Formal Locations in NYC!
 

I would like to have my sorority's anniversarial formal in May 2008 at a semi-nice reception hall. (I.e not a club lol) I'm not exactly sure how to go about reserving/finding a space for our formal. I know that in the past (prom wise) the Brooklyn Marriott, the Grand Hyatt and Terrace on the Park have been nice venues.

For all of you that have already had formals, where did you have them and about how much was the fee? I'm estimating having somewhere between 30-50 people in attendance. Thanks in advance!

<3 Luna

Each hotel has a different policy regarding the costs of the banquet room, the costs of any dinners purchased and the number of rooms rented. However, the final cost, from a number of hotels, is usually pretty much the same.

You are hitting the hotels at "shoulder season", and might get a good break on the cost.

I would contact the banquet manager at each hotel, and see how they price out your choices. If you contact a number of them, two things are likely:

1. You will find a "greek friendly" manager, and he (or she) will show you how to configure your plans for the best price.

2. You will find a hotel that has "excess space" that fits your needs to a T, that they otherwise would not be able to rent. For example, a convention might be using the space you want, but on one night, everyone goes to a basketball game, leaving you a vacant ballroom.

Basically, ask them just like you asked us.

One thing to watch out for is two "formals" in one hotel at the same time.

Thanks for the advice Modorney. I was checking around and it there are some absolutely gorgeous places, especially in Queens. However, if they are overly expensive, we'll look at places like the Marriott, the Hyatt, the Sheraton, etc. Guess I better start right away! Thanks!

<3 Luna

Guess these are more nice than semi-nice, but hotels will often give good deals on ballrooms, especially if you meet a food and beverage minimum. I would suggest the Waldorf-Astoria or the Pierre, but maybe I'm being ridiculous, I have no idea what your budget is.

The Waldorf Astoria is probably the best place to have it in NY.

Recption Hall>>
 

Have you tried Grand Prospect Hall? It's a great place, It's like 5 minutes away from the Marriot, It used to be a German Opera House so it's quite spectacular. You should check out thier website.

Best place, maybe. But probably not financially possible. I'm assuming the OP's chapter is a smaller chapter. That said, you really can't have formals at the Waldorf if the required deposit is greater than the actual budget. :rolleyes:

Have you tried the Republican Women's Club? It's reasonable for small events, but can be decorated really well.

Also--try the Manhattan Penthouse. We've had some events there for my college alumni club, and it's great--right on Union Square, excellent views of the city.

Good luck!

Thanks, guys! I have a lot of stuff to look into now, and at least have some sort of direction. The money would have to come out of our own pockets unless it's open to the entire student body. SO the budget is not huge. I'll definitely look into the hotels and the Manhattan Penthouse that Munchkin mentioned. =)

<3 Luna