About Raleigh
Raleigh always features on lists ranking the best places to live in terms of the livability factor and quality of life. With a population of about 500,000 people, the North Carolina city isn't exactly a small locale but it provides the charms of a small-town feel.
Southern Living Magazine included Raleigh in their "10 tastiest towns'' list for a good reason. The city has selections of spots where every foodie at heart can get their fix. The Fiction Kitchen is where you'll find a delectable vegetarian menu while Bida Manda is the go-to place for Pork Belly Soup.
Raleigh experiences all four seasons and being just a few hours away from the mountains, snowboarding and skiing are some winter favorite pass-time activities. Overall, you can't go wrong booking a Raleigh wedding venue for your impending nuptials.
Wedding Options in Raleigh
Every couple knows how securing the perfect location to tie the knot brings great relief, and you must feel the same after booking a wedding venue in Raleigh. There's still a lot left to do before your big day becomes a reality, but working with the selections of wedding vendors in Raleigh makes the planning process a breeze.
- Decorations
Most brides have dreamt about the moment they'll walk down the aisle in great detail. That includes the floral arrangements decking the pews at the ceremony venue down to the table runners that will adorn the reception area. Bringing your vision to life is quite possible with the expert assistance of the party supplies stores in Raleigh.
- Wedding Dress
Next to locking down a Raleigh wedding venue, the search for an ideal gown is possibly the next stressful part of the planning process. With bridal stores accessible virtually these days, it eases the search significantly. Most bridal stores in Raleigh are accessible online, and it's wise to start shopping at least 10 months away from the big day.
- Wedding Rings
The wedding rings are equally an important part of the entire ceremony, and they should be bought three to four months before the big day. The time frame allows your chosen Raleigh jeweler to get the correct ring sizing and make customizations as well as adjustments if necessary.
- Catering
Without a doubt, food is an important part of any celebration that gathers people together. Your guests will undoubtedly enjoy digging into the special wedding menu you serve at your function. The wedding cake is another much-anticipated treat, and you are assured of presenting nothing short of the best in collaboration with a Raleigh catering company.
- Photography
The perfect day is best crowned with lots of photos to remember the occasion. You'll want to work with a professional photographer in Raleigh to document the key moments. Walking down the aisle, the bride and groom’s first glance – these are all magic moments.
Wedding Companies in Raleigh
For most people, weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events. They bring together two families alongside relatives and friends to witness a pair solemnly promising to spend the rest of their lives together. That in itself is enough reason to celebrate, and the expert assistance from wedding vendors in Raleigh guarantees that you'll mark the day in grand style.
- Bailey's Fine Jewelry
Having been in the business since 1948, Bailey's Fine Jewelry knows that wedding rings signify the beautiful story about the love shared between two people. Now in the hands of the family's third generation, the business still stands as a premier go-to store for wedding bands and selections of other jewelry.
- A Southern Soiree Wedding & Event Planners
Driven by the passion to plan special events, A Southern Soiree Wedding & Event Planners go above and beyond to create unique experiences. They delight in surprising guests at the reception and seeing the joy a couple has as they walk down the aisle. Their role is to make sure that you end up with a tailored and stress-free occasion.
- Gilded Bridal
The recipe for a perfect ceremony is love and a stunning dress. That's according to Gilded Bridal who are ready to help you find the perfect wedding gown for your upcoming nuptials. Their selections of handpicked gowns conjure up the essence of a bride who is Bohemian chic, a glamorous goddess, free-spirited, or a romantic dreamer.
Pros and Cons of Weddings in Raleigh
Raleigh is exceptionally welcoming and has an atmosphere that is family-friendly. The community has transitioned over the years from being predominantly driven by agriculture to one that embraces technology. Needless to say, the city isn't without fault like anywhere else and some of its shortcomings could affect your upcoming wedding in Raleigh.
- It's exceptionally beautiful
Dubbed the "City of Oaks," the oak-lined streets in the city make it exceptionally beautiful. You won't be short of stunning backgrounds for your wedding in Raleigh.
- There's plenty to do outside
Whether you are a beach person or a mountain lover; you won't be short of activities to do outside. Make use of Raleigh's parks to offer your guests a much-deserved scenic view during your wedding.
- The city provides a culinary journey
You'll find over 1,200 restaurants within the city limits offering a range of culinary options. Taking a culinary journey around Raleigh should inspire your wedding menu.
- It's home to the largest beer garden
The world's largest beer garden is found in Raleigh, and it serves as a worthy treat for your guests. Plan a trip to the Raleigh Beer Garden as a pre or post-nuptials activity.
Disadvantages
- Lacks a diverse night scene
If you are planning to throw an after-party that involves raiding different night spots then Raleigh will disappoint you in this regard. The city's nightlight is wanting with limited entertainment options.
- The weather
Newcomers often need time to acclimatize to the weather. The temperatures soar to the 90s around July and August and the coldest months are January and February. Have this in mind when selecting a wedding venue in Raleigh during the different seasons.
- The beach is quite far
If you want to head down to the beach brace yourself for quite a long drive. It takes an average of two hours on a good day to get to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, therefore, keep this in mind when planning beach-centric activities for your big day.
- Pollen cycles
If you or your guests suffer from allergies, then you should know that the city experiences the heaviest pollen cycles early in March.
Famous Locations in Raleigh
- North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
Raleigh is home to the North Carolina Museum of Art which opened its doors in 1956. It houses a collection of over 5,000 artistic works featured in more than 40 galleries. The NCMA also has an amphitheater where various outdoor performances are frequently staged.
- North Carolina Museum of Sciences (NCMNS)
Largest of its kind in the nation's Southeastern area, the NCMNS is also the oldest established museum in the state of North Carolina. The museum welcomes an estimated 1.2 million visitors each year making it the state's most popular historic destination.
- JC Raulston Arboretum
This beautiful garden space is nationally acclaimed for its diversity of plant species, particularly landscape plants. From the wisteria display in April to the day lily blooms in June, be ready for a spectacle of color. Even the winter season has something to show; pink and white magnolias are highlights.