Raffael's or Spinelli's

SG+CD

Hello Knotties!!
This is officially my first post!!!! So I am torn, trying to plan a wedding that far exceeds my finacial ability. SO I am moving away from wishful thinking of hosting my wedding at the very gorgeous Lakeview Pav. In any case now I am bogged  down choosing between Raffael's or Spinelli's (not to mention, in general I am the most indecisive person)

What 's your thoughts between these to venues? pro/cons please.

DirtyWater

I have never been to Raffael's and I don't remember if I got any pricing info from them.  However, I have been to weddings at Spinelli's, before and requested info.  They are extremely vague with pricing and IMO overpriced.  They wanted $27,000 for a 150 person wedding with just a chicken option.  I've heard that if you go in and question everything sometimes they budge on the numbers.

It was out of our price range and I didn't want the hassle of driving down from NH. 

Their food is delicious though and the rooms are beautiful.  Which location were you thinking of?  Rt 1 or the Boston one?

Kfudge0714

I haven't been to either one but I did request info from Spinelli's and I also found them to be overpriced. I couldn't afford the figures they gave me, everything just added up so fast. I'm not sure where you live but have you considered NH to host your wedding? I'm getting married at Brookstone Park in Derry, NH and my BF is getting married at Promises to Keep in Derry, NH. Both places have similar pricing to each other and are the best I've found.

GL!

daisy667

I requested info from Spinelli's and they never sent me anything!!

For some other options, maybe The Bayside in Nahant, Blissful Meadows Golf Club in Uxbridge, or Indian Ridge Country Club. When I was looking into a MA wedding, those were the most affordable options at the time. 

Also I can't begin to tell you the benefits (budget wise) of an "off season" wedding...

chumlee7478

Spinelli's is extremely over priced. We had a shower there, and holy wow it was pricey!

Raffaels is supposed to be nice, I've heard good things about it.  I don't know their price point, but people who've been to events there have enjoyed it.  If you liked it there, go with your gut.

Lakeview is gorgeous, but can be overpriced as well. Just keep in mind: saying the word "wedding" to most vendors jacks the price up.  Going off season helps.  We're getting married end of April at Black Swan and it's a huge price cut to do it off season.  The wedding we're having in April would be out of hand cost wise in October. Sure, the pictures would be prettier, but it's one day. 

augustbride0818

If you are looking for places in MA- try the Norton Country Club. The grounds are beautiful and it is really reasonably priced. I am having my wedding there this summer and I can't wait.

abollen30

I agree with the above Spinelli's seemed way overpriced. Dig in a little more, even though it seems overwhelming. I thought castleton's prices were reasonable and they are right on the NH/Mass border.  

michelle11988

I love Spinelli's food but I'm not sure if I ever even asked them for pricing after searching around for reviews.  If you are looking for budget friendly try Groveland Fairways they are cheaper on the summer weddings than most places, so an off-season is probably really cheap!

dawle77

May I ask why you're not going with Lake View? We were deciding between Raffael's and Lake View and to tell you the truth, Raffael's total prices were right up there with Lake View for the same type of package. We went with Lake View because they gave us a discount for a daytime wedding and their grounds are gorgeous! I'm just wondering why you're counting Lake View out....

SG+CD

THank you everyone for the great feedback, Spinelli's is definetely out.  As for not going with Lakeview, their are significant differnces in their packages, you get a little more for your buck at Raffael's. How many people are you hosting at your wedding ?  One of the packages at Raffael;s even covers 1hour open bar and 4 hors d'oerves per person and champagne toast - which are added bonus. 

Secondly, anyone have any thoughts on Christina's in Foxboro?

haileyr102211

Just a thought, but have you considered The Warren Center in Ashland?  They are very resonably priced and also include 1 hour open bar, tons of hors d'oeuvres, passed wine during dinner, champagne toast, etc.  I had my wedding there this past October and it couldn't have been more perfect!  They have amazing places for pictures too!  Let me know if you decide to contact them and I'll put you in contact with Erika (who was our sales manager) She was awesome!!!!!!!