About Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia is quite a special place to live and visit. Being so close to the nation’s capital makes it one of the more popular places in the US when it comes to tourism. In fact, it is only seven miles from Washington, DC.
Although indigenous peoples occupied the area approximately 10,000 years ago, it was not officially incorporated until 1779. The city enjoys hot and humid summers with mild winters, making it a popular place for outdoor activities.
Besides playing outdoors, you can also find a variety of museums, art galleries, and other attractions as well as fine dining opportunities, shopping, and nightlife.
Alexandria is a beautiful place to visit and has some wonderful attractions for all ages. It is because of this that many people prefer hosting their wedding reception venue in Alexandria. The proximity to large cities and the beauty of the area have made wedding receptions in Alexandria a popular idea.
Wedding Reception Options in Alexandria
One of the most stressful things about planning a wedding reception venue in Alexandria is ensuring everything is organized perfectly. To ensure that the reception is successful, it is best to consult and hire professionals from Alexandria and get everything perfect before the big day.
- Catering
The food makes a huge difference in the success of your wedding reception. When finalizing the wedding reception venue in Alexandria, it is best to consider the services of experienced caterers and ensure that you have several culinary options for your guests.
- Photography
No wedding or reception is complete without some excellent photographs to make the event more memorable. You should hire professional photographers from Alexandria to ensure that your memories are preserved, and you can revisit them whenever you want.
- Florists
Professional florists in Alexandria ensure that the wedding reception is a success and the venue looks gorgeous. You can opt for seasonal flowers or exotic ones that match the theme and décor of the wedding reception venue in Alexandria. When choosing the flowers, always remember the season and time of the reception.
Wedding Reception Companies in Alexandria
After you’re done figuring out the kind of services you want, you should finalize the wedding reception companies for your wedding reception venue in Alexandria. You should always ensure you find the best ones for your reception.
- Bittersweet Catering
Bittersweet Catering is known for its excellent taste and delicious cuisine options. Their cakes and pastries are always in high demand, and the savory food options also make it much easier for the number of choices. They also offer bartending services, gluten-free options, vegetarian, and vegan options.
- MTM Photography
Marie Taylor-Morrison Photography or MTM Photography is quite well known. Marie started her career in the UK, and with more than 25 years of experience, she can bring memories to life with her photographs. She can ensure that all the wedding reception photos are shot aesthetically, with the theme of the wedding intact.
- Wisteria Florals
Wisteria Florals have more than 25 years of experience in the floral industry. They are known for their exquisite custom floral arrangements for differently-themed weddings and receptions. You can opt for the entrance floral décor, floral centerpieces, and more while finalizing the wedding reception venue in Alexandria.
Pros and Cons of Wedding Receptions in Alexandria
Whether this is your first time in Alexandria or you’re a resident, it is always best to know all pros and cons and be prepared for all emergencies. After all, planning a wedding reception venue in Alexandria will require you to be on point all the time!
Advantages
- Walking distance
Thanks to the size of Alexandria, nearly everything is within walking distance. The air is clean, and walking paths are clearly defined. You can walk through the entire city, and yet not get bored.
- Rich history
George Washington called Alexandria home, and the residents are proud to be a part of this great history. Since Alexandria is situated on the Potomac River, its nautical significance as a seaport still holds great importance to the commercial sector. There are still many notable politicians and professionals who call Alexandria their home.
- Excellent dining options
Alexandria has some excellent dining options. Most people go out for date nights, family dinners, working lunches, meetings, takeouts, and more in Alexandria. When you finalize the wedding reception venue in Alexandria, you should ensure you also have plenty of food options for your guests.
Disadvantages
- Threat of flooding
Since Alexandria is located at the river’s edge, there is a threat of inundation and flooding. The elevation of Alexandria is low, which could be a cause for concern.
- Expensive housing
The cost of owning and renting housing in Alexandria is relatively high compared to other cities. This can create issues for you when looking for a wedding reception venue in Alexandria.
- Traffic
The traffic in Alexandria is quite high, and there are jams nearly every evening. Commuters traveling out of Alexandria and returning each evening can cause hold-ups and delays. It is best to advise your guests to leave early so they can make it in time to your wedding reception venue in Alexandria.
Famous Locations in Alexandria
- Torpedo Factory
The Torpedo Factory Arts Center gets its name from producing and supplying torpedoes during both World Wars. Once the facility was shut off, it was converted into an arts center for local artists. You can now find galleries, art exhibitions, and studios featuring artwork from locals.
- Athenaeum
The Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria houses art from across the world and is known for its excellent Old Greek architectural style. Tourists visiting the Athenaeum can see the remnants of the hospital during the Union War, and the Union Army was also headquartered there for a while.
- Dora Kelley Nature Park
The Dora Kelley Nature Park in Alexandria is a nature sanctuary and is sprawled over 50 acres. The nature trails, wetlands, hiking trails, and babbling streams make it an excellent location for campers, hikers, and nature lovers. Tourists can also make an advanced tour reservation with a knowledgeable naturalist to see the entire area.