FEBRUARY 2023 NEWSLETTER
Where to say, "I Do"?
Selecting the right venue to go from ceremony to reception.
Imagine it's your wedding day. You’ve just exchanged vows surrounded by your friends and family during your dream ceremony. Cheers rang out after the kiss and you're walking back down the aisle… hand-in-hand with your hearts filled with joy. Now, it’s time to celebrate - but where?  

Do you really need to have your ceremony and reception in two locations? Or can you have your ceremony and your reception in the same place? The Hampton Roads area has many options for wedding reception venues. Some venues can accommodate your ceremony, both indoors and outside.  
Here are 3 "Ceremony to Celebration" options to consider when planning your transition from the ceremony to your reception.
  • Outdoor Space - There's nothing like the enchanting backdrop of the outdoors. Hampton Roads can offer so many beautiful scenes from the ocean to gardens. Outdoor ceremonies and receptions typically require a backup or “Rain plan” in case of inclement weather. When exploring outdoor spaces be sure to ask about rain site options.

  • Indoor Space - Since the space needed for a ceremony is considerably smaller than for the average-sized wedding, ceremonies are often available indoors in many locations. Some will have small rooms filled with charming decor accents with only a few chairs while others can be clean, blank spaces that can be the perfect canvas to make the look you own. 
  • A Room “Flip” - Picture it, you and your guests leaving your ceremony site. Then, after drinks and mingling during your cocktail, you re-enter the ceremony room to find it has been completely transformed into a stunning reception with tables, a dancefloor, cake, etc. This is known as a "flip". Depending on restrictions, this type of service isn’t always feasible but it can create an unbelievable "Wow factor". It's a complex task performed in collaboration with your venue, caterer, and floral designer/decorator. The transformation requires a great deal of labor and organization with a well-trained professional team.   

Hampton Roads has an array of venues, unique amenities, and beautiful surroundings that vary in service and how they can take you from ceremony to celebration. 

Catering the celebration
No matter where you plan to say, “I do” your caterer may play an important role in going from ceremony to reception. Couples planning their weddings will need to consider this when selecting a venue and budgeting for their reception. Some locations provide in-house catering, while others may not. Venues that offer in-house catering, such as hotels, may require a minimum food and beverage order instead of charging for the room rental. 
Some locations may not offer any catering services and require you to hire an outside caterer also known as an “off-site caterer” to provide catering.  That being said, the venue may still have some key restrictions to keep in mind. 

For example, while some venues will allow any licensed and insured caterer to provide service, other venues may have an approved or preferred vendor list of caterers to choose from. 

visit our site for our "Preferred caterers" at hrweddingguide.com

Venue Selection Tip: What should you ask?
So, how do you narrow down the search? Before exploring venues? consider these questions...

  • Surroundings: Beach, city, garden, etc.
  • Availability: Have a date in mind to check.
  • Wedding Size: Have a general number of guests
  • What's included: Types of tables, chairs, rentals, etc.
  • Catering: In-house, off-site, or preferred list options.
  • Policies: What types of vendors, decor, or other restrictions do they have? (Example: Did you know some places don't allow open-flame candles)

Looking for the perfect place?

Check out the lists of premium venues and vendors on our website!
~"A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you."~
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