About New Orleans
Bordering the Gulf of Mexico in the southernmost part of Louisiana is the famous city of New Orleans. Home of one of the biggest parties in America, Mardi Gras, “The Big Easy” is a fun and lively place to be. Since the city is known for its parties, what better place to host your own reception than New Orleans? Whether you’re looking for a small gathering of friends or to host the biggest bash of the year, there are tons of reasons to make New Orleans your party location.
Reception Options in New Orleans
- Flowers
What kind of reception in New Orleans would it be without elegant flower arrangements? This city is full of dedicated and creative florists whose sole job is to provide you with the perfect flower arrangements. Imagine walking into your reception and seeing, not only ornate boutonnieres on the ones you love, but luxurious centerpieces, hanging garland, and perfectly placed rose petals strewn about. Flowers brighten up a room not only with their unique natural beauty, but their unforgettable scent.
- Caterers
Provide the right food and drinks for your New Orleans reception, and your guests will remember it fondly. Whether it is simple finger foods like sandwiches and charcuterie boards, or if you will be serving an 8-course meal, New Orleans caterers have the options for you. If you are offering alcohol, it is important to decide if you want just beer and wine or if you want cocktails too. What about non-alcoholic drinks? Will it be an open bar? Caterers will work closely with you to hammer out all of these little details.
- Bands
Spice up your reception with an authentic New Orleans band! Get the party dancing with a salsa, jazz, or big brass band, and let the night become memorable! Live music is a fun, interactive way to bring the crowd alive. For some bigger events, a full band is appropriate, but for something smaller and a bit more low-key, a DJ or singer/songwriter might suffice.
Reception Companies in New Orleans
- Amanda Price Events
Amanda Price will take over the budget, vendors, venue selection, negotiations, and so much more, aligned with your needs in order to make your reception in New Orleans match your vision. Take a load off and focus on what really matters; let Amanda Price handle the rest.
- Southern Approach
A friendly and hospitable atmosphere is what you’ll get with Southern Approach. While they focus a lot on weddings, they are also masters of New Orleans reception planning as well. They can help you from conception to execution and everything in between, all the while with a southern charm.
- Wink Design & Events
Wink Design & Events will handle all the difficult details and major directions for your event, leaving you space to enjoy it and watch it unfold. From wedding to non-profit to corporate receptions, this capable team is nationally published and has won awards for their concepts and amazing execution of events.
Pros and Cons of Reception Venues in New Orleans
New Orleans is rich with culture which is evident in the streets all alive with live music, homemade jambalaya, and classic architecture. The spirit for the perfect reception in New Orleans is radiant, though the city does come with a few drawbacks such as crime rates and the general annoyances that come with a city built on a swamp.
Advantages
- Rich history
From Mardi Gras to Jazz music to the civil war and hurricane Katrina, this city has a fascinating and tumultuous history.
- Exciting nightlife
Bourbon Street is wild and ready to party at any hour. Are you up for a good time?
- Beautiful architecture
The French-Colonial style architecture is fascinatingly unique and can be found all over the city.
- Great live music
New Orleans is synonymous with live Jazz and brass bands. The streets are always alive with music.
- Authentic Creole/cajun food everywhere
The Creole influence is authentic and can be found in so many aspects of New Orleans cooking.
Disadvantages
- No nearby beaches
While it is technically on the Gulf, you will need to travel pretty far to find a beach.
- Very muggy = very buggy
Being built on a swamp means there are tons of natural wetland wildlife that also live near you, including the bugs.
- It was built on a swamp
When a big city is built on a ground that is not so solid, it affects the infrastructure as well as the atmosphere.
- Crumbling infrastructure
After hurricane Katrina, parts of the city never fully recovered. Look out for bad roads and damaged buildings.
- Medium to high crime rates
At one time, New Orleans had the highest murder rates in the United States. NOLA still has higher than average rates of crime.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- French Quarter
The pride of NOLA, the French Quarter is rich with history, culture, and song. Bourbon Street is in the French Quarter, as is Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral. A wonderful place to go during the day to experience the heart and soul of New Orleans.
- Bourbon Street
When folks think New Orleans, they think Bourbon Street. This is where the magic happens! TOGO pints, brass bands, purple and gold streamers, and sensational food await you on NOLA’s most lively street. Come for the culture, leave with lifelong memories. It is also home to the world-famous Mardi Gras celebration.
- City Park
There is nothing you can’t do at City Park in New Orleans. Spanning over 1,300 acres, this place is perfect for a romantic stroll, or something more exciting. Check out the Museum of Art, the Sculpture Garden, the amusement park, or play 18 holes at the golf course.
- Preservation Hall
Other than Mardi Gras, if New Orleans is known for anything, it’s jazz music. The streets are filled with it, and it is soaked into the city’s culture. Preservation Hall is famous for hosting jazz legends and being one of the coolest jazz bars in all of Louisiana. If “cool” is the vibe you’re going for with your New Orleans wedding reception, consider booking a whiskey bar and cigar lounge for that “classic Americana prohibition” feel.
