About New Orleans
From the renowned jazz festivals to stunning historic architecture, New Orleans radiates a unique and energetic culture formed from French, Spanish, African-American, Creole, and Cajun influences. This vivid city along the Mississippi River has become an alluring tourist destination with mouthwatering cuisine and lively nightlife that captivates locals and visitors alike. A unique tidbit of New Orleans is that it's home to Preservation Hall, the longest-running jazz venue! Established by Allan and Sandra Jaffe in 1961, it's hosted some of America’s most noteworthy figures like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. In addition to being an iconic representation of this musical genre, it has been a landmark site for many music lovers throughout the decades.
Looking for the perfect event venue in New Orleans? Look no further than a Victorian-style location! These sites boast breathtaking staircases, intricate woodwork, and balconies that wrap around — providing your guests an unforgettable experience. With their combination of traditional charm and modern amenities, these locations are ideal for any get-together in New Orleans.
Victorian Event Options in New Orleans
- Costume Rentals
Many companies in New Orleans specialize in providing costumes for events of all types, including Victorian themes. This option is perfect for those who want to capture a bygone era's authentic look and feel without purchasing or creating costumes. They offer a wide selection of period-appropriate garments, from gowns and corsets to top hats and monocles. Many costume rental services in New Orleans also assist with styling, so you can be sure your event looks its best.
- Event Planners
Looking for an experienced event planner to make your Victorian-themed gathering in New Orleans a success? Look no further! Many professionals specialize in organizing events with exquisite attention to detail, from food and drink to decorations. Your guests will remember this special occasion for years to come thanks to their expertise — they'll even supply fine china, silverware, and crystal glasses so you can fully immerse yourself in its elegant Victorian atmosphere.
- Decorators
With their wealth of knowledge and experience, it is always essential to enlist the help of a decorator in New Orleans when planning your Victorian-themed event. From antique furniture and crystal chandeliers to vintage wallpapers and lace curtains, they ensure everything looks impeccable before guests arrive. Moreover, an excellent decorator can provide creative ideas for any venue that make it stunning yet within budget!
Victorian Event Vendors in New Orleans
- Raven
Raven Design are innovators who believe creativity should be at the heart of every project. Raven collaborates with a staff of talented international production designers, architects, and fabricators to ensure their clients reach their target audience in dream-like ways. Raven's goal is to help you dazzle and amaze your customers and fans — so they can share the experience with others. Their services range from design to scenic fabrication, A/V integration, and even steel structures!
- New Orleans Catering Inc
New Orleans Catering Inc has been catering in New Orleans since 1981, and they have worked hard over the past four decades to be known for their traditional New Orleans and Louisiana cuisine. Their services include innovative menu offerings, industry-leading event service, table décor, and impeccable attention to detail. Throughout their years in business, they have had the privilege of serving an impressive selection of esteemed clientele, such as the President of the United States, senators, representatives, several national pharmaceutical companies, and numerous national associations.
- Lauren Lewandowski, New Orleans Harpist
Music aficionado Lauren Lewandowski, a New Orleans-based harpist, and pianist elevates any special event with her astonishing talent. After graduating from Loyola University in piano pedagogy and performance, she delved into harp music for additional gratification. Her passion has led to many successful events where audiences are equally engaged and ecstatic! Lauren runs an active teaching studio in the New Orleans area, and her services are available for church services, weddings, funerals, bridal showers, baby showers, teas, and more.
Pros and Cons of Victorian Locations in New Orleans
Victorian events in New Orleans can be a fun and rewarding experience if done the right way. However, weighing the pros and cons is essential to know what to expect when planning your event. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- Beautiful and nostalgic settings that evoke a feeling of nostalgia and romance are perfect for weddings and other occasions.
- The historic architecture creates an atmosphere that is unique and captivating, creating an unforgettable experience for guests.
- Incorporating the city's cultural history into your event will help create a truly memorable experience.
- Using local vendors ensures that you are supporting the local economy and adding an extra level of authenticity to any event.
Disadvantages
- Depending on the age and condition of the venue, there may be certain limitations on what types of events can take place there due to safety regulations or other concerns.
- These locations often don’t have access to modern amenities such as wifi or sound
systems, which may be necessary for certain types of events.
- If you're planning an event in a Victorian location, be aware that there may be limitations on the number of guests and activities permitted. Similarly, if your venue is a historic building, you might have to contend with restrictions on decorations and other elements that constrain your inventive latitude.
Tips on How to Organize Victorian Locations in New Orleans
New Orleans has various Victorian locations, from grand mansions and historic bed-and-breakfasts to charming cottages and old churches. If you’re looking for a fantastic venue for your upcoming event, here are some tips on how to organize it:
- Research: To determine which style of events is best suited for the distinct Victorian architecture around New Orleans, conduct thorough research. Then ask yourself: Is a professional decorator necessary, or will the existing atmosphere be enough? Visit each location to gain inspiration and take pictures as reference points.
- Vendors Involvement: Utilize local vendors for traditional foods, floral arrangements, beverages, and other items typically associated with Victorian-style events. Source out high-quality items from nearby businesses whenever possible to support the local economy and add a touch of historic charm to your event.
- Entertainment: Choose classical music that was popular during the Victorian era for your event soundtrack. Classical pieces like Pachelbel's "Canon in D" can be used as a background score, while more upbeat tunes such as Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz" may be played during dancing sequences.
- Lighting: Invest in unique lighting fixtures and chandeliers with a romantic ambiance reminiscent of this bygone era. Line the walls with strings of tiny white lights, hang flickering candles around the room, or install old-fashioned wall sconces to capture the spirit of an elegant Victorian ballroom celebration.
- Arrangement: Have plenty of seating areas throughout the space so guests can sit and enjoy conversation without feeling cramped or overcrowded. Include plush ottomans and small settees that add character without removing the overall décor; you can even rent large couches or booths for a whimsical touch.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Safety Pin
People love to admire unique outdoor sculpture that innovatively portrays ordinary objects. "Safety Pin," created by the joint effort of renowned Swedish-American sculptor Claes Oldenburg (1929-2022) and Dutch-American sculptor Coosje van Bruggen, is one such masterpiece that was unveiled in New Orleans back in 1999. Safety pins were initially popularized to secure baby's cloth diapers, yet have since been adopted by punk rockers as an emblem of rebellion. Today, many people don these items either for fashion purposes or to register their support towards the Punk movement, which is why "Safety Pin" has come to represent so much more than just a sharp metal object sticking out of the ground — it serves as pop art commemorating an iconic era in history!
- Bayou Road
Bayou Road — the first road laid in New Orleans — is a beautiful stretch of land experiencing a rich history of innovation and culture. This historic area offers an authentic take on the Big Easy; immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere with diverse shops, restaurants, services, and nightlife that set it apart from other parts of the city. For daytime vibes, visit Community Book Center for literature from the African Diaspora or Coco Hut for Caribbean cuisine. Or get ready to hit the dance floor as night falls — party your nights away at Club Caribbean or opt for rich cigars and whiskey at a more cozy lounge setting. Whichever you choose, Bayou Road will not disappoint!
- M. S. RAU
Founded in 1912, M.S. Rau has carved out a legacy as one of North America's most respected galleries for fine art, antiques, and jewelry. Led by generations of the Rau family, the 40,000-square-foot gallery displays worldly works from some of history's most influential artists and craftspeople, such as Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, Paul Revere, and Louis Comfort Tiffany, to name a few. There's nothing quite like the selection at M.S. Rau's jewelry boutique either — filled with designer pieces, gemstones, and certified gemologists on site — finding that special something to make your own is truly effortless here!