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THE RECEPTION GUIDE

The Bon Vivant Wedding

In consultation with Jung Lee of Fête.


LOW BUDGET

THE FOUNDRY
42-38 9th St., nr. 43rd Ave., Long Island City; 718-786-7776

  • Photos courtesy of The Foundry

Location

This nineteenth-century metal foundry has been meticulously restored to maintain its cool, industrial flavor, and the interior is anything but fussy. The 3,060-square-foot cavernous space, the dramatic exterior of which almost calls to mind a modernist sculpture, is full of exposed brick, skylights (the ceilings are 40 feet high), arched doorways, and steel railings, and accommodates up to 125 guests. And (should you come into some extra money) you can also take over the 30-by-80-foot outdoor courtyard, which can be tented to accommodate 200 more. The location fee starts at $3,500, which only covers the use of the space.

Catering

Skip the three-course menu in lieu of cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvre, and a station or two. The team of chefs at Acquolina Catering (212-426-9400)are extraordinary (they've worked with Princess Alexandra of Greece, to name just one); passed appetizers-such as fried quail eggs, prosciutto rolls with foie gras, and marinated poached lobster-start at just $30 per person (for about twelve to fifteen appetizers; at least a dozen of each appetizer per person). For drinks, serve good (but inexpensive) wines-Cantele 2003 Primitivo is a great bargain, at $10 a bottle-in addition to champagne (Bouvet Brut is highly rated, and $9 per bottle).

Music

Any number of D.J.'s-or even a fully loaded iPod connected to a good sound system, which the folks at the Foundry can certainly help with-will do the trick, as long as the couple or a music-savvy friend has a strong say as to the selection. Think Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and mid-century jazzmen like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie-any music that will evoke the smoky atmosphere of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Dreamy songs like "Comes Love" and "I Hadn't Anyone 'Til You" will provide perfect background music for cocktails. Mix in some upbeat Motown or high-energy funk when it comes time to fill the dance floor.

Flowers & Décor

Line the staircase and balcony railing with votive candles, and create cozy seating vignettes in the Foundry's arched hideaways by renting simple benches and covering them with natural linen. Add bloodred throw pillows for color. Place cocktail tables on the mezzanine level with a single lotus blossom floating in water, surrounded by candles. At the center of the main floor, position four tables to create a square bar, and place a fabulous fake peacock on each corner-they add a chic, exotic look and cost only $10 (store.igiftsfast.com). Keep flowers to a minimum and instead rely on subtle amber light washes (to backlight the gorgeous brick walls).