings.
  • Lenz Winery (Peconic, NY) – Elegant and laid-back with beautiful vineyard views.
  • Harmony Vineyards (St. James, NY) – Waterfront location with an intimate setting, ideal for a casual toast.

2. Restaurants with Private Spaces

  • The View (Oakdale, NY) – Waterfront setting, perfect for a relaxed toast.
  • Prime (Huntington, NY) – Upscale with stunning harbor views and private event spaces.
  • The Vine Wine Bar (Merrick, NY) – Small and intimate, great for a champagne and small-bites gathering.
  • The Carltun (Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY) – Offers elegant private rooms and a champagne-friendly setting.

3. Private Halls & Historic Mansions

  • Bayard Cutting Arboretum (Great River, NY) – Beautiful gardens and a small event space inside for a cozy, picturesque toast.
  • Sands Point Preserve (Sands Point, NY) – Historic setting with gorgeous outdoor spaces for a champagne reception.
  • Old Field Club (East Setauket, NY) – Coastal, rustic charm with both indoor and outdoor options.

4. Outdoor & Casual Options

  • Morgan Memorial Park (Glen Cove, NY) – Overlooks the water, and you could set up an elegant champagne station.
  • The Vanderbilt Museum Courtyard (Centerport, NY) – Historic, beautiful, and unique for an elegant yet relaxed toast.
  • Private Yacht or Charter Boat (Port Washington, NY) – A floating champagne toast for something truly different!
Can I please get the name of a venue with lush gardens. I want bridges, waterfalls, large flower bushes, and several quaint spots within the garden to explore, not just a nice open space with flower beds along a path. I would also like to see the garden from the dining room and walk directly into the garden from the doors of the dining room. I would also like to have the ceremony in the middle of the garden, surrounded by flowers. I've been to many of the mansions, but they are very sim
Answer:

It sounds like you’re looking for a truly immersive garden venue with lush landscapes, water features, and a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Based on your vision, we highly recommend Flowerfield in Saint James, NY.

Why Flowerfield?

Lush Gardens – Flowerfield is known for its botanical elegance, with lush gardens, waterfalls, bridges, and vibrant floral displays throughout the property.
Surrounding Flowers – The ceremony space is nestled in the heart of the gardens, offering a romantic, floral-surrounded setting that’s perfect for your vision.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection – The dining room overlooks the gardens, with direct access so you and your guests can step right into nature.
Waterfalls & Bridges – A private pond with a bridge, waterfalls, and elegant landscaping make for stunning photo opportunities.
Multiple Quaint Spots – The venue features intimate garden alcoves and plenty of pathways to explore, ensuring a variety of gorgeous backdrops.

Other Options (If You Want More Choices)

  1. The Pavilion at Sunken Meadow (Kings Park, NY) – While a beachfront venue, it has gardens and direct indoor-outdoor access.
  2. Planting Fields Arboretum (Oyster Bay, NY) – While not a traditional wedding venue, you can rent spaces for a unique outdoor garden experience.
  3. Old Westbury Gardens (Old Westbury, NY) – Grand and floral-filled, though it may not have a seamless indoor connection to the garden.


We'd highly recommend touring Flowerfield, as it perfectly aligns with your vision of an immersive garden venue with water features, bridges, and a true floral escape

Do you technically need to let your single guests bring a +1 to your wedding? My FH thinks it's an absolute must, but we're so close to our number allowance and we're trying to stay in budget!
Answer: This is a very tough question and a very personal choice. It's almost impossible to allow every wedding guest to bring a plus one unless your budget isn't an issue. The absolute must 'plus one' guests are: married guests, engaged guests, and possibly guests who live with a significant other. Beyond that it's really up to what your budget allows. Maybe allow guests to bring a plus one if they're in a committed relationship, but maybe not a plus one for the singletons. Will that leave a couple guests feeling singled out? Possibly, but it's about what you can handle, not what will make everyone happy.
Just wondering, a co worker told me it is customary for the bride and groom to provide their parents with a list of the gifts received from the wedding afterwards. I have never heard of this before and am wondering if this is something that is done for modern weddings?
Answer: I honestly cannot find anything on this tradition, and haven't heard of it. It may be part of a tradition of ensuring that all guests are properly thanked for the gifts received. Traditionally (very old traditionally) a list of desired gifts was always given to the parents (at least on the bridal side) to ensure that registry gifts were all received and weren't duplicated: family members and loved ones would turn to them to see what gifts were still un-purchased from the list. Of course, that's before hand, though. I don't know of a need afterwards unless there's a tradition of the parents' assisting with Thank You cards and notes.
I was just recently engaged and am starting to research everything. We don't have anything planned or chosen yet. Where should we start?
Answer: The very first place to start is by choosing a date and location. You really can't line up any other details in place until you have a wedding date, so your best course of action is to start checking out reception locations to find a place and date that work for you. From there you can research and plan everything else around that one day.
How soon do we need to pick an officiant? Should I worry about availability?
Answer: Once you have your wedding date, you should try to book (or at least meet with) an officiant as soon as possible! Just like with any of your other vendors, wedding officiants have a tendency of filling up quickly. They, too, can only handle so many weddings at one time! What's more, it is important to find the right officiant for you, and you don't want to hesitate once you do (in case they are booked out from under you). The ceremony is major part of every wedding, because it literally is 'The Wedding.' You need an officiant that connects with you emotionally and spiritually. Don't wait until the last minute to try to find one who does.
If we want to have an afterparty, do we need to host it/pay for it?
Answer: Honestly, more often than not, after parties are generally not hosted by the wedded couple. They're more usually a place and time where everyone pays for their own way or they BYOB (bring your own booze). Just have signs made up for the guests as they're leaving or have the DJ/band announce the when and where at the end of the night!
I really don't know how to set any sort of order with my tables at the reception. I'm worried about anyone not getting along! Do I have to set a specific seating chart, or seat specific family members together?
Answer: Honestly, as difficult as it may seem (or at least worrisome) now, on your wedding day you'll be very happy to have a guide to get people into place. You do, however, have the freedom to set most anyone into clusters that work for you. Gone are the days of the groom's family on one side and the bride's family on the other. Mix and match whoever will cohabitate best together. At the end of the day, it's really just for meals that they will be seated together. They're all their because they love you and are happy to celebrate with you. All differences should be on hold for this one day, anyway!
Who usually takes care of the cost of a rehearsal dinner? And who do you usually invite?
Answer: Traditionally it's the groom's parents who traditionally pay for the rehearsal dinner. More modernly anyone can pay, as most modern couples are also paying for most of their wedding (or splitting costs with their families). Just remember, whoever pays has the last say on most of the details. As for who attends, the group usually comes down to parents on both sides, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girls and ring bearers with their parents, your officiant and any other close family members.

Ask LIWeddings