About New Orleans
New Orleans is a city in Louisiana like no other; located at the mouth of the mighty Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico, it has been a major port since the 18th century and is considered one of the most culturally and historically significant cities in America. Its rich history blends African-American, French, Spanish, and Native American influences that are expressed in its vibrant music and art scenes. Home to the world-renowned Mardi Gras and the birthplace of jazz music, New Orleans is a party town with an energy that’s infectious.
When it comes to the skyline of New Orleans, there’s plenty to love; the downtown area features a mix of 19th-century architecture punctuated by soaring glass and steel towers — a testament to its modernity. At night, these skyscrapers light up like beacons, making for an impressive backdrop when viewed from the river or surrounding neighborhoods. This unique quality makes New Orleans one of the most desirable spots for rooftop receptions. With stunning views and relaxed vibes of this incredible city, hosting guests on top of a building provides a truly unforgettable experience.
Rooftop Reception Options in New Orleans
- Event Rentals
From extra seating and tables to chairs, decorations, and more, event rental companies have everything needed to make a rooftop reception look amazing. They can cater to any style or theme while also providing additional services like setup and breakdown.
- Catering Services
Having great food at a rooftop reception is an absolute must! Professional catering companies will take care of everything from pre-event tastings to designing custom menus and serving up delicious dishes for guests.
- Entertainment
Hiring an entertainer for a rooftop reception adds an exciting and engaging element to the celebration through memorable performances and activities. Their presence transforms the ambiance, creating a vibrant atmosphere that keeps everyone entertained and in high spirits throughout the event. Whether it's live music, a DJ, or any other form of performance, these entertainers can elevate a rooftop reception and leave a lasting impression on attendees.
Rooftop Reception Vendors in New Orleans
- Luminous Events of New Orleans
Luminous Events of New Orleans is a full-service rental, design, and production company for special occasions. The company takes care of delivery, setup, and breakdown as well as coordination of decor-related vendors and floor plan design for clients requiring assistance with the look and feel of their event. Their extensive inventory includes specialty lighting, lounge furniture, stage, backdrops, and more. Additionally, its carpenters, welders, and painters can create custom pieces — from neon signs to personalized backdrops — to ensure an event that reflects each client’s individual needs and tastes.
- First Class Presentation Catering, LLC
First Class Presentation Catering, LLC is a catering company that offers off-site catering services for a range of events in the Greater New Orleans Area. The dedicated team takes pride in its commitment to excellence, creating fresh food with care and precision as well as superb customer service. With a wide range of services available, they can provide customized plans that work for the needs and budget of each client. Their offerings include upscale presentation set-ups with silver serving utensils, colored skirts for tables, greenery and flower arrangements to decorate the space, contemporary art pieces and chafing dishes.
- Ted Hefko's New Orleans Band
Ted Hefko's New Orleans Band is a professional music group, offering performances of jazz, rhythm and blues, country, and roots rock. Led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ted Hefko, the band has performed at over one hundred events of various shapes and sizes. With a regular line-up consisting of guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and vocals, the band can easily be adapted to fit the needs of any event; they are also capable of adding horns or female vocalists for larger events. As experienced musicians, they are known for their professionalism and ability to work around unexpected situations.
Pros and Cons of Rooftop Receptions in New Orleans
A rooftop reception can be a unique and exciting way to entertain guests in the city of New Orleans. From gorgeous skyline views to special decorations, there are a variety of pros and cons when it comes to hosting this type of event. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of organizing a rooftop reception in NOLA:
Advantages
- Hosting your reception on a rooftop means that you will have access to incredible city views; from Mardi Gras parades to scenic sunsets over the Mississippi River, New Orleans has much to offer.
- Rooftop venues allow for accommodating large numbers of guests in an open-air setting while still providing plenty of space to mingle.
- Organizers have more freedom with how they want to decorate their space since they won’t be limited by traditional walls or ceilings.
Disadvantages
- Weather is often unpredictable, making outdoor events unreliable at times (although some rooftop venues have options for indoor backup plans).
- The noise level outdoors may be louder than expected, making it harder for people to hear each other clearly during conversations.
- Depending on the height and type of roof structure you are using, there could be restrictions imposed upon how many people are allowed up on the roof at once for safety reasons.
Tips on How to Organize Rooftop Receptions in New Orleans
Hosting a reception on a rooftop in New Orleans can be an unforgettable experience, especially with the city's breathtaking skyline views. To make the event truly successful, there are several key tips to keep in mind during the planning process, such as:
- Choose the Right Rooftop Venue: A successful rooftop reception needs the perfect venue; look for both indoor and outdoor venues that have stunning views of the city, as well as amenities like lighting and technology for presentations or performances. Additionally, make sure to check building codes to ensure your guest count meets maximum occupancy standards.
- Consider Timing: When planning your event, factor in the time of year when selecting your date and time; you’ll want to avoid hot and humid summer months that could make it uncomfortable for your guests, so plan around them if possible. Also, consider whether you’ll need extra tents or shade structures on hotter days or umbrellas or heating on cooler days.
- Utilize Lighting: Properly lighted areas can help create a festive atmosphere at night receptions while helping to guide guests around the space during twilight hours before sundown. Whether you choose strings of lights around the perimeter or feature larger pieces like lanterns or floor lamps, carefully placed lighting will add an elegant touch as well as highlight special features of your venue such as pools or gardens.
- Creative Seating Options: For an alluring feel, use seating options that match the mood of your event while adding texture and style to any open-air spaces; lounge-style seating can be especially enjoyable at night receptions with its inviting aesthetic by providing comfort and conversation areas alike.
- Incentivize Guests with Food & Beverages: Providing a selection of beverages and food options is key to keeping everyone comfortable throughout the duration of your rooftop reception. Setting out pitchers of chilled water provides an easy way for guests to stay hydrated during hot summer days while having snacks like chips and dip readily available gives people something quick to eat between activities without needing to leave the venue.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Old Ursuline Convent Museum
The Old Ursuline Convent Museum is a must-see attraction in New Orleans for history buffs and those interested in French colonial architecture. Built during the early 18th century, the convent has seen its fair share of changes over the years but still retains its distinctive charm. The museum inside is a trove of Catholic artifacts and offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the Ursuline nuns who founded the convent in 1727. What's especially notable about the Ursuline is that they were missionaries who sought to educate girls of all races and social backgrounds; their legacy lives on in the educational opportunities they provided, and the Old Ursuline Convent Museum is a testament to their enduring impact.
- Congo Square
Congo Square is a piece of New Orleans' history that has left an indelible mark on the city and its culture. Once a gathering spot for slaves under the French Code Noir, it was a rare opportunity for them to sing and practice their cultural traditions. This laid the foundation for a unique cultural link between the city and Africa, which has influenced much of its music, food, and culture. Today, you can visit the square and see stylized statues and sculptures that pay homage to the city's musical heritage and heroes; it has also become an important gathering spot for protests and Second Lines.
- Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
Nestled in the heart of South Louisiana, Audubon's newest nature center offers a unique opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the region's stunning wetland and forest ecosystems. The 4000-square foot interpretive center provides a wealth of information about the area's elusive flora and fauna, while several trails, with varying degrees of difficulty, take visitors on a journey through the Louisiana wilderness. Whether you're a curious kid or an adventurous parent, the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of the South Louisiana landscape.