Eolia Mansion???

miravita

Hi everyone!

I was hoping that maybe someone out there has looked into booking this venue (Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park) or recently had their weddings there. After looking at 100's of places in both New York and Connecticut, I have found Eolia and have fallen in love with the venue. However, I have several concerns/questions.

I understand that they only allow you to work with 6 of their approved caterers. Can anyone give me an idea of the pricing they were quoted? Buffet or Plated? Did it include open bar/alcohol? Was china and glassware included? Has anyone already used any of these 6 caterers there? How did it turn out? Quality of food/service? Did rates vary by day? (Friday vs. Saturday?)

We have a unique situation regarding the alcohol. Nearly 60-70% of our guests do not drink, but we want to provide alcohol to those that do (mostly us and our friends!) Anyone else with a similar situation? What did you do?

Any help or input would be greatly appreciated! Admittedly, I know NOTHING about planning a wedding and would like to become informed before dealing with the vendors. Also, we want to pay for most of the wedding ourselves so as not to burden our families, so any way we can keep costs low is super helpful!

Thanks again!!!!!!

mwitter80

I loved this place and actually just recently suggested it to another bride on here We went and saw it and I fell totally in love with it, but then DH and I moved our wedding to December and it didn't seem like the best choice for that time of year.

Gourmet Galley Catering is very good, I have used them for work events. They included things, but there of course was an extra charge for all of it. The prices vary and are all over the place, so I would call each one and have them send a list.

Now they are very serious about their alcohol policy. This is what's on their website:
Your caterer or a licensed liquor vendor can bring in the alcohol. Thecaterer will provide trained bartending staff and is responsible for coordinating and supervising alcohol service. Alcoholic beverages must be served ree of charge and tip solicitation is prohibited. Kegs of beer are not permitted.Alcohol service will end one half hour before the event is scheduled to conclude.
So this means you have to have an open bar. None of the caterers would budge on this. It was either all or nothing.

HTH!

TBee99

miravita- my fiance and I just looked into them. not sure on your wedding timeframe, but they were completed booked for this summer and next (2012). apparently you need to book several years in advance. it is a beautiful spot, so i wish you the best of luck!

Vanessa630

Would you be able to do a consumption bar?  That means that you and your FI would pay the tab at the end of the night based only on what was actually drank. It's still free of charge for the guests though.  A consumption bar works out better than open bar if you don't have as many people drinking.  

timliz

I'm getting married at Eolia in June

All of the caterers they approve are good (people will have their own opinions of different ones to use, but we were told if they were on the list, they were good- and I looked at most if not all of them). 

I can tell you I did not like dealing with Coastal Gormet (some girls here love them) I thought the professionalism of the girl I delt with was terrible, so I crossed them off right away. 
Cloud 9 used to be good, went under new management or owners- turned bad, and now back to the old owners; some people like them some don't.
We're usuing Culinary Concerts (after talking with/meeting a lot of the caterers if not all).  Their prices are great and I loved dealing with them.

When we first booked the mansion I emailed all of the caterers asking for sample menus and price lists- look over the food, narrow down what you're interested in and compare prices. 
I'm not sure about the alcohol thing, but I'd see if you can just pay for alcohol for 1/2 (or whatever) of your total guest list.

We have all our venders and pretty much everything done so message me if you need any more info!!

JenBahre

I am also getting married at Eolia Mansion in July.  We completely feel in love with the spot the moment we got there.  Because they do book so quickly, we are having a Sunday wedding, unfortunately for the same price as a Friday or Saturday.  

We are also going with Culinary concerts - and with the package we picked beer and wine is included at a pretty affordable cost per guest. Also included in the package is a stations buffet, cake, linens, servers and dinnerware. I would check them out!

KGinCT

I'm getting married at Harkness the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.  Absolutely love the place!  We're going with Coastal.  From what I've seen, all the caterers are definitely on the mid-higher end for pricing, but all do fantastic work.  Good luck!

mariepaternostro

Hi there,

My fiancee and I are getting married there Sept 22, 2012. We also fell in love with Eolia. We're on a budget so we've meet with the caterers that they listed and we found cloud nine catering to be really reasonable in pricing and they are so friendly and helpful. They're known for their cakes which is amazing! As far as the alcohol goes don't get top shelf which is pricey. You can have your white wine, red wine...etc if you're looking to keep it low. I also recommend since Datura a modern day garden. Tony does amazing work and he works with any budget. I also recommend Netmartin photography. They do excellent high end work at a decent price. If you need any more help let me know. Good luck and congratulations!:)

nikifaye

I attended a wedding there a few years ago and loved the venue so much I am looking at having my wedding there. My friend used Culinary Concerts and the food was amazing. Best wedding food I have had! We are on a budget and they have tons of packages at different price points. Not sure about the alcohol thing...sorry. Good luck!

Reverie177

I know this thread is old but I'm having a hard time finding Eolia brides! I'm seriously in love with it but my FI is concerned with the layout, lack of A/C (we are planning a Sept wedding), and only 2 bathrooms. Can any one provide some insight??

Amazing817

Your husband is a smart man! Yes it's beautiful and yes it's right on the water but if get a super warm day your guests will be miserable. As for the bathrooms it's super crazy. Love the place just not of the details plus your vendors and your bridal party can only get in at 3pm, which really limits set up time.