The wedding reception is a celebration held after a ceremony where the newly married couple invites their guests for a meal or a mighty feast. Customs may vary worldwide, but most cultures organize a gathering with entertainment, catering, games, and activities.
No matter how you celebrate this special event, the wedding venue can mean the difference between a mediocre gathering and a terrific wedding reception that people will remember for years. Some locations won’t feel right from the get-go, so there’s no point in adding them to your venue options. Others may seem fine but still don’t give the wow factor you’re looking for in a wedding reception space.
So before committing to any location, explore the different choices you have. Check out the traditional wedding venues, like event centers, restaurants, and banquet halls. But be open to unique spaces, such as industrial lofts, yachts, historic estates, and studios. It may take a few visits to various places, but it’s worth the hard work once you find the one that matches your style and preference.
Do you want to take your wedding out of the typical function hall or ballroom? While hosting the event in designated wedding venues is convenient, you won’t regret trying out new places. So, if you’re ready to explore your options, here are some wedding venues to consider.
Gardens
A garden is one of the most beautiful venues for a wedding reception. With the stunning greenery and flowers embellishing the area, there’s no need to pay much for the décor. A few touch-ups will do the trick, but you’ll have to hire several vendors for chairs and tables, decor, catering, entertainment, and AV equipment. Often, botanical gardens offer rental services, so check what amenities they have before you book it.
Sports Arenas
Choosing sports venues like stadiums and arenas as wedding venues is now a trend, especially among sports enthusiast couples. When the party is over and you’re watching your favorite team play, you’ll remember when your photos were taken on the same field. Since most sports arenas are centrally located in the city or near metro areas, you’ll be close to various accommodation options, restaurants, and public transportation. And you can not worry about guest count, sports venues have a lot of space.
A Ranch
The bride and groom have large families and groups of friends, and no one is willing to trim down the guest list. Your task is to look for a wedding reception venue that can accommodate everyone while offering a beautiful setting, outstanding facilities, and endless activities. In that case, a spacious ranch may be your best bet. You can customize a venue to fit your decor and guest count and create a perfect wedding venue.
Although the wedding ceremony is the most important part of the wedding event, this doesn’t mean that you should slack in your search for the best wedding reception space. So, here are some tips to help you look.
Space
Many would agree that the highlight of the wedding reception is the food. That is why you must find a space to accommodate the amount of food you want to provide your guests. It would be best if you also considered where the food will be served from. For example, if it’s a buffet-style dinner, ask if your guest will need to go outside the hall to get their food or personally order from the kitchen.
Food Service
Of course, you don’t want to forget to ask about the caterers. Are your options limited to what the venue offers, or can you make special requests? You should also find out if the venue provides servers or if they have the space for you to hire this kind of assistance throughout the reception. And don't forget about beverages.
Ambiance
Another important part of the wedding parties is the environment. Consider what the atmosphere is like, what kind of vibe the space gives, and the natural theme of the place. Wedding receptions tend to be more casual than wedding ceremonies, so having the right environment can set the right tone for the event.
Decoration
Decorations play a crucial role in wedding venues—it is not uncommon to have a particular theme for a wedding reception. So, when looking for a space, find out the details regarding decoration. Does the wedding reception room already have a natural theme, and how much are you allowed to embellish the space? Or will you need to hire a vendor? Don't forget about space for gifts, too!
Once the ceremony is over, you’ll want to take the guests to a place where they can have fun and celebrate with the newly married couple. Whether you plan to have it in the same venue or in separate locations, these incredible settings will give everyone a memorable experience.
Lunch Reception at a Historic Site
It could be their rich history, impressive architecture, embedded character, or timeless beauty—there’s no doubt old buildings and heritage sites are effortlessly romantic. They also offer a magical vibe to any celebration, making them perfect for wedding reception venues. Sometimes, proceeds from events help keep the site’s educational programs and preservation efforts. So, by booking historical venues, you’re also contributing to a worthy cause.
Glasshouse Wedding Reception
Most glasshouse venues can accommodate a large number of attendees, giving everyone ample space to dance and party for hours. They offer spectacular garden views in an indoor area and create an outdoor feel without the worry of unpredictable weather. When planning your wedding, don't forget about chairs and tables, gift spots, and catering.
Dinner Wedding Reception at A Museum
For some people, museums are quiet, stuffy buildings where aged art pieces or old items are displayed. But many traditional and state-of-the-art museums are more than just spaces that house objects of cultural, artistic, historical, or scientific interest. They feature beautiful architecture, timeless pieces, and an elegant atmosphere, making them a sophisticated setting for weddings. But think about the capacity to fit your guest count, as some museum spaces only have limited capacities.
Tea Reception at the City Hall
You don’t have to look any further if you live in a place with a breathtaking city hall that offers a dramatic space for your wedding reception. You can have both the ceremony and the post-wedding party in a single location and save money on an additional venue. City halls are ideal for small weddings or more intimate groups. Check the availability of such a wedding venue much before your special date.