FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Quick Answers to Popular Questions

Couple arrives 2 hours before wedding; we provide light refreshments in the suite.
Ballroom tables are round and can seat 8-12 guests. Burlap linens are the only included option.
Farm tables are 7ft 3in; we have 12 total.
Greenery wall is available for use for photo backdrop. The wall is appx 6.5' x 6'5. A neon or wood sign can be hung up with zip ties (if there are proper holes in the lettering). We recommend the lettering be appx 36"-40" wide.
We have a wooden pergola (available to rent $199++) that is present in some online photos over the sweetheart table. The dimensions are approximately 8'x8'.
As long as your vendor has a COI, they are allowed to be hired to work here.
We have blank place cards and direction cards. You would pick them up if you want them.
We have two floor-standing easels you can use and we provide wood frame table numbers. All other decor is up to you!
Follow the timeline -- submit menu 1 month before. We will contact you once we have tasting dates for 2023 weddings.
We abide by NYS guidelines with COVID regulations.
Local hotels begin releasing wedding room blocks about 1 year prior to your event date. You can call the hotels directly, or use the complimentary Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks service: https://www.kleinfeldhotelblocks.com/lessings-hospitality-group
We will send you payment reminders. Payments after the first are checks or cash. You can always mail a payment to the PO Box -- Lessing's, PO Box 2277, Aquebogue NY 11931. We receive many envelopes so we will send you a receipt as soon as we process your payment.
We will cover ALL questions and details at your final meeting! Please see link for full final meeting details: www.myvineyardswedding.com/finalsteps

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Timeline

I booked my wedding at The Vineyards, what are the next steps for the venue?

We do our best to keep everything flawless in your planning process here with us! After booking, please set reminders for your payment schedule and due dates. We will contact you to remind you if we need any other details along the way!

At this time, start contacting your vendors to reserve services (DJ/band, Photographer, Florist)

You should also begin looking at Save the Dates and/or invitations - Minted is a great site!

For other on-trend tips during planning, you can also visit Kate's personal blog Sixpence Weddings.

Important Dates to Note:

Menu and Vendors 3 months before your wedding

Optional Wine Bottle Favors - 1 month before your wedding

Floor Plan and Final Guest Count – Emailed to Vineyards 10 days before your wedding

*Upon receiving the floor plan and guest count, we send your final invoice via email in order for you to prepare the final payment.

Final Payment - Certified Check or Cash mailed to Lessing's, PO Box 2277, Aquebogue NY 11931

Final Drop-Off – Appointment required - 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri week of event

MUST HAVE ALL DOCUMENTS PREPARED

When do I need to have my menu selected?

We must have menu selections in no later than 1 months prior at this time. To keep your wedding planning on track. This allows time for menu printing production, kitchen forecasting, etc. Please find the menu selection submission options in the Planning Documents section of your Dashboard.

Is there a specific day we can come in to taste the food?

We will email you once we have dates to host the tasting events for all of our upcoming 2023 weddings. We typically send out the email in November for the following January and February tasting dates.

How do I select the cake that is included through The Vineyards?

Contact Dortoni's Bakery at dortoniportjeff@gmail.com

Contact Audrey’s Bakery at katie.moran@audreybakes.com

Does The Vineyards provide printed menus for each guest’s seat?

Yes. Once your menu has been submitted and reviewed, we will provide printed menus for each guest’s seat in a menu-fold napkin. We have one standard white design that we offer complimentary. Click here to view.If you would like to bring in your own that match your invitations, you are more than welcome to drop them off with your other belongings the week of the wedding. Please confirm language if you are printing your own menu to ensure we have the same verbiage.

Vendors

When do I need to tell you about my vendors and do they need insurance?

Your vendor information can be submitted no later than one month prior to your wedding on the form under Final Steps. If they are not on our recommended vendor list, they will need to email a COI (Certificate of Insurance) to kwiggins@lessings.com.

I am working with my florist and need to know about my tables and dimensions.

In cocktail hour, we currently have 10 farm tables at 7 feet long each, as well as 6 round high top tables. In the ballroom, the tables are 72" round tables with jute burlap linens. Each table can comfortably fit anywhere from 8 guests to 12 guests.

WE CANNOT FIT 13 AT A TABLE.

Sweetheart table is a farm table at 7ft 3in long.

Day of Timing

What time can I arrive to the venue?

You may arrive 2 hours prior to your scheduled guest invitation time.

WE DO NOT ALLOW EARLY ACCOMMODATIONS/ARRIVALS.

What time should I put on my invitation?

As we include 30 minutes of hospitality time, with wine service, we recommend to invite guests 30 minutes prior to your ceremony (or cocktail hour, if no ceremony on site).
Example with ceremony: 6:00pm invitation time, 6:30 ceremony, 7-8 cocktail, 8-12 reception

Example without ceremony: 6:00pm invitation time, 6:30 -7:30 cocktail, 7:30-11:30 reception

What time is dinner served?

Dinner service depends on when your event is scheduled to begin. The day-of, your maître ‘d will make any necessary adjustments to timing, in order to ensure your event runs smoothly. Dinner is typically served an hour and a half into your reception time.

Example: 7-8p cocktail, 8p-12a reception; dinner would be served at approximately 9:30pm.

Ceremony

We need a podium or table for our ceremony. Can The Vineyards provide?

Yes, please note that you will need one or the other on your Ceremony Processional sheet.

Does The Vineyards provide music or a microphone?

We do not provide ceremony music, but can provide a voice amplification microphone for $250 additional.

Do we have a ceremony rehearsal?

With the ceremony processional sheet, the maître ‘d lines everyone up the day-of and will guide each person down the aisle for the processional.

Can we use the wine barrels by the ceremony arbor?

Yes, we have two that are always there. If you would like to decorate the arbor with the florist, you may certainly arrange to do so.

Setup

Does The Vineyards provide direction cards and seating cards?

Yes. You may pick up the cards prior to your wedding at your tasting. Seating cards have a space for you to write each guests name in or have a calligrapher hand-letter it.

How do my seating cards get set up the day of my wedding?

Your bridal attendant will read your check-in list and set up your pre-written, alphabetized cards on the front table in the lobby. If you have another space you would like to set them up in (ex. Cocktail patio), please note on your check-in list.

Do you have easels I can use for my wedding?

We have two standing easels at the venue that you may use at the venue.

We have a memory table. Can The Vineyards provide a table and linen?

Absolutely! Please let us know these details at your final drop-off meeting the week of your wedding.

Extras

I would like to purchase the venue's wine bottle favors. When do I need to submit my photo for the label?

Submit your photo no later than one month prior to your wedding for a proof to be made and sent back to you for review. Please send your favorite high-resolution image. The image can be horizontal or vertical. We offer 375 ml bottles of Chardonnay and Merlot. We can place at each person’s seat, or at a favor table upon exit.

Gratuities

Maitre d’ and staff gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.

At Lessing’s, we pride ourselves on impeccable service.

All numbers below are suggestions and can be amended for exemplary service.

Maitre d’ – Event Manager: $750

Bridal Attendant: $300

Captain – Food and Beverage Manager: $200

Wait Staff: $100 each – average of 1 waiter per 20 guests (example - 5 waiters for 100 people)

Bartenders: $100 each – 2 per wedding event

Final Steps

When is my floor plan due?

Your floor plan is due 10 days before the wedding. Floor plans must include your wedding name, date, and time, as well as the number of guests per table notated on the outside of each table. Tables can seat 8-12 guests. Please find standard floor plans on the Dashboard. You may also note how many favors per table if there is an exact amount. When complete, you can scan to kwiggins@lessings.com. If you do not have a scanner, you can snap a smartphone photo, or use a free app called TinyScanner with your phone to send over as well. Once sent over, Kate will email you a final invoice to have a bank check made payable to Lessing's" to mail to PO Box 2277, Aquebogue NY 11931.

When is my final meeting and what do I bring that day?

The final meeting is the week of your wedding. At this time, you must bring your Check-In List, Ceremony Processional (in Planning Documents) as well as your belongings for the day of the wedding - seating cards, cake topper, champagne flutes, etc. Please see link for full details: www.myvineyardswedding.com/finalsteps