About Wedding Receptions
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, food, games, and activities.
No matter how you celebrate this special event, the venue can mean the difference between a mediocre gathering and a terrific wedding reception that people will remember for years. Some sites 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 a wedding reception space.
So before committing to any location, explore the different choices you have. Check out the traditional 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.
The Best Wedding Reception Venues
Do you want to take your wedding reception out of the typical function hall or ballroom? While hosting the event in designated venues is convenient, you won’t regret trying out new places. So, if you’re ready to explore your options, here are some wedding reception sites to consider.
- Gardens
A garden is one of the most beautiful places 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 furniture, food and drinks, entertainment, and AV equipment. Often, botanical gardens offer rental services, so check what amenities they have.
- Sports Arenas
Choosing sports venues like stadiums and arenas as wedding shower locations 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 the time 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.
- 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 space 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. Its breathtaking panoramic views are more than enough to captivate your guests.
What to Look for in Wedding Reception Spaces
Although the wedding ceremony is the most important part of the entire 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.
- Food Space
Many would agree that the highlight of the wedding reception is the food. That is why you must find a space that would accommodate the amount of food you want to provide for your guests. You should also consider 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 food service. 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.
- Ambiance
Another just as important part of the wedding reception 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
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? Along with the space’s ambiance, the decorations also significantly contribute to how the event will feel.
Wedding Reception Inspiration
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 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. But 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 receptions. 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.
- 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 wedding receptions.
- Tea Reception at the City Hall
You don’t have to look any farther 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.