About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the fifth most populous city in the United States, and it is also one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by William Penn in 1682, Philadelphia served as the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. Today, Philadelphia is a major cultural and economic center, with a diverse population of more than 1.5 million people.
The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Philadelphia is also renowned for its food scene, and it is home to some of the best cheesesteaks in the world.
For couples planning a large wedding, Philadelphia is an ideal choice. The city offers a variety of beautiful venues, from historic mansions to elegant ballrooms. Philadelphia’s central location also makes it easy for guests to travel to and from other parts of the country.
Large Wedding Options Philadelphia
- Catering
Finding a catering company that can provide tasty and high-quality food for your wedding is crucial. Selections of catering companies in Philadelphia specialize in delivering cuisines, ranging from traditional American to Italian to Asian fusion.
- Bartenders
Hiring professional bartenders to handle the bar service at your wedding ensures that guests can enjoy a cocktail of drinks responsibly. Mobile bartending companies also offer unique cocktail options and they can also handle the bar setups.
- Event Planners
Working with an experienced event planner takes the stress out of planning a wedding. They handle tasks such as booking vendors and coordinating logistics on the big day.
- Flowers
Working with a florist to create stunning floral arrangements for your wedding is a sure way to add beauty to the occasion. Philadelphia's skilled florists can work with your vision and budget.
- Photography
Documenting your special day with beautiful photos is important, so finding a skilled and reputable photographer is key. Wedding photographers in Philadelphia offer packages that include engagement shoots and multiple photographers to cover the grand celebration.
Large Wedding Vendors Philadelphia
- J&J Studios
J&J Studios is a modern portrait and wedding photography studio in Philadelphia, founded in 2011 by John Ryan. Notable publications and websites, such as Mon Cheri Bridals, The Knot, Junebug Weddings, Style Me Pretty, and Philadelphia Magazine have all featured their images. Their goal is to provide outstanding photography services to fashionable brides.
- Kensington Quarters
Kensington Quarters is a food that uses only use the best ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced. Their delectable recipes also make use of whole animals, sustainable fish, ancient grains, contemporary veggies, local dairy, and local artisanal. In addition, they strive to reduce their environmental impact by working with purveyors who practice sustainability and by utilizing models of whole-animal utilization.
- Pure Design
At Pure Design, the team carefully listens to their clients and delivers detailed, creative work they will love. They scour the earth for one-of-a-kind flowers, plants, and home décor items to fit their clients' every desire. They don't mass produce their arrangements; each one is made with care and personalized for the individual.
Pros and Cons of Large Wedding Venues in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to a variety of wedding venues, from intimate chapels to grand ballrooms. A small wedding party may be more intimate and less expensive, but a large wedding party has more support on the big day. Here are a few pros and cons of having a large wedding party in Philadelphia.
Advantages
- The city's prime location makes it a convenient location to host occasions with guests coming into town from far and wide.
- Drenched in history, there are diverse architectural treasures that provide stunning backdrops for wedding photos.
- Philly is also known for its sprawling public parks, and you are likely to find a lush space that can accommodate your grand celebration.
Disadvantages
- While outdoor venues are ideal spaces for large gatherings, they are not the perfect locations for winter weddings in the city.
- Traffic snarl-ups can cause frustrations on the big day, and it helps to choose an accessible venue and schedule your occasion at an optimal time.
- Parking nightmares are another major challenge in Philly, and you can mitigate this problem by choosing a large wedding venue with ample onsite space.
Tips on How to Organize Large Weddings in Philadelphia
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large guest list. But with a little planning and forethought, you can easily put together a celebration that will be the talk of Philadelphia. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Start by creating a guest list: This helps you determine how many people you need to accommodate.
- Pick the right venue: Choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests. Consider factors such as the size of the room and the number of entrance and exit points.
- Get enough food: Make sure you have enough food and drinks to go around. Planning a buffet-style meal is often the best option for large parties.
- Have a plan for entertainment: Music is always a good entertainment choice, but you also want to consider hiring a photo booth or scheduling other interactive activities to keep guests entertained.
- Finally, don't forget to handle transportation: If your venue is not centrally located, provide shuttle buses or other transportation options for guests who need them.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Reading Terminal Market
It's no secret that Reading Terminal Market is one of the most beloved food destinations in Philadelphia. The Market offers an incredible variety of foods from all over the world, all under one roof. Whether you're in the mood for a fresh bagel and lox, a juicy steak sandwich, or a heaping plate of Korean BBQ, you'll find it at Reading Terminal. And if you're looking for something a little lighter, there are also plenty of options for healthy eating. With its endless selection of delicious food, it's no wonder that Reading Terminal has been called "heaven on earth" by many who have had the pleasure of dining there.
- City Hall
City Hall is a stunning example of masonry architecture, and it is one of the largest buildings of its kind in the world. It's truly a labyrinth, with countless rooms and Corridors to explore. The best way to experience City Hall is to take an official tour, which will give you access to areas that are not normally open to the public. Alternatively, you can hang out in the center of the building, where there are often performance stages set up.
- Elfreth's Alley
The holidays are a magical time in Philadelphia's Old City. The streets are lined with twinkling lights and festive decorations, and the air is filled with the sound of carolers. There is no better place to experience the holiday spirit than on America's oldest street, Elfreth's Alley. This narrow cobblestone lane is home to 32 historic houses, many of which date back to the 18th century. During the holidays, the Alley is transformed into a winter wonderland, with garlands and candles in the windows and wreaths on the doors.