About Astoria
Astoria is a Queens neighborhood that houses a community of young professionals, and hipsters have also recently discovered the area. It's adjacent to Woodside, Sunnyside, and Long Island City, which are all other well-known Queens neighborhoods.
Astoria provides an urban feel with lots of trendy restaurants, popular watering holes, and hip coffee shops. New businesses keep popping up around town, but unlike Brooklyn, Astoria isn't about to go through an entire transformation. There are still plenty of family-owned spots around the neighborhood and that in itself is one of Astoria's charms.
Its proximity to Midtown Manhattan, incredible food scene, and the gem that is the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden are some of the neighborhood’s selling points. Consider booking a wedding venue in Astoria for your impending nuptials.
Wedding Options in Astoria
It's a relief to secure the perfect wedding venue in Astoria, but that's only one of the aspects involved in putting together your big day. Several wedding vendors in Astoria can help you organize a beautiful and memorable occasion.
- Invitations
Card invitations maintain a charm and your guests will appreciate receiving them. Invitations let folks know about your impending nuptials and that they are cordially invited to the big day. They also provide important details including dates, venue, and the theme for the occasion.
- Florists
Flowers serve as decorative pieces and they will also make your wedding venue in Astoria look beautiful. From centerpieces to bridal bouquets, the floral stores in Astoria can attend to all your flower-related needs.
- Wedding Attire
The bride's crowning piece is the gown she dons on her big day. The process of finding the elusive wedding dress can take months. Fortunately, the bridal stores in Astoria make the process easier. Don’t forget to shop early for the tux, too.
- Jewelry
For centuries wedding rings have served as tokens of commitment to marriage. Vast jewelry stores in Astoria carry selections of fine stones worthy to adorn you and your significant other's hands.
- Catering
The wedding cake and reception menu are some of the highlights of your big day. Teaming up with a catering company in Astoria guarantees that you'll have a delectable spread as well as a gorgeous cake to top off the day.
Wedding Companies in Astoria
Weddings are special occasions and every couple envisions having a perfect day. Team up with a wedding planner in Astoria alongside other event planning professionals for a seamless and memorable occasion.
- Metro Floral
Metro Floral is ready to attend to all your flower-related needs for your special occasion. Their services include same-day floral arrangements, custom-designed wedding flowers and decor, and event design and production.
- GL & Markella
Since 1970, GL & Markella has provided unique and unusual favors for all occasions. They carry wedding lambades, candles, trays, and assortments of fine gifts. Their inventory also includes baptism items and religious favors.
- Vite Vinosteria
Vite Vinosteria offers off-premise catering services and they specialize in bringing a taste of Italy to your event. They can work with you to come up with a custom menu that suits your occasion while also accounting for dietary needs.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Astoria
The diverse community and family-oriented businesses make Astoria a great place to live or simply visit. Perhaps it's the reason you are planning a wedding in Astoria but at the same time, be prepared for everything good and bad the city has to offer.
Advantages
- Reasonable rent
Real estate has boomed in the city, but compared to Manhattan, and in NYC terms, rental costs are quite reasonable in Astoria. It also applies to the cost of booking a wedding venue in Astoria for your upcoming nuptials.
- Proximity to Midtown Manhattan
Astoria is located about 15 minutes away from Midtown Manhattan with access via the N and W subways. You and your guests can also access the city from the Bronx or Harlem through a short Triborough Bridge drive.
- The food scene
Astoria is considered NYC's Greek capital and recently developed a reputation for innovative cooking as well as fine dining. Your wedding menu should feature some of the city's finest Greek fare.
- Strong immigrant neighborhood
As much as Astoria attracts young professionals, it's notably a strong immigrant community. You'll find Asian, Middle Eastern, Greek, Italian, and Hispanic communities all around town. In turn, your guests will feel welcome in this neighborhood.
- Pre-war architecture
Except for the new constructions around town, most of Astoria's housing stock feature pre-war architecture. For anyone who appreciates old-style rowhomes, it gives the city character and offers a differently unique backdrop for your nuptials.
Disadvantages
- The long commute
Given that you have to pass through Brooklyn to get to Astoria the commute is quite long. Factor it into scheduling and delivery times for different aspects needed for your big day.
- Parking
Look for a wedding venue in Astoria that offers ample parking because it's quite a nightmare on alternate side days particularly around woodside.
- No music scene
Astoria isn't the place you'll hear folks raving about the music scene. There are few music venues, but this shouldn't be too much of a deal-breaker because you can always find a great band or DJ to play at your wedding.
- The new people
Astoria is a growing region and change comes along with the new folks settling in the neighborhood. It just means that you should be keener about where to go for an authentic Astoria feel.
- Graffiti and trash
Certain neighborhoods in Astoria are not well kept and you'll often spot graffiti as well as trash littering the streets. Depending on where you choose a wedding venue in Astoria, it can be an eyesore.
Famous Locations in Astoria
- Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden
One of the city's gems is undoubtedly the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden. The area features shady trees and picnic tables with barbecue, Czech food, and icy cold brews on offer. It's a great place to visit for an authentic Astoria experience.
- Astoria Park
Located on the East River, Astoria Park offers gorgeous views of the Hellgate and Queensboro bridges alongside Upper Manhattan. It's the perfect place for an evening stroll or simply to get away from the surrounding hustle and bustle.
- Astoria Riverfront
The Astoria Riverfront is the perfect place to start exploring the city. Take in the sights aboard the Astoria Riverfront Trolley or just take a leisurely stroll around the area. The historic pedestrian corridor also connects to nearby attractions like the Uppertown Firefighters Museum and the Maritime Museum.