Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Celebration at Atlantis Banquets & Events
Planning a wedding can be one of the most exhilarating and overwhelming experiences of your life. With so many moving pieces, sticking to a detailed wedding day timeline is the secret to keeping things organized and stress-free. For couples planning their big day on Long Island, Atlantis Banquets & Events offers a spectacular waterfront venue with all the amenities needed for a seamless and unforgettable event.
From luxury accommodations at Hyatt Place Long Island/East End to the chic Preston Hotel, both steps away from the venue, Atlantis makes it easy for couples and their guests to enjoy a convenient and relaxed wedding experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a detailed wedding day timeline and include expert tips to take full advantage of all that Atlantis Banquets & Events has to offer.
Morning: Set the Stage for a Perfect Day
8:00 AM – Wake Up & Hydrate
Begin your day early with plenty of hydration and a light breakfast. Staying hydrated helps maintain your energy and keeps your skin glowing.
9:00 AM – Hair & Makeup Begins
Whether you’re at the Waterfront Suite overlooking the marina, a room at the Hyatt Place East End or the modern comfort of The Preston Hotel, the proximity to the venue makes it easy to have your hair and makeup team come to you. This reduces travel stress and keeps the morning relaxed.
1:00 PM – Photographer Arrives
Capture those cherished pre-wedding moments. At Atlantis Banquets & Events, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy backdrops, from the marina views to the Long Island Aquarium just steps away.
2:30 PM – Final Touches
With two beautifully appointed bridal suites featuring plush seating, ample lighting, and full-length mirrors, transitioning from prep to your ceremony is seamless and stress-free. Take a moment for any last-minute touch-ups to hair and makeup.
Late Afternoon: First Look & Photos
3:00 PM – First Look & Couple Photos
A first look moment can be incredibly intimate and provides an opportunity to capture beautiful, serene photos without the hustle of guests around. Sharing this private moment before your ceremony helps keep you on track of your wedding day timeline.
4:00 PM – Wedding Party & Family Photos
Take time before guests arrive to capture group shots with your bridal party and close family members.
Early Evening: The Ceremony
6:00 PM – Guest Arrival
Atlantis provides valet and accessible parking, making arrival seamless for guests. Place welcome signage and refreshment stations in the Foyer at the Sea Star Ballroom or Riverside Pavilion in advance of the ceremony.
6:30 PM – Ceremony Begins
Say “I Do” at the Riverfront Pavilion with views of the Peconic River or in the elegant marble Foyer at the Sea Star Ballroom, a sophisticated indoor ceremony space filled with natural light and timeless charm. For a truly unique experience, you can also exchange vows in the Long Island Aquarium surrounded by exotic marine life.
Evening: Cocktail Hour
7:00 PM – Cocktail Hour
Head to the Terrace or one of the many aquarium spaces for a cocktail hour your guests will rave about. From passed hors d’oeuvres to signature drinks, the Atlantis Banquets & Events catering team ensures top-notch service and farm-to-table offerings.
Pro Tip: Offer custom cocktails named after marine animals or your love story.
Night: The Reception
8:00 PM– Grand Entrance & First Dance
Kick off the celebration in style with your first dance under romantic lighting or a great white shark!
8:30 PM – Dinner Service Begins
Atlantis’ catering service offers gourmet options that fit every palate. Choose from plated dinners, buffet options, or even cultural cuisines.
9:30 PM – Speeches & Toasts
Coordinate with your DJ or MC to keep speeches brief and spaced out. Have your photographer ready to capture candid moments.
9:00 PM – Dancing & Entertainment
Whether you’re booking a DJ or live band, the layout at Atlantis Banquets & Events supports excellent acoustics and plenty of dancing room.
11:00 PM – Cake Cutting
All packages at Atlantis Banquets & Events include an elegant wedding cake with your choice of cake flavor, filling and design. You can upgrade to a package that includes a cappuccino, espresso and cordial demitasse bar to keep the energy going. Add a late-night to-go station for your grand farewell.
12:00AM– Last Dance & Send-Off
End the night with a sparkler send-off outside the aquarium entrance or a grand finale outside the Sea Star Ballroom.
Late Night: After-Party & Overnight Accommodations
12:00 AM – After-Party
Keep the celebration going with a relaxed after-party just steps away. No need to arrange complex transportation—your guests can walk right back to their rooms afterward.
1:00 AM – Retire in Style
Relax in luxurious accommodations and reflect on the perfect day you just shared.
Key Features of Hosting Your Wedding at Atlantis Banquets & Events
- On-Site Accommodations: Walkable hotels like Hyatt Place and The Preston
- Unique Venue Options: Say your vows in the Aquarium, Riverside Pavilion, or in the elegant Sea Star Ballroom Foyer.
- All-Inclusive Packages: Catering, bar packages, décor, vendors and more available in customizable bundles.
- Stunning Photo Ops: Access to the Long Island Aquarium and waterfront locations for photos.
- Central Location: Nestled in Riverhead, NY, near other East End attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How early should I start planning my wedding day timeline?
Start at least 9 months in advance. This allows you to coordinate vendors, secure your venue, and build a detailed schedule that accommodates everything from hair and makeup to dancing.
2. What amenities are included when booking at Atlantis Banquets & Events?
Amenities include catering, event planning support, bridal party suites, first pick of hotel room blocks, valet parking and more!
3. Can I book rooms for my guests at nearby hotels?
Absolutely! Atlantis Banquets & Events owns both Hyatt Place and The Preston Hotel, located just steps from the venue. These convenient accommodations make it easy for guests to relax and enjoy every moment of your celebration and helps keep you on track with your wedding day timeline.
4. Are there wedding packages that include ceremony and reception?
Yes! Atlantis offers wedding packages that cover the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and even optional after-party planning.
Pro Timeline Tips for a Stress-Free Day
- Use a Wedding App: Tools like Zola or The Knot help you stay on track.
- Schedule Buffers: Add 15 to 30-minute buffers between key events to allow for transitions and unplanned delays.
- Delegate: Assign trusted friends or family to handle small but crucial tasks.
- Stay Nourished: Eat light, protein-rich meals throughout the day to maintain energy.
Make It a Weekend to Remember
With so much to offer in Riverhead, NY, your wedding at Atlantis Banquets & Events can easily turn into a full weekend experience. Guests can explore the Long Island Aquarium, rent a kayak at Long Island Canoe Kayak Rentals, enjoy East End wineries, or relax at nearby beaches.
Ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams? Contact Atlantis Banquets & Events today to schedule a private tour and consultation. Let us help you build your perfect vendor team and create unforgettable memories.
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