As you enter the site selection process, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of possible wedding sites out there. Indoor, outdoor, downtown, in the country… our local area alone has probably around five hundred places that a medium-sized wedding could be held.
How do you make that decision? Lots of factors come into play, but the one element I want to discuss today is the genre of your site. Apart from the typical hotel or banquet hall, there are four types of venues that seem to come up over and over. In my experience, each type seems to bring similar attractions and issues.
The Private Club.
The private club often has manicured grounds, a lovely ballroom or reception tent, and an
on-site caterer and bartender. Some issues to consider are that the club’s members tend to take precedence over any non-member or event rental activities. For example, photographs may be prohibited on the golf course, or furniture may not be moved around or removed. Private clubs tend to have strict dress codes, and you may need to have a member-sponsor in order to have your event there. On the plus side, the food and service tend to be high-quality and befitting a formal event, if that’s what you’re looking for.Photo: EJP Events
The Vineyard or Winery.
A winery can be a great place to have your wedding. Many have beautiful views of surrounding vineyards and farms. Some have dedicated caterers; some allow you to bring your choice. One thing that will never be allowed, of course, is for you to bring outside wine or hard liquor. Beer may sometimes be purchased through the winery or brought in. At a vineyard, the tasting room takes precedence over a rental group’s needs, so make sure you are aware of what time your group will have full access to all the amenities of the site, and when the public will be turned away. Rarely does a winery site close its tasting room just for a wedding. Benefits include: wine discounts (either for your event or for guest favors); private labeling; the appeal of remote, rural areas; and the possibility of customization.
The Museum or Cultural Hall.
Who needs décor when your wedding is surrounded by art or culture? A museum can be a great place to have a wedding; in addition, you can feel good that your rental fee is going to support a cultural organization. On the other hand, the art comes first, so expect restrictions on photography, and more stringent site guidelines regarding décor, loading, and access. Often, setup cannot begin until after the museum’s public hours, leading to a tight setup timeline and high labor costs. Expect an exclusive caterer or to choose from a list of allowed caterers.
The Bed and Breakfast.
B&B’s out in the country make a wonderful backdrop for an outdoor wedding. These sites can often be “blank slates” where you can bring in an entire event and customize from top to bottom; or they can be wonderfully decorated with quaint architecture and elaborate gardens.Keep in mind that guests are usually not permitted inside the actual house, which is reserved for the overnight guests only. Plumbing in rural areas can be very limited, so often only the wedding party and B&B guests are allowed to use the indoor restrooms -- portables are provided for the guests. B&B weddings tend to have a “100% outdoors” feel, so make sure to budget for tents, heating, lighting, higher-quality restroom trailers, and other amenities to keep guests comfortable.
B&B’s may offer their own catering, but several allow you to bring any licensed caterer you wish. And finally, if you are looking for a weekend celebration and a leisurely setup period, a B&B is your best bet, as the rental period is usually from Friday night to Sunday morning.
Photo: EJP Events
I hope this list gives you some idea of what’s out there and helps you narrow down the search! Best wishes as you find the site that’s perfect for you.
