Choosing a reception site
From church hall to lavish mansion, choices are many
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The essential function of a wedding reception is for the newly married couple to receive their friends and relatives. But it has also evolved into an occasion for celebration, and often can be a lavish party.
Depending on how big or elaborate the reception is to be, there is almost no limit to the possibilities for where to hold it.
Photo by Matt McGraw
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The old standby, of course, is in a hall or parlor at the church where the ceremony takes place. Depending on the facilities and the couple's budget, this could range from a simple punch-and-cake affair to a sit-down dinner. Many churches have wedding planners who can help work out the logistics for use of hall, kitchens and other facilities.
For bigger events, or if the ambiance of the church hall doesn't fit the party you have in mind, a meeting room, banquet hall or ballroom at a hotel or restaurant may be the better choice. Many commercial banquet and party rooms are in establishments that do their own catering, so consider both the site and the in-house catering when making your decision.
The historical option
A number of architectural showplaces in and around Wilmington are available for weddings and receptions. The luxurious craftsmanship of these elegant settings can lend a storybook charm to your celebration. These sites include a number of restored ante-bellum mansions in the downtown Historic District, well-preserved plantation houses outside the city, and even historic theaters.
Some museums also offer themselves for private parties, including wedding receptions, during hours they are normally closed to the public.
The great outdoors, or a room with a view
In an area like Southeastern North Carolina, the mild climate and beautiful scenery invite a choice of outdoor settings. Alternatively, many locations combine indoor party rooms with terraces or decks with a scenic view. Many Wilmington-area facilities boast breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, or the sweeping salt-marsh vistas of tidal creeks and sounds. A variety of public and private parks and gardens also lend themselves to outdoor receptions.
Outdoor entertaining requires special considerations, of course. Can your caterer unobtrusively supply the power needed for cooking and refrigeration? (You don't want the sound of noisy generators drowning out your music.) Do you have an insurance policy for bad weather? A backup location, or a tent, can minimize the risk of a rain-out.
One other important thought for an outdoor wedding along the Cape Fear Coast: while spring and fall weather is lovely, and winter days more often mild than not, mid-summer heat and humidity can be brutal, especially for out-of-state guests not accustomed to the climate. An indoor location with adjacent shaded outdoor spaces, or a garden setting with an air-conditioned tent for dining and dancing, can help mitigate the problems of summer heat.
Logistics and coordination
When comparing sites, be careful to find out what the rates include. Are tables and chairs provided, or extra? Consider the additional cost of hiring equipment from a rental firm.
There is also the question of transportation and parking. If parking is scarce, as at some downtown churches and reception facilities, consider using a limousine service or charter bus company to shuttle guests from hotel to ceremony to reception and back.
Once you've made a decision, consult with the site's rental manager, your caterer, and your rental company about a floor plan. The receiving line should be set up where guests will enter. The layout should simplify serving, whether a buffet or a sit-down dinner, and make it easy for guests to mingle, get to the bar without tangling up the buffet line, and dance without interfering with diners.
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The reception
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Downtown Wedding
"HI Everyone- I am thinking of having a Fall 2012 Wedding in Downtown Wilmington- But i like the idea of being able to pick my own caters as well as my own beverages. Any suggestions of good places. Will be a Saturday evening wedding."
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Posted by:
Melody
of Wilmington
on: Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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