We celebrated our wedding at Port Jefferson Country Club the day after we got married, so we chose their cocktail-style reception instead of having our ceremony there. Overall, it ...was a beautiful and more affordable option for the type of celebration we wanted.
The view is absolutely spectacular and made for a gorgeous backdrop for our celebration and photos. There was plenty of space for guests to mingle, dance, and move around comfortably, which was perfect for a cocktail-style reception. The bar lines moved quickly all night, and the drinks were made well.
The food was delicious, and we’re very glad we added an extra food station because it definitely helped keep everyone fed. I only wish there had been a bit more food included in the package, as adding another station and an extra hour came at an additional cost. One thing I wish had been done differently was making sure the bride and groom had plates of food and drinks brought to them throughout the evening. As anyone who’s been married knows, you’re constantly talking to guests and making your way around the room, and we barely had a chance to eat despite how good the food was.
The staff did an impressive job with the quick turnaround from the event before ours, and everything was ready on time. One thing to note is that the bridal suite is an additional hourly charge rather than being included. Since we didn’t book the full traditional wedding package, I did feel like we weren’t quite as much of a priority as couples having both their ceremony and reception there.
Communication during the planning process could have been better. There were times when it took about two weeks and multiple emails to receive a response, which added some unnecessary stress.
During the reception, several of my coworkers mentioned they rarely saw the passed hors d’oeuvres, so it seemed like the waitstaff could have circulated more consistently. Also, be aware that the restrooms are located downstairs, which may be inconvenient for some guests.
Overall, we had a wonderful celebration and our guests had a great time. The beautiful waterfront views, delicious food, spacious layout, and efficient bar service made for a memorable evening. With a few improvements to communication and guest service for the couple, it would be an exceptional wedding venue.