About Syracuse
Syracuse is a gateway to the famed Finger Lakes region, located in Upstate New York. As the educational and cultural hub of Central New York, this city is home to Syracuse University, attracting college students and young professionals.
Syracuse is well-connected and consequently a major tourism hub because it has the area's main airport. Enjoy all four seasons and beautiful weather throughout the year. Though the winters are cold with an abundance of snowfall, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying outdoor and indoor attractions!
Downtown is lined with iconic restored buildings and historic sites. Wander through the streets and explore the museums, orchestras, art studios, restaurants and cafes, or catch the popular Orange team’s game. Added to the fun are different festivals that take place all year round, most notably the Syracuse Jazz Festival, making it a great place to host a reception.
Reception Options in Syracuse
Decided on hosting your reception in the Emerald City? Don’t forget about catering, photography, equipment rental, and other options.
- Equipment Rental
Look for equipment like furniture, cutlery and crockery, linen, decorations and audio-visual equipment from rental companies in Syracuse. Renting is always a much better option than buying.
- Photography
Hire the services of a professional photographer for a couple of hours at your reception venue in Syracuse. In the city, there are many freelance photographers who charge different amounts based on their level of experience.
- Transportation
Why not make things convenient and hire a party bus for your guests to travel to and from your reception venue? Public transportation is not very dependable and you would be saving plenty of time if you have your own conveyance.
Reception Companies in Syracuse
You can arrange a fantastic reception in Syracuse on any scale with the help of a professional team of planners.
- Balloons Over Syracuse
Balloons Over Syracuse is a decoration company that offers a wide range of services from birthday parties to mega-corporate gatherings and all types of events. Balloon artists from all over the city create stunning sculptures, bouquets, centerpieces and banners. Bundles that you can choose from are the Fun Party Bundle, the Creative Party Bundle and the Gigantic Party Bundle. Choose your own designs and customize your reception venue to make it stand out. Same-day delivery and set-up at your chosen venue are bonuses.
- MHL Events
Megan Hiltbrand founded MHL Events in 2011. Her company based in Syracuse plans both wedding and non-wedding events. Megan and her team have an “organized approach and out of the box perspective” to make sure your event takes off with great success. Contact MHL Events if you are looking for a professional event design, planning and coordination company. An added advantage is the ability to rent glassware for your event.
- Peppino’s Restaurant and Catering
Want to serve Italian food at your reception venue in Syracuse? Peppino’s Restaurant and Catering is one of the best. They have been awarded by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) for the “Best of Syracuse Award” in the “Independent Pizzeria” category. Peppino’s takes pride in offering the freshest and best quality ingredients to their clients. They have been serving the residents of Syracuse with Italian food for the past 50 years.
Pros and Cons of Receptions in Syracuse
Below are some pros and cons to consider before deciding on a reception venue in Syracuse.
Advantages
- Great entertainment options
Syracuse is stunning all year, and you may take advantage of the wonderful outdoors by hiking, skiing, or bicycling. There are numerous museums, art galleries, and retail districts, including the well-known Destiny USA mall, for indoor amusement. It's recommended to see the Erie Canal Museum and the Syracuse Jazz Festival.
- Various cuisine possibilities
When it comes to cuisine, Syracuse has a lot of alternatives. With so many restaurants, cafes, and caterers in the area, you can provide a superb dining experience for your guests during your reception. From Italian to mainstream American to Chinese cuisine, you'll find it all here.
- Lower cost of living
Syracuse is a city that is both affordable and not overly pricey. This implies that renting a reception site, booking hotel rooms for your guests, and hiring caterers will be easy on your wallet.
Disadvantages
- You will need a vehicle
You'll need a car to travel around Syracuse because it's not a particularly walkable city. On the day of your reception, consider using your own transportation or hiring a vehicle.
- The winters are cold
The climate in Syracuse is pleasant throughout the year but the winters are quite long and cold. Are you planning to host an outdoor reception? If it is during the winter months, host it at an indoor location instead.
- High crime rate
Syracuse has a higher crime rate compared to other cities in the US. This is primarily due to the fact that one area of the city is predominantly homeless and lacks adequate care facilities. Choose your reception venue in Syracuse with care.
Famous Locations in Syracuse
- Little Italy
Little Italy is a neighborhood in Syracuse and is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The area is dominated by an Italian population who immigrated years ago. With many Italian restaurants, clothes stores, and bars, this neighborhood has a romantic, "old New York" ambiance. The Little Italy Street Art Project also has some lovely murals. Take a stroll through the area to learn more about its history. Make a reservation for a reception space near Little Italy.
- Everson Museum of Art
The Everson Museum of Art was the first museum in the country dedicated only to American art. It was founded in 1897 and is located in the heart of the city. It houses a video art collection, as well as pottery, sculptures, paintings, and graphics. Over 11,000 distinct items can be found at the Everson Museum of Art. This museum has a lot to offer, including the Syracuse China Center, which houses a range of ceramic antiques. Paintings by Gilbert Stuart, Eastman Jonathan, Jackson Pollock, and others are also on display. Book an underground venue not far from the museum for your reception in Syracuse.
- Thornden Park
Thornden Park offers fantastic playgrounds, an outdoor amphitheater, a historic rose garden with over 5000 plants, a pool, paved hills, and plenty of greenery and open space all around it. During the spring and summer months, take a stroll through this park and take in the magnificent surroundings.