And the winner is...

Dante's Caterers! How can we pass up such a great deal? Free parking, ceremony onsite, delicious menu with cake included at a awesome price. And the best part is we're getting the room with the disco ball! So, our "Matrix Rave Party" is complete.

These catering halls are very impressive. They've thought of everything - probably because weddings and large parties are all they do. There were places I looked at that were too big for our reception, too small, too expensive. Everything is broken down to a "per person" price. What you're really looking for is two things: does it fit my budget? and does it have a "look" that appeals to me.

We went to one place in Astoria that had a beautiful room. But their "portrait" area was cheesy. It's a nice add-on, but I didn't care for it. You really have to look for what you like. They're all basically great places. The banquet halls have invested money into their decor. They have to - they might be in remote parts of the city in order to have the square footage. I was hoping to have a restaurant wedding with a great view of the city skyline. Some of them boasted terrific views of XYZ bridge. And some of them are liars. The only one I went to had a great nighttime view - but you could barely see the bridge.

Anyhow, I'm glad the hard part is over. We'll put down a deposit this weekend and then I'll have to pick the menu. Right after I find my wedding shoes. There's a juicy blog for another time!