About New Orleans
New Orleans is a city defined by its history, and the area has been an epicenter of culture for centuries. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, it has served as a bustling port since its founding in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. As a result, the city has attracted settlers from all over the world, leading to an eclectic mix of cultural influences that makes New Orleans the unique and vibrant metropolis that it is today.
New Orleans’ long-standing reputation for hosting memorable celebrations has made it one of America’s premier wedding destinations. From intimate ceremonies in candlelit courtyards to lively second-line parades through historic neighborhoods, couples can create their dream wedding experience in New Orleans. There are countless venues throughout the city offering grand ballrooms with ornate architecture or open spaces with sweeping views of the skyline — all ideal settings for a special day.
For an outdoor ceremony with rustic charm, there are several parks in the city that provides everything you need for an unforgettable affair — surrounded by sprawling gardens and majestic live oaks draped with Spanish moss. No matter what type of venue you choose, New Orleans welcomes all couples looking to tie the knot with warm hospitality and an unbeatable atmosphere that will make your special day truly remarkable!
Large Wedding Options in New Orleans
- Wedding Planners
When it comes to planning a wedding, relying on the expertise of a professional planner can ensure that your special day goes off without a hitch. From finding the perfect venue and creating an accurate budget and timeline to rounding up vendors for all services needed, these talented individuals can help you with every aspect of your celebration. On top of that, they’ll even put together an itinerary and schedule, so nothing is left out or forgotten!
- Catering
With their expertise in providing food to all sizes of crowds, caterers from New Orleans can offer a selection of food options to meet your guests' preferences. Not only this, but they also possess the proficiency required to easily set up large event venues.
- Flowers
Floral displays are an essential part of any wedding and can make a huge impression on guests. A local florist is the perfect partner to create beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, and other decorations for large weddings that anyone will admire. Working closely with the bride and groom, custom arrangements tailored perfectly to their special day can come alive with fresh-cut flowers!
Large Wedding Vendors in New Orleans
- Unique Weddings and Events
Unique Weddings and Events is a New Orleans-based planning firm that has the local knowledge and connections you need for your wedding. With over fourteen years of experience, this full-service consulting firm knows everything there is to know about arranging weddings and other types of events in the city. If you need support in planning or executing your big day, this team will be there for you every step of the way. This company's main goal is to make sure that everything runs smoothly on your special day so that all you have to focus on is spending time with loved ones.
- Twirl Photography
Born out of a lifelong passion for photography, this boutique studio is run by renowned photojournalist Jennifer Zdon, whose unique blend of fine art and documentary styles perfectly captures all the goodness and wonder of childhood, family life, and love. Twirl Photography is the answer if you need dazzling wedding photos or brilliant portraits that showcase your style. They pride themselves on providing crisp and timeless photographs that will be cherished forever.
- Harkins
At Harkins, they believe that flowers can brighten anyone's day. Harkins is the perfect place to go for all your floral needs! They offer same-day delivery so you can get fresh flowers whenever you need them. As a family-owned business with deep roots in the local community, they take pride in helping customers express themselves through beautiful blooms.
Pros and Cons of Large Weddings in New Orleans
New Orleans is a unique and vibrant city, making it an ideal location for large weddings. Weddings in the Big Easy can be filled with culture, music, and excitement, promising to make your special day unforgettable. Here are a few key points to consider when determining if a large wedding in New Orleans is suitable for you.
Advantages
- With its long history as an event destination, New Orleans has plenty of experienced vendors ready to help you make your big day perfect.
- Food is essential to any wedding celebration, and New Orleans certainly has no shortage of delicious options! From famous local dishes like gumbo and jambalaya to specialty foods like crawfish etouffee or beignets, there are endless possibilities for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.
- Hosting your wedding in New Orleans means you’ll get access to some amazing backdrops for photos. Whether you choose the historic architecture along Royal Street or opt for a more nature-oriented setting in one of the city’s many parks, there will be plenty of beautiful places for everyone’s favorite memories.
Disadvantages
- While New Orleans has mild winters compared to other parts of the country, summer brings high temperatures and humidity that can make outdoor events uncomfortable.
- With its narrow streets and heavy congestion during rush hour times, getting around New Orleans can be tricky even without an extra hundred cars on the road.
- The cost of hosting a large wedding in New Orleans can add up quickly due to all the different services required for such an event, including catering and photography.
Tips on How to Organize Large Weddings in New Orleans
Planning a large wedding in New Orleans can be both exciting and overwhelming. With its unique blend of history, culture, and charm, New Orleans is the perfect destination for couples who want to plan an unforgettable wedding experience. Here are some tips to help you make sure your special day is stress-free and everything you dreamed of.
- Research Venues: Finding the right location can be one of the most challenging tasks when planning a wedding. When searching for a place to host your big day, look into venues that offer plenty of space and can accommodate all your guests.
- Book Early: If possible, book at least six months ahead as many popular venues fill up quickly during the high season. Also, book vendors such as caterers, florists, DJs, or bands early on; otherwise, you may find yourself scrambling for options later.
- Make Transportation Plans: Make sure all your guests have an easy way to get from point A to point B throughout the wedding weekend. Consider booking buses or limousines so everyone can travel together without worrying about parking or navigating their way around town from hotel to venue and back again.
- Consider Local Cuisine: From po'boys and gumbo to jambalaya and beignets, New Orleans has some of the best food in the country. Incorporate local flavors into your menu or hire a caterer specializing in Creole dishes — this will add authenticity and excitement to any celebration.
- Have Fun: Don't forget that this is meant to be one of the happiest days of your life. Thus, take time before and after the ceremony to enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer — eat authentic dishes at local restaurants, go sightseeing around town or take a ride on one of its famous streetcar lines!
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- The Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery
Located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, the Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery is a unique space that combines elements from some of Geisel’s most famous creations. Here, guests will find taxidermied cartoon heads from iconic movies like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Cat in the Hat, as well as paintings, sketches, and illustrations that the public has rarely seen. Guides are always on hand to answer questions and share fascinating anecdotes about Geisel’s life and career. If you appreciate art or are simply interested in learning more about it, visiting this gallery is perfect for you.
- Street Name Tiles of New Orleans
The unique street name tiles of New Orleans have become a defining feature of Crescent City. These distinctive tiles can be found adorning the facades of grand, columned mansions in the Garden District and on ornate balconies in the French Quarter. Believed to date back to the mid-1880s, these ceramic tiles have been a staple of New Orleans architecture for over 130 years; they are an aesthetically pleasing and historically significant element of New Orleans, allowing visitors to enjoy its many charms without having to pay an entrance fee.
- Moriarty Monument
The Moriarty Monument is one of the most iconic and striking features of Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans. This 80-foot-tall monument was built in memory of Moriarty's late wife and as a way to get back at his community for shunning him. The Moriarty Monument is certainly hard to miss given its size, and it stands out even amongst the other grand tombs and monuments in the cemetery. Carved from granite and featuring a towering steeple, the structure is adorned with intricate detail. On the base are four life-size statues of virtues: Faith, Hope, Charity, and Memory. Some say that Moriarty chose this fourth statue to represent his desire to defy social norms.