How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

There are a lot of myths on what to spend, so it can be hard to get an estimate.

Congrats! You’re about to embark on such an exciting time in your life. But first, you need to pick out an engagement ring. Perhaps your significant other already has a ring in mind, or maybe you’re on your own. Either way, you’ll need to come up with a budget. But how much should you spend on an engagement ring?

An old tradition says you should spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring. This rule doesn’t apply anymore! The reality is, there is no one-size-fits-all budget for buying a ring. Experts say the average engagement ring can cost between $5,500-$7,000. There are beautiful rings out there though, that can cost $1,500-$2,000 (and maybe even less for the savvy shopper). And, of course, there are rings that cost more than the average.

MORE: The Types of Fiancés You’ll Encounter During Wedding Planning

Here are some things to consider when creating a budget for an engagement ring:

Your Current Financial Status

How will you be paying for the ring? Will it be in installments, with or without interest? Paid in full? Cash or credit card? If you’re dipping into your savings account, will there be enough for future plans? Your wedding? A house? It’s important to take a look at your finances to see how much you can afford.

What Does Your Partner Want?

Or rather, what are they expecting? While it doesn’t matter what you spend, it’s important to know what your partner is looking for in an engagement ring as far as size and style. While it might be nice to splurge and treat your future spouse to the biggest and most expensive ring, consider what they would like. Perhaps they want something simple and a smaller, less expensive ring is all they’re looking for (because your love is enough!)

MORE: 4 Reasons to Get Married on an Off-Day

The Four Cs

Clarity, cut, carat and color. All of these should be taken into consideration when creating your engagement ring budget. Clarity refers to the level of imperfections in a diamond, cut is a measurement of the diamond’s dimensions, carat is the unit of measurement for a diamond’s weight, and color indicates how clear the diamond is. 

Stone

While diamonds are the traditional stone in an engagement ring, there’s no rule that says every engagement ring has to be a diamond. In fact, stones like topaz, morganite, and sapphires are becoming increasingly popular engagement ring choices. If your future spouse’s heart isn’t set on a diamond, consider looking at rings that feature other beautiful stones – they’re usually a little cheaper than diamonds, and you can use the money you save on wedding expenses instead.

Insurance

Factor in engagement ring insurance when creating your budget. While we know that your significant other will take great care of their ring, things happen, and it should be protected.

MORE: What To Do If You Don’t Like Your Engagement Ring

Ultimately, you should spend what you are comfortable with. If you know that you’ll be paying for your wedding, keep that in mind as you ring shop.  And remember to keep your partner in mind. Thoughtfulness is more important than how much you spend.

BOLI Preferred Vendor Alli Murphy Photography is changing the bridal boudoir game for 2024.

There’s a reason why brides schedule boudoir shoots before their big days: a photo album full of sultry shots can serve as a scintillating gift for their spouse. But besides being a great wedding present, many women find that their boudoir sessions become an exciting celebration of their own inherent beauty, strength, and power.

BOLI Preferred Vendor Alli Murphy Photography is known for their innovative, adventurous, and boundary-breaking style of boudoir. Now, the renowned studio is premiering a fresh and revitalized look for their 2024 bridal shoots – and they want to feature you in their portfolio.

• MORE: Vote now! Choose the best vendors in BOLI’s annual Diamond Awards

“This is different from anything else we’ve offered in the past.”

As the new year dawned, owner and lead photographer Alli Murphy decided to revamp her popular boudoir offerings. “We listened to a lot of what our brides were saying about making a bridal scene that was a little bit more light and airy,” she explained. “I had a concept in my head of wanting to create something that looked like a bridal suite. We’ve even built a flower wall and throne, with some whites and baby pinks, so we can get really fun pops of different colors. This is different from anything else we’ve offered in the past – it’s all really bright and airy and beautiful.”

In addition to a more ethereal style, the team also decided to set their scenes with a few more personalized touches. “We’re inviting brides to bring in their wedding gowns, or maybe a negligee or something like that, to have on display in the background of their images,” Alli described. “We’re also suggesting that brides bring a photo of themselves with their spouse that we can put in one of our cute picture frames, just to make the details a little more personal.”

The bridal boudoir scenes aren’t the only thing that AMP is updating for 2024. “We’ve reduced all of our pricing, and have also created packages that offer more or similar to what we had in the past,” she said. “My motto has always been ‘we’re for the “every woman”’, and I want to make sure that stands true. That’s why we made that decision.”

“Confidence is a beautiful thing to bring into your wedding day.”

It goes without saying that Alli loves working with brides-to-be. “They’re always excited,” she gushed. “It’s a really beautiful journey to be a part of. You see someone blossom from a young girl, taking this huge step in life and entering into their next chapter. And then you see them again for anniversaries and maternity shoots, it’s a really cool experience.”

And of course, Alli sees the benefits of a bridal boudoir shoot – aside from just being a spicy gift for your spouse. “Going into your wedding, I think one of the biggest things for most people is wanting to feel beautiful and happy,” she detailed. “You’re on display, and that might be nerve wracking for some people. A boudoir shoot gives you confidence and a glow that you can carry with you into your wedding. It’s fun, exciting, and empowering. Yes, the spouses always love it, but confidence is a beautiful thing to bring into your wedding day. And boudoir just really helps with that.”

• MORE: 9 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Wedding

“I want people to see all the new things that we have to offer.”

Eager to share their brand new bridal boudoir experience, the Alli Murphy Photography team is looking for a few models that want to show off their newly-engaged glow – and one of those models could be you.

“We’re doing an open call so that brides can understand what we’re all about,” Alli explained. “I want people to see all the new things that we have to offer.”

If you’ve never modeled before, that’s okay! AMP bridal boudoir models are only required to be over 21 years old, have the availability to shoot before March 31, be able to provide 4 lingerie or outfit options, pay a $100 fee for hair and makeup (which can be applied to a purchase if you choose to make one), and be willing to sign a model release (which can only include faceless shots if you prefer).   

In exchange, all bridal boudoir models will receive a complimentary photo shoot, a makeover from AMP’s professional stylists, use of all scenes, set ups, and props, high-resolution digital files of two images, and $100 off anything from the a la carte menu or $500 off any signature collection.

“We understand that not everyone has the budget to do a full boudoir shoot,” she said. “Our model call gives brides that opportunity. You don’t have to buy anything if you don’t want to. You still get the two complimentary images, and can choose to buy other images if you’d like.”

Ready to heed the Alli Murphy Photography call? Click here to apply for a bridal boudoir slot!

Who do you love the most out of our BOLI preferred vendors? Let us know by voting in the 2024 Diamond Awards.

It’s that time of year! It’s time for you – our lovely BOLIs – to vote on your favorite BOLI Preferred Vendors. We know it’s really difficult to choose just one favorite because they’re all amazing, but only a few can be crowned winners in the fourth annual Brides of Long Island Diamond Awards. It’s the most coveted (OK, we think it’s the most coveted) award a vendor can receive!

Cast your vote in 25 different categories, ranging from “Best Venue” to “Best Photographer” and more. You can vote once a day, every day! Voting ends on Feb. 8, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Each of the 2024 Brides of Long Island Diamond Award winners will get a statue that they can proudly display in their offices. And, of course, they get bragging rights when they talk to all of their brides!

Being a BOLI Preferred Vendor means they’ve been handpicked and vetted by fellow brides and BOLI staff. You can’t go wrong with any of our Preferred Vendors when planning your wedding day. And just like our members, BOLI Preferred Vendors are part of our community and family.

Click here to see all of BOLI’s preferred vendors. 

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, BOLI Christine talks about the special surprise her husband planned on their wedding day.

A Facebook friendship turned into something more when Christine and Frank matched on the dating app Hinge. Christine says the two of them have been together ever since their first date in 2019.

A Lighthouse Engagement

On their three-year anniversary, Christine says Frank booked a trip out to Montauk. On their way to dinner, Frank said that he wanted to stop at Camp Hero to take photos. “I sort of knew something was up because he never wants to take pictures,” she explains. As they were walking toward the lighthouse, they passed a bride and groom taking photos. So when they passed flower petals in the shape of a heart, Christine didn’t realize they were for her. “We walked past and he pointed out the heart, and then “All You Need Is Love” started playing, and he proposed.”

An Old Hollywood Affair

Christine and Frank wanted a Gatsby-Old Hollywood themed wedding, which is why they booked the Mansion at Oyster Bay, a BOLI preferred vendor, for their Sept. 1, 2023 wedding. They had a little less than a year to plan, so after they set their date at the Mansion at Oyster Bay and St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington Village, Christine set out in search of her dress. She worked with Jill at the Bridal Salon of Huntington Village, a BOLI preferred vendor. “I described the look I was going for, and she brought me the most beautiful gown,” Christine says. “I loved it immediately, but still tried on about 20 other dresses, until I went back to that first dress. That’s the one I picked.” The dress had sleeves that reminded Christine of that Gatsby feel she was looking for, and to complete the look, Frank wore tails on his tuxedo.

MORE: What you feel when you find THE dress

In keeping with the theme, Christine and Frank booked East Coast Band. “We had seen them perform at other weddings, and we really liked them,” says Christine. Live music is important to the couple, as Frank is a musician and a sixth-grade band teacher. Once the band was secured, they booked Never There Yet, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, for their photographer. “I’d been admiring her work from the beginning of planning, so I was really happy we were able to book her,” says Christine.

Throughout the entire planning process, Christine is grateful that Frank was hands on. “I was lucky because he wanted to be a part of everything.”

A Surprise Serenade

Despite the day going by so fast, Christine says there were several moments that stood out to her. Her father passed away in 2017, so her mother walked her down the aisle. “That was a really special moment for us,” Christine explains. “It was also really special during our mother-daughter dance.” She also remembers that when they exited the church, there were bubbles filling the air.

The best part of the day though, was when Frank surprised her by singing “I Want to Grow Old With You” from The Wedding Singer. “The running joke is that even though he’s a musician, he’s never sung to me,” says Christine. “So, it was only fitting that the first time he did was at our wedding.”

The pair stayed connected with their family by using heirlooms for their rings. “My engagement ring is actually my grandmother’s 25th wedding anniversary ring,” explains Christine. “And Frank’s wedding band is his great grandfather’s.”

Everything went off without a hitch on their wedding day. From the Mansion at Oyster Bay staff to East Coast Band keeping everyone on the dance floor all night, it was wonderful, says Christine.

MORE: 7 wedding gown options that will set you apart

Remember What’s Important

Christine says she relied on the BOLI community for vendor reviews, as well as advice when dealing with family members or friends. “It was a relief to see that some of the girls went through the same experiences I was going through. It was nice to see I wasn’t alone…or crazy!”

At the end of the day, Christine says brides should go with their gut when planning. “While you may feel it’s important to please everyone, it’s really just about the two of you,” says Christine. “Remember what’s important to you both, and do things that will make you happy.”

Vendors:
Venue: Mansion at Oyster Bay, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer:  Never There Yet Photography, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Band: East Coast Band
Florist: Flowers by Burton
Hair:  Alicia from The Salon Company
Makeup: Hailey from The Beauty Window
Invitations: The Knot
Dress: The Bridal Salon of Huntington Village, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Cake: Dortoni’s
Tuxedos: Ike Behar
Transportation: Mark of Elegance Limousine Service, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photo Booth: LI Fotobooths

We all make New Year’s resolutions, why not make them for your wedding this year?

A brand new year is right around the corner. And while most people are thinking of some New Year’s resolutions for themselves, why not make them for your wedding this year? Even if you’re not getting married in the upcoming year, consider these nine New Year’s resolutions for your wedding to help you navigate the stress of planning and the big day.

1. Set a (Realistic) Timeline

If you’re just starting out with your wedding planning, take a look at the calendar and set a realistic timeline for yourself. This goes for booking vendors, choosing a dress, sending invites and more. If you’re deep into planning, it’s not too late to create a planning timeline to keep you on track. And if you already have that timeline, resolve to stick to it!

2. Don’t Obsess

Wedding planning can take over your life if you let it. But don’t let it! Resolve to set aside a specific amount of time each week for wedding planning. This will allow you to focus on your wedding but not obsess over it each and every day.

3. Set Aside Me (and Us) Time

You can get lost in wedding planning. Since you’ve already stuck to resolution two of not obsessing, use some of that free time on yourself. Give yourself a ‘me day.’ Spend time with your future spouse. Plan a date night. Or just stay in and chill. Anything to take you away from planning so you can relax.

MORE: 20 Self-Care Ideas During Wedding Planning 

4. Keep Yourselves in Your Wedding

It can be tough to listen to everyone’s opinion – and trust us, everyone has one. But it’s important to make sure that both you and your spouse’s personalities come through at your wedding. From something simple like signature drinks to an all-out affair with a theme that screams both of you. Remember to keep you in your wedding!

5. Block Out the Negative

Because everyone does have an opinion, it can be hard to ignore those negative comments. But remember, this is your day. So, resolve to take each opinion and comment with a grain of salt, and don’t sweat it.

6. Stick to Your Budget

Just as you’re setting a realistic timeline, you want to set a realistic budget. Sure, we can get caught up in those little details that we just know will make the day even more special (Customized napkins? Extravagant favors?). But it’s important to resolve to stick to your budget – you don’t want to start your marriage off in debt from your wedding. Think about what is most important to you, and splurge on those things.

MORE: How to stick to your wedding budget

7. Ask for Help

If you’re struggling with planning, ask for help. No one is going to judge you. And your bride tribe and loved ones will be more than happy to help out.

8. Remember Why You’re Getting Married

With all the hustle and bustle of planning, we can often forget why we’re getting married. We might start to snap at our future spouse over things like seating charts, guest lists or even the ‘do not play’ list. But don’t let that hurt your relationship. Take some time to remember the reasons why you’re getting married. Because at the end of your wedding day, that is all that matters.

9. Be Present

Once the big day arrives, resolve to be present and enjoy the moment. Take time as newlyweds to look around that room filled with love. The day goes fast, so put the phone down, and be present on that day.

MORE: 8 Tips for Practicing Mindfulness on Your Wedding Day

And remember when it gets overwhelming, the BOLI community is here for you. When the big day comes, just relax, enjoy yourself and don’t sweat the small stuff. Cheers to a great new year!

As a “one-stop shop”, BOLI Preferred Vendor Stephen Mayo Photography and Effervescent Films will capture every meaningful moment of your day

Your photographer is an integral part of your wedding team, responsible for capturing the beautiful images that will soon adorn your walls and photo albums. But many brides are realizing that videographers play a vital role, too – the expertly-shot and edited footage provided by a videographer can be a powerful and vivid reminder of your big day. 

Because photographers and videographers work in tandem, finding a professional and experienced duo is key. You’ll want to know that both vendors can communicate effectively, choreograph shots efficiently, and deliver finished products that are cinematic and polished. Brides of Long Island now have a photo and video team that encompasses all of those qualities and more, thanks to a new partnership between BOLI Preferred Vendor Stephen Mayo Photography and Effervescent Films.

• MORE: Stephen Mayo Photography Tells the Story of Your Wedding with a Boutique-Level Experience

“Our couples put a lot of faith in us, and we work diligently to exceed their expectations.”

As a highly sought-after wedding photographer, Stephen Mayo of Stephen Mayo Photography recognizes the importance of his job. “Wedding photography and videography is not simply a service provided on the day of the event – it should be a positive experience for the couple from the beginning,” he said. “Effervescent Films is a company that shares the same couple-centric vision that I do. A lot of couples look for one-stop shopping, and instead of me just hiring an independent contractor to get video footage for the day, we work together to ensure that our clients have a team of two experienced people working on their behalf.”

“I am very conscious of the fact that the only tangible memory of the wedding day is the product I provide, and I want the clients I work with to fully understand that I’m there for them, I understand their vision, and I will do everything possible to make it happen,” he continued. “Effervescent Films has the same outlook. Our clients put a lot of faith in us, and we work diligently to exceed their expectations.”

“We aim to provide services that truly prioritize the needs and wishes of those we are creating for.”

Effervescent Films owner Phil Duchatellier founded his company with a clear mission: to offer top-notch storytelling. “Effervescent Films emerged from its parent company Onphilm Productions,” Phil said. “I wanted to ensure that even those on a modest budget could enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.”

With well over a decade in the industry, Phil was beginning to see a troubling trend. “I’ve come to notice that a lot of wedding videography seems to have shifted its focus towards the vision of the videographer rather than the desires of the couple,” he explained. “We aim to provide services that truly prioritize the needs and wishes of those we are creating for, giving a lot of control back to our clients and how they want to remember one of the most important days of their lives.”

• MORE: Stephen Mayo Photography Breaks Down the Importance of Sticking to a Schedule

“If I were looking for a videographer for my own wedding, it would be them.”

Stephen and Phil first worked together in May of 2022, when they were hired for a wedding at Water’s Edge. Effervescent Film’s professionalism and talents struck a chord with Stephen immediately. “Their work is stunning,” he complemented. “They can capture authentic, intimate moments in a cinematic style. Their focus on emotion and storytelling is clear. I often tell couples that if I were looking for a videographer for my own wedding, it would be them.”

Stephen also highlighted their harmonious working relationship. “Something that is very important to me is that couples get to experience every moment of their wedding,” he said. “Every time I’ve photographed a wedding with Effervescent Films, we have been able to work seamlessly together. Sometimes the needs of photo and video are a little different, but we are able to capture everything we need very quickly and efficiently. Photography and videography are parts of the day, but it should never get in the way of the couple enjoying the moment.”

“We both have the same goal in providing important and valuable memories.”

What does this new partnership entail for newly-engaged Long Islanders? “The biggest benefit I see for couples is that they are getting a team that is equally passionate about photography and videography,” Stephen described. “We both have the same goal in providing important and valuable memories. We are equally passionate about what we do, and we work to ensure that the wedding experience is positive.” 

On top of getting a passionate and skillful team, brides of Long Island will also find some benefits for their budget. “Packages are a great place to start, but ultimately, the ability to customize pricing to fit the vision of the wedding is very important,” he mentioned. “That way, you are not paying for the things you don’t want – only the things that fit your vision. That is key for me when I’m providing pricing information, and Effervescent Films offers the same flexibility.”

“You have two dedicated individuals committed to each couple.”

When searching for a photography and videography team, Stephen advises that two separate companies can work with the same fluidity and unity as one. “Wedding photography and videography both have the same goal of capturing genuine moments and telling the story of the day,” he said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean they need to work for the same company. With both my company and Effervescent Films, you have two dedicated individuals committed to each couple, who work together to fulfill their vision. I feel that working this way, the couples have the most control.”

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Choosing a wedding venue can be just as important as your wedding date.

When it comes to wedding planning, most brides will agree that once they have an idea of a date, the venue is the next thing to check off their list. But choosing the right venue can be stressful – most brides have a specific idea of exactly how their wedding will look. East Wind Long Island, a BOLI preferred vendor, provides a diverse range of event spaces that cater to various tastes and preferences. With so many options, brides will be sure to find the perfect location at East Wind.

“East Wind Long Island is a premier venue nestled in the heart of Wading River, where elegance meets versatility,” says Director of Catering Robert Stevenson. “From our opulent ballrooms to charming outdoor settings, East Wind stands as a beacon of distinction in the world of event hosting.”

MORE: Explore All That East Wind Long Island Has to Offer

The Grandeur of Southampton Room

When you step into the Southampton Room, you will be transported to a world of luxury and sophistication. Featuring 60-foot ceilings, decadent mahogany accents and a majestic ambiance with crystal chandeliers, this ballroom is perfect for grand celebrations. “The Southampton Room really sets the stage for an unforgettable wedding.”

Exclusive Intimacy in Northampton Room

If you’re seeking an intimate gathering, the Northampton Room is waiting for you. It boasts a private entrance into a grand foyer library, which features a grand fireplace. “This exclusive space exudes opulence,” says Stevenson. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring every detail reflects your unique style.” This space is perfect for smaller events, as it welcomes guests with an air of exclusivity and charm.

Versatility of The Veranda

The Veranda at East Wind overlooks 28 acres of lush landscapes, which provide an ideal backdrop for outdoor events. “The Veranda offers a picturesque setting that seamlessly connects the grand lobby to your private event space.” It adds an extra touch of charm to your wedding celebration.

Rustic Elegance in The Vineyard

If you’ve always imagined exchanging vows surrounded by the beauty of a vineyard, The Vineyard at East Wind is the perfect space for your wedding. It effortlessly blends pastoral elegance with functionality, creating an idyllic and charming atmosphere. “You can experience the enchantment of a working vineyard at East Wind to make your wedding day truly special,” says Stevenson.

MORE: Why the Estate Was Perfect for the BOLI Soiree

The Majesty of The Estate

If you desire a private mansion experience, The Estate at East Wind is the epitome of grandeur. “The exclusive space is reminiscent of the golden era on the North Fork,” says Stevenson. “It allows you and your guests to revel in luxury.” Every corner of The Estate is yours to decorate, ensuring that your wedding reflects your style and vision.

“East Wind Long Island is more than just a venue,” says Stevenson. “It’s an experience.” Their staff is committed to providing diverse event spaces, world-class cuisine  and impeccable service. “We aim to make every occasion extraordinary. Whatever your dreams may be, East Wind is ready to turn them into a reality.” Your story begins at East Wind Long Island.

Not sure where to celebrate? Here’s how to (fairly!) split the holidays between your family and your in-laws. 

For many of us, the holidays mean spending quality time with our families. But if you’re recently engaged or married, you may be wondering which one of your families will get the present of your presence this year. 

It can be a tough decision, especially if both of you have special family traditions that you’d like to keep. Don’t stress, though! Here’s how to split the holidays between your family and your in-laws.

• MORE: The Pros and Cons of a Holiday Wedding

Divide the hours

If you think about it, most of our holiday traditions don’t take ALL day — opening presents takes a few hours in the morning, celebratory dinners take a few hours in the evening, and hanging out together can take a few hours at any time of the day! Depending on which holiday you celebrate, consider splitting time between your families. Maybe you enjoy Christmas morning with your in-laws, and Christmas dinner with your family. Both families may even be willing to alter their routines a little (like exchanging gifts in the evening!) so you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Divide the days

If you celebrate holidays that take place over multiple days (like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa), this is relatively self-explanatory. Again — your families may be willing to alter their normal routines a bit, so that both you and your spouse can be a part of each families’ special traditions. But even if they aren’t able to do so, you can spend certain days of the holiday with either family. 

You can divide the days when it comes to Christmas, too! Celebrate Christmas Eve with one family, and Christmas Day with the other. 

• MORE: 5 Must-Haves for Every BOLI’s Holiday Wish List

Alternate the years

Let’s be real — some of our families do A LOT during the holidays. It may be tough to try and split up days or hours when there are so many moments that you don’t want to miss. It may be even tougher to split time if one of your families lives far away.

If that’s the case for you, consider alternating holidays each year between your family and your in-laws. If you go this route, a popular “split” is Thanksgiving with one family, and Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa with the other. 

Choose a different day to celebrate

Who says you HAVE to celebrate Christmas on December 25? You can have a delicious brunch, get in festive pajamas, and drink hot cocoa together at any time. If you’re planning on spending the holiday with your in-laws, considering choosing an alternate day to celebrate with your family.

Host and invite both families

You registered for that fancy china — now’s the time to bust it out! Bring everyone together and host the holidays at your house. This is a great opportunity to share in each other’s traditions and build a strong bond between your two families. Make it a pot luck and try some new holiday favorites! 

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The good, the bad and the festive reasons to have your wedding on a holiday.

From counting down to midnight with your loved ones on New Year’s Eve to watching fireworks under the stars on the Fourth of July, having your wedding on a holiday can be festive and fantastic. But as with all things, there are some cons to holiday weddings. If you have your heart set on a holiday wedding, don’t go racing to your calendars just yet! Here are some pros and cons of holiday weddings to consider when choosing the perfect date for your big day.

Pro: Special Decorations

For the fall and winter holidays, most venues will decorate accordingly. Think pumpkins and dark colored flowers for weddings in September through November, and holiday trees and poinsettias for December. Bright colors will fill venues for the spring and summer months. If a holiday wedding is for you, check with your venue before you choose your own décor – you might not need as much as you think.

Con: Too Many Decorations

If less is more in your mind, having a holiday wedding might not be for you as a lot of venues have special decorations for the holidays. It’s best to check with your venue or the BOLI Facebook group to find out what decorations venues will have around the holidays before choosing your date.

MORE: 6 Super Spooky Long Island Wedding Ideas for Halloween

Pro: Extra Days Off

Depending on the holiday, you could have built in days off around them. Sure, holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Presidents Day fall on Mondays. But if you have a Sunday night wedding, most people will have off the next day.

Con: Guests Might Be Busy

Depending on the holiday, guests may be busy. The winter holidays tend to be a very busy season. Sometimes people will plan vacations during the summer holidays or on long weekends. Or, maybe it’s just a tough time to travel. So, keep this in mind when planning your holiday wedding.

MORE: Why a Thanksgiving Wedding is an Awesome Idea

Pro: Better Deals in the Off-season

Winter holiday weddings are during the off-season, which often see better deals at venues. This extends to January and February holidays too.. You may even want to consider a Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day wedding to secure a great deal with some fun themed décor.

Con: Might Be Too Cliché

Some may consider a Christmas-themed or spooky Halloween wedding too cliché. However, if these are your dream wedding plans, don’t listen to the haters and secure the dates for your holiday wedding.

MORE: Ideas for a Winter Holiday Wedding 

When it comes to choosing a date, it needs to be perfect for you and your future spouse. If you have your heart set on saying ‘I do’ next to a Christmas tree, then plan your December holiday wedding. If you’re all about the spooky, then get some masks for your photo booth and help your guests ‘dress up’ in costumes at your Halloween wedding. Or maybe you just love the summer months, and you want to incorporate some red, white and blue around Memorial Day or Fourth of July. Whatever you choose, remember it will be the best day of your lives.

This Vanderbilt-era estate sets itself apart as a premier Long Island wedding venue

One of the first choices you’ll make as a bride-to-be is determining your venue. It’s an incredibly important decision, as your settings will play a major role in the overall vibe of your big day. While you’ll want a location that provides a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony, your reception, and of course your pictures, you’ll also want to know that your wedding is a priority and a passion for those you’ve entrusted to run the show.

Pine Hollow Club, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, checks all of those crucial boxes. Featuring meticulously-landscaped grounds, seasonal farm-to-table menus, and a staff that’s as heartfelt as they are professional, this historic estate is truly a one-of-a-kind setting for your ideal wedding day.

• MORE: 39 Questions to Ask When Touring a Venue

“We get to share this with more people.” – Pine Hollow Club

Pine Hollow Club began its life as the home of an iconic American family. “It was the Vanderbilt’s North Shore estate,” recalled Joe Scalice, Pine Hollow Club’s Director of Operations. “It’s a beautiful historic mansion with elegantly appointed rooms and a staircase that is absolutely stunning.”

Heidi Stanya, Pine Hollow Club’s Director of Member Experience, shared more of the estate’s history. “It transitioned into a golf club, and for a while we only did member events. Two years ago the club was sold privately and now it’s open to events for the public, which is nice because we get to share this with more people.”

“We all have a passion for what we do.”  – Pine Hollow Club

There’s no denying that Long Island has a veritable plethora of wedding venues. What sets Pine Hollow Club apart from the others? “First of all, the grounds are beautiful so it’s great for pictures,” said Heidi. “Whether you want golf course pictures, shots taken by the pool or racquet courts, pictures in the wooded areas – there are a lot of different places. And of course, the building itself is so beautiful.”

“But I think our staff is what really sets us apart,” she continued. “Everyone takes such time and really wants our brides and their families to have the best day of their lives. I think many brides and grooms feel like they get that extra special service by coming here.”

Joe seconded the sentiment. “We all have a passion for what we do, and even after all of us have been in the business for so long, we just really care about executing a wedding that will be memorable. We want our brides and grooms and their families to know that we’re here as part of their experience, but it’s all about them and what they want. I have to say, there’s a lot of heart and soul here, and I’m happy to be a part of the team for that reason.” 

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“Everything here is top-notch.” – Pine Hollow Club

Delicious food is certainly a vital component to a great wedding, and Pine Hollow Club brides and grooms are treated to nothing but the best. “Our chef is seasonal in his planning of the menu, so it’s very customizable,” Heidi explained. 

“He’s very much ‘farm-to-table,’ so he actually grows his own garden,” Joe detailed further. “He also uses local farms, and tries to source as much as possible from the local area and from our garden. Everything here is top-notch, I am very proud of what we do at Pine Hollow Club.” 

“The spring green market salad with shaved carrots, radish, sorrel, citrus, and a champagne vinaigrette is an all-time favorite,”  Joe continued. “When you first recommend this dish guests seem a bit underwhelmed, but then they taste it and get blown away. Sourcing most or all of the ingredients from local farms makes all the difference.” 

Other often-requested favorites include Chef Rezart’s butternut squash soup, local striped bass, amazing short rib, and yes, even duck. “Every now and then we’ll get a bride and groom that say ‘We don’t want chicken, we want duck,’” said Joe. “And the duck here is amazing. The skin is crisp, all the fat is rendered, the meat is done rare to medium rare with quince and rainbow Swiss chard.”

“We believe in doing all the work upfront.” – Pine Hollow Club

When asked about a memorable wedding experience, Joe highlighted a recent large affair. “It’s hard to pick and choose because they’re each special in their own way. But I’m Italian, and we had a big Italian wedding that was almost 200 people.”

“The father wanted everything to be perfect,” he remembered. “He was so meticulous. And I think we inspired so much confidence with him that he and his wife, along with the bride and groom, just sat back and let us do what we do best. We believe in doing all the work upfront. We have a very detailed timeline and packet that we give to every couple far in advance, and everything they could think of or need to coordinate is all in one little booklet.”

“I saw this father sit back and enjoy the hell out of his daughter’s wedding,” Joe continued. “And that just made me feel so excited about what we do. If you have the talent, if you do the work, you inspire trust and confidence. Then everyone can just enjoy and be in the moment on a day they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.” 

“There’s a lot of opportunity to make this your own.” – Pine Hollow Club

Joe suggests coming into your venue meetings with a vision. “Get a sense of what it is that you want,” he said. “When you first come in, let’s talk in broad strokes of how  you want the day to feel and how you want it to lay out. Getting hung up in tiny details in the early planning stages totally skews the decision-making process. Instead, do we have the grounds you want? The menu you want? The vibe you want?  Do we inspire confidence and do we genuinely care about our wedding couples?” 

He went on to describe Pine Hollow Club’s incredible versatility. “What’s great about our venue is, although many of the rooms have such beautiful ‘Old World’ qualities, much of the ballroom and cocktail spaces can be very creatively redesigned incorporating elegant contemporary elements . I have seen our Ballroom, which is so classically beautiful, transformed into something otherworldly to match the wedding couple’s vision.”

“We just did a wedding where the bride had a vision of ivy coming down from our chandeliers,” he recalled. “She was able to articulate to the florist what she wanted, and it turned out to be so gorgeous and so different, it was really incredible. So there’s a lot of opportunity to make this your own, or enjoy the spaces the way that they are. Having the right venue, team, talent, level of care and passion allows the magic to happen!”

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