Fancy, Fabulous and One of a Kind

Gorgeous ocean front views, an arboretum full of flowers, a secluded cabin in the woods or a centuries old farmhouse are a few of the venue options that brides and grooms are exploring.

Many couples today avoid the standard "catering hall feel" and find reception areas that really express who they are.

However, there are many pitfalls associated with such a task. For instance, how does a couple depend on the reputation of a place that has not hosted many weddings? How does a couple individualize their menu and décor if the staff does not consist of professionals?

The Garden City Hotel offers a solution to the dilemma because the staff offers a unique experience with help from trained professionals.

Stepping into an affair at the hotel, partygoers are reminded of a luxurious palace and immediately feel like royalty. An ambiance is created that welcomes and excites.

One attendee of a recent wedding at the venue, Lynne Calder, says, "It was a beautiful setting for a wedding, very picturesque."

I was curious as to how such a unique and classy experience is created, so I spoke with Joseph Borbely, The Garden City Hotel's director of catering. 

Borbely received a degree in hotel and restaurant management and a certificate as a chef from the Hotel and Restaurant School of Budapest. Before coming to The Garden City Hotel, he served various properties of Hyatt and Hilton in Europe and New York. He has worked at The Garden City Hotel for over two decades, overseeing all catering preparations and assuring a wonderful affair for all of his clients.

GC Patch: What size affairs can you accommodate?

Borbely: We can host parties of 25-500 people.

GC Patch: What does a typical wedding menu look like? Is there anything unique about it?

Borbely: One of the ways that we are different from other venues is that we like to spend time with the bride and groom in order to create a custom menu for their affair. Every couple has their own vision for their wedding day. Many weddings today are religiously and culturally mixed, and we are able to cater to that. We have prepared and served tripe, pig, kosher dishes, Indian cuisines and much more. We have also brought in kosher and Indian chefs to specially prepare the meals.

GC Patch: How much can a bride and groom  create the atmosphere that they want?

Borbely: The reception space has very traditional and elegant décor with beautiful crystal chandeliers. However, the atmosphere is very different for every occasion. The couple can meet with one of our recommended florists, Pedestals and Flowers by Brian, and they can design various items, such as the centerpieces and the overlays on the tables.

GC Patch: How many rooms are available for such an event? Can ceremonies be performed on site?

Borbely: We can host two parties at once; however, they are on two separate floors and have two separate entrances, so the guests never run into each other. Ceremonies frequently occur at the hotel, and we have 10 beautifully landscaped acres. They can be used for pictures, or we can accommodate outdoor ceremonies for certain sized parties. The second floor hosts the Cotillion Room for cocktails, and the Societe Suite for the reception. The Societe Suite also has an outdoor patio. Downstairs, there is the Grand Ballroom for the reception and the Grand Saloon, equipped with a fireplace, for cocktails.

GC Patch: Does The Garden City Hotel provide any other wedding features?

Borbely: The bride and groom will be able to stay in a Penthouse Suite on the night of their wedding. The suite has two beautiful marble bathrooms and two outdoor patios, one connected to the living room and one connected to the bedroom. Guests also like to make a nice weekend out of the trip. Many of the guests book rooms at the hotel, and they can enjoy the Health Club, pool and jacuzzi. Also, the train is right across the street, so they are able to go easily into the city if they want to.

GC Patch: What do you think makes a Garden City Hotel wedding stand out from other weddings?

Borbely: We have a glorious history of great service. Much of the staff  has been working here for over two decades, so they absolutely know how to create a wonderful day for the bride and groom. Many dignitaries, politicians and celebrities have stayed here. Charles Lindberg stayed in the old hotel before he left for his overseas flight from Roosevelt Field. Susan Lucci's daughter had both her Sweet Sixteen and her wedding here.

GC Patch: What are some of the most unique weddings the hotel has hosted?

Borbely: We've hosted a Halloween wedding where everyone was dressed up in costumes. We also hosted a Phantom of the Opera themed wedding, where everyone was dressed up as phantoms. Disco themed weddings have been held in Posh, our nightclub.  

GC Patch: Is there anything else Patch readers should know about a Garden City Hotel wedding?

Borbely: If you're looking for a unique, sophisticated, elegant affair with outstanding service and wonderful cuisine, this is the venue for you.

For information about weddings at The Garden City Hotel, visit http://www.gardencityhotel.com/weddings_and_events/weddings_and_events.cfm