About Reno
On the edge of Tahoe National Forest between Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, Reno is known as the ‘Biggest Little City in the World’. It may not be Las Vegas, but it is still known for its plethora of casinos and tourist attractions. And with an average high of 87 in the summer, it is a good place for water sports.
In fact, you can find over two dozen beaches to catch some rays, take a refreshing dip in the water, or even try your hand at waterskiing if you like. The city is full of gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces to enjoy but it also has a great selection of indoor places to choose from for your reception venue in Reno.
Interesting fact: The city of Reno is in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most people playing checkers in one place. It happened in 2014 at the Peppermill Casino & Resort with 540 people playing the game at the same time.
Reception Options in Reno
One of the most tedious parts of planning a reception venue in Reno is going to be working out all of the details to make it perfect. Especially if you are doing it from another city. Luckily, the city boasts a large number of event planners and specialty vendors to give you a hand.
- Catering
Whatever your reception is for you will likely need some kind of nourishment and drinks for your guests. Reno has some of the top chefs in the world as well as a great deal of award-winning catering companies to choose from. And Reno is known for many dishes from shrimp cocktail to prime rib, so you have many choices.
- Photography
All receptions need photographs to remember the occasion, so you are in luck having your reception venue in Reno. This city has hundreds of professional photographers and videographers. Whether you are on a tight budget or “the sky’s the limit,” you will be glad you got someone to preserve the memories of your reception later on.
- Equipment and Furniture Rental
Although many Reno reception venues have décor and furnishings, many are not furnished at all. Don’t be caught looking for chairs at the last minute so your guests can sit down. Hire a company to bring you whatever you need, set it up, and take it back with them when the reception is over.
Reception Companies in Reno
Booking reception venue companies in Reno will not be difficult because they have so many to choose from. From catering to photography and everything in between, Reno has it all and then some.
- Blend Catering
Due to the overabundance of casinos and resorts, there is an overabundance of buffet-style eateries in Reno. But you can also get a fancy seated dinner and dessert with wine and other cocktails or just about anything else you want from Blend Catering. They have won Caterer of the Year three times in a row as well as several other awards too.
- Marcello Rostagni Photography
Whether it is a wedding reception, a cocktail party, or a corporate affair, Marcello Rostagni has you covered. He has been walking around with a camera in his hand since the age of 10. Marcello loves what he does, and it shows in his creative and professional photographs and stunning videography. Some of his clients include MTV, Caesars, and CNN to name a few.
- Top Hat Party Rentals
For furniture, party games, tents, and even party props like photo booths, Top Hat Party Rentals has been in the business since 1991 so they have quite a bit of experience under their belt. Need a chocolate fountain? They have that. Looking for lighting and AV equipment? They have that too. They even do catering and décor.
Pros and Cons of Receptions in Reno
Whether you are new to Reno or have been there for years, it is best to know the pros and cons of the city before deciding on your reception venue. All cities have their ups and downs, even the ‘Biggest Little City in the World’.
Advantages
- So close to nature
You cannot beat Reno for natural attractions like Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and more than 85 parks. Whether you want to swim, hike, or play, you and your reception guests can do it all in Reno.
- Entertainment
If you are looking for a show, club, or even a buffet that is open all night, Reno is your kind of place. The casinos and resorts boast 24/7/365 service so you will always have something to do and somewhere to go.
- Warm weather
Spring, summer, and fall are all warm seasons in Reno. But if you want cold weather, they have that too if you are outside in December or January. However, you will not need snow boots unless you are going up in the mountains.
Disadvantages
- High crime rate
You will need to stay aware while you are in Reno because crime is above average compared to the state of Nevada as well as the rest of the country. Try to book your Reno reception venue in a safe area like Empire, Hidden Valley, or Verdi.
- Cold winters
Yes, winters are cold in Reno but not unreasonably so. And you can head up into the Sierra Nevada Mountains for some skiing to take advantage of the winter weather.
- High cost of living
Being a tourist town, Reno is on the higher end of the cost of living. Some things you can get relatively inexpensive if you buy from the right places though.
Famous Locations in Reno
- Idlewild Park
This 49-acre park is the perfect place to spend the day before your reception or after with so many amenities like a huge swimming pool, a variety of food trucks, and several duck ponds. Take a stroll through the Rose Garden with more than 1,750 roses or just meander along the Truckee River.
- National Automobile Museum
With over 200 vehicles in four galleries, the National Automobile Museum is mostly from the collection of William Harrah, the founder of Harrah’s Casinos. Gallery 1 has cars from the 1890s and 1900s, Gallery 2 includes the 1910s to the 1930s, Gallery 3 features the 1930s to the 1950s, and Gallery 4 has cars from 1950 and up. It even features Elvis Presley’s 1973 Cadillac Eldorado.
- Nevada Museum of Art
Opened in 1931, the Nevada Museum of Art boasts almost 2,000 works of art dating back to the 1800s. Besides paintings, the library holds thousands of sketchbooks and unpublished art drawings from artists like Picasso, van Gogh, and Michelangelo. But don’t miss the Wiegand Collection with work from Grandma Moses.