My fiancé and I are getting married on September 21, 2007. We have just found out some information that we are not happy with about the venue we are currently holding the reception in. We are in the process of picking another venue, and with luck we’ve narrowed it down to two venues – the venues are our two favourite restaurants. Each venue has it’s pros and cons, but my fiancé and I are having trouble being objective so I’m hoping that’s where you can help out. Based on the pros and cons that I list for each restaurant, can you voice your concerns, your preference, whatever. Price of the actual food is not an issue with these restaurants.
2007-08-27 05:24:00 · 13 answers · asked by quiet_hands 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Restaurant 1 Pros:
- has the “look and feel” that we were going for with our reception
- has live entertainment that we like and we don’t have to pay for
- we will be able to have our traditional first dance
- we will be able to dance to the band’s music on a makeshift dance floor
- the food is very friendly (it’s Irish pub fare)
Restaurant 1 Cons:
- we will have a private section but the restaurant will be open to public
- we will not be able to have traditional speeches, people will have to “project” if they want to have a toast or a speech
Restaurant 2 Pros:
- we will have the entire restaurant to ourselves
- we can have traditional speeches and first dance
- we will be able to dance to music on a makeshift dance floor
2007-08-27 05:24:29 · update #1
Restaurant 2 Cons:
- the layout of the restaurant will limit the visibility of the bride and groom, half of our guests won’t see us for most of the evening
- speeches can be made, but half of our guests won’t see the person speaking
- we would have to have pay for a DJ to provide entertainment
- the food isn’t very friendly (it’s a Malaysian, Indian, Chinese restaurant)
As well, my fiancé and I have decided that we will put the location change in our program (it’s only a 15 minute drive from our ceremony location) and have our Pastor make note of it before we walk down the aisle as husband and wife. We’ll also post a note on the door with directions on how to get to the new location, just in case people are late and miss the ceremony. Can you make some suggestions as to how to inform our guests of this change in other ways?
2007-08-27 05:25:02 · update #2
-- Some things came up with the original venue that we didn’t agree with. The issues we have are “policy” with the venue.
-- The venue had a sound system that we could use. We were planning on making a playlist on my iPod and using that music.
-- The problem with using someone’s backyard is the rentals. The original venue had tables and chairs, so all we had to rent was decorations (the décor we wanted HAD to be rented) plates, cutlery etc. With a backyard party, we’d need a tent, tables, chairs, cutlery, plates, etc. The cost would just be too high.
-- We can rent equipment for speeches, but since we don’t have the first restaurant entirely to ourselves, it may disrupt other patrons.
-- The second restaurant is actually quite amazing. They’re kind of Asian-fusion, and their food is very delicious.
-- A postcard actually isn’t a bad idea, thanks for the suggestion.
2007-08-27 10:00:52 · update #3
I would suggest going with the first restaurant that has the look and feel you're going for. If toasts can't be made, it's really not a big deal -if you're having a videographer, just allow people to go to him and say a little blurb into the camera.
2007-08-27 06:30:15 · answer #1 · answered by Rachel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say the first one. Even if you won't have the whole restaurant to yourself, you'll have a lot more people helping you celebrate! You've got a private room, so that's not really an issue. How well your speakers can project their voice is going to depend on how many people are there and if they are quiet. Can you rent some kind of equipment with a microphone and speakers, like a karaoke machine?
You still have some time to send letters to your guests that have RSVP'd, and you can send emails if that's easier and available. I would leave a note at the door with directions and have it announced at the ceremony, just in case. If possible, leave a note at the place of your old reception venue because not everyone will RSVP.
2007-08-27 05:34:48 · answer #2 · answered by xK 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely the first one. The speech thing doesnt matter, because you only need one speech (best man) and Im sure he will be able to project-- this is a very minor thing. I dont like the sound of the second one because the layout is strange, and the food is odd (what restaurant serves Chinese, Malaysia, AND Indian?). The first one just sounds like more fun, and thats all your guests want to do!
You could also put in an extra sheet of paper in the programs about the new location with a map.
2007-08-27 05:35:48 · answer #3 · answered by fizzy stuff 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Venue 1. Yes, it costs more, but I don't think you'll regret the decision. You can definitely have the ceremony and reception at the same site. Have the ceremony outdoors and the reception inside... and if it rains, plan B is to set up the hall church-style, then re-set the hall with tables and chairs for the reception while guests mingle during cocktail hour. It's done all the time.
2016-05-19 01:52:00 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I'd go with the friendlier food, free entertainment venue. A private section should be good enough.
As far as letting people know, it sounds like you have it covered. Unless you've got people who won't make it to the wedding and will only go to the reception- I'm not sure what you do for those people- can you send a postcard or email to everyone who has rsvp'd?
2007-08-27 05:37:16 · answer #5 · answered by LB 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
place #1: im not into bars as a place for receptions.
and the fact that you have to use their band. did you already have a dj for the previous place?
place #2: not everyone will like the food choice, and may end up being a waste of money if your paying for food no one will eat.
i personally would keep looking. iknow its a serious time crunch, but neither one of them sound to grand. what about using someones back yard if large enough?
did your original place cancel on you? if so id demand my money back.
i think letting everyone kow at the ceremony and posting up signs there is notice enough to the guests of the change.
2007-08-27 05:33:54 · answer #6 · answered by Awesome Rockin Mom 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think number 1. But, I'm also thinking that that was your choice. You listed way more cons for number 2. The people making speaches can project...you have a private room. From what you have given us number 1 would be my choice/vote.
*I thinking putting the change in the program is the best idea.
2007-08-27 05:45:42 · answer #7 · answered by betney109 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, I'm thinking #1 too, if only because the "food is friendlier".
Good luck........ and the place you are currently holding the reception can't resolve your issues? Must be stressful for you to have to change so close to the date, but good luck sweetie, hope it all goes well.
2007-08-27 05:34:30 · answer #8 · answered by GEEGEE 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not crazy about either one, and I don't think the food is appealing at either one.
What is the problem with the original location?
If you have to change, what about a social club with banquet rooms, a hotel banquet room, A fire hall, an American legion. Any of those might be better options.
2007-08-27 05:39:21 · answer #9 · answered by Proud Momma 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I vote for the first one - free entertainment is a biggie, and the food is better
2007-08-27 08:00:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋