5 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Reception Site

Posted by Charity Curley

As I mentioned, our wedding planning philosophy is simple: focus on only things that we're excited about. It's not about minimizing the day, but really about freeing ourselves up to think about (and pay for) elements that mean something to us. That's why the reception choice was so important. We initially considered a destination wedding, then worried about planning a vacation for our friends and family. Next on the dream list was a black tie wedding in a rustic-yet-elegant barn setting upstate New York. Again, the complexity of planning something for so many friends and family who would be required travel to NYC, only to drive an additional 2-3 hours didn't seem right for us. Plus our tight timeframe started to be prohibitive. Then it became about New York City, where we met and now both live.

Once we decided on a home town wedding, we wondered what would make a New York City event different from something in another location? Now, opinions vary but New York is often considered one of the culinary capitals of the world. People come here to eat--and our wedding will be no exception. We scoured the web, got suggestions from friends, but ultimately found our location by simply considering where we'd had our most memorable meal. The two key elements: delicious food and interesting atmosphere.

For a recent birthday dinner, I was treated to the six-course tasting menu with wine-parings at One if By Land, Two if By Sea. Not only was the flavor of the food vividly memorable (even a month later) but the experience of tuxedo-clad waiters serving us plate after plate, glass after glass, was nothing short of luxurous. We immediately agreed that we'd love to share that experience with our guests.

And again, the location is very special. This restaurant is actually located in Aaron Burr's landmark carriage house in the Village. For old-time New York City style, you can't get better than that!

So, fellow brides-to-be, my advice so far is:

- Choose a location that is doable. Less stress means more fun.

- Focus on what makes the area special. Work with what you have (what you wouldn't have somewhere else).

- Find some way to express your interests as individuals or as a couple. 

- Look around until you've got a good feeling about the space. There's no sense in settling for something that you're not happy with. Which leads to my last point...

- Don't look back. You'll have plenty of time to second-guess yourself and wonder what if. That's no good in wedding planning, on any level. (And you know what I mean.)

More information about choosing a wedding reception site and more:

50 Tips for the Perfect Wedding Reception

Long Distance Wedding Planning

Wedding Reception Music: Selecting the Music and Finalizing the Details

Comments

[Rose]

What a cute location. This looks like a cozy dining room in an elegant house! Restaurants are great because you don't have to get a caterer, but the only problem with is that they can feel impersonal which is the last thing you want for your wedding. Also maybe restaurants aren't good for big weddings?

[Helen]

I think restaurants can be great for big parties. My sister had her wedding at the salt lick which is a famous barbecue place outside of Austin, TX. It was great food, a laid back atmosphere, and gorgeous scenery. Unconventional spaces=memorable weddings!