Photo: Photograph of the blue bottle
Any wedding checklist will tell you that choosing the wedding venue is one of the first decisions you will have to make. The wedding venue you choose will have a great impact on the style and personality of your wedding. Wedding restaurants are a popular option, and for good reason.
Here are some of the reasons we love restaurant wedding venues.
It’s great for a small wedding.
Most couples spend some time looking for restaurants… for rehearsal dinner. But if you plan to have a small wedding, a restaurant for the big day might be the best option. Depending on the size of your guest list, you can reserve a private room or rent an entire restaurant. Either way, there are many benefits to you and your guests if you have your wedding celebration in a restaurant.
The food will obviously be top quality.
If you and your fiancee are foodies, a restaurant is a good place to treat your guests to a first-rate meal. Unlike venues that only have a catering kitchen, a restaurant wedding means meals are cooked on demand and guests can choose from more than just the standard chicken or fish. Also, researching the headquarters is a lot of fun. What a great excuse for you and your fiance to go out to dinner while you search for the perfect restaurant spot!
It allows you to show your personality.
Do you and your loved one have a favorite restaurant in town? Did you travel to Japan and fell in love with sushi? Vacation in Paris and now frequenting your local French bistro? Selecting a restaurant that shares something that you both like is just another way to make your wedding personal for your guests. And don’t forget that the little details can convey this too. Theme your favors to match the restaurant menu (mini bottles of the restaurant’s house wine, for example, or share a special dessert recipe from the local pastry chef) for another individual touch.
You can save on the rental price.
When budgeting for your nuptials, many wedding-focused venues require a rental fee. In a restaurant, where weddings are a side business, a rental fee may not be required. Instead, they usually charge a guaranteed minimum for food and drink. That can still add up depending on your guest list, but not including the rental fee removes at least one line from your wedding budget.
A wedding at noon is an option.
Another budget saver? Book your wedding for noon. In a restaurant, prices are likely to be lower for lunch or brunch. You still get the same great food and the same number of hours, but your bottom line will likely be lower. And if you and your spouse have finished your wedding celebration before dark, you and your wedding party can always go into town at night. Drinks by the newlyweds!