The Return of the Restaurant Wedding

The Return of the Restaurant Wedding:

Having Everything you want for Less

I recently had the pleasure of attending my cousin's wedding on May 31st, 2012. The bride & groom, Brielle & Anthony, opted for a small wedding of about 85 guests, and decided to have their celebration at a restaurant called Peasant in New York City.

There were no apologies on their part for not having the big to-do as most folks do, and in fact, they did a terrific job creating the proper atmosphere for a restaurant-style wedding. 

This got me to thinking about Restaurant Weddings. It's very easy to speak apologetically and say something to the affect of "Oh, we're just having it in a restaurant." But why apologize?  Usually, when I hear of a bride having a small wedding, it involves a destination theme, like an island. But your small wedding doesn't have to happen so far away.  In fact, keeping your party local, and at a smaller venue, helps you keep all the details at your fingertips.  Just follow some basic pointers and you can have the party you always wanted at your favorite haunt:

 

 #1 Pick a great spot: the photos you see in this blog are from my favorite restaurant, One if By Land, Two if By Sea. Not only was it voted the most romantic restaurant in Manhattan, but they also have a staggering number of proposals that take place there, simply because the spot is so amazing. The restaurant also has an interesting history, as it is housed in Aaron Burr's old carriage house and houses artwork and artifacts of the period. Choose a restaurant such as this one, as an interesting history or location will only add to the ambiance of your party.

#2 Don't skimp: having your wedding in a smaller space will require less blooms, so ask your florist for the best of what you can afford. Small, low arrangements work best for restaurant seating, but you can always have a large, commanding arrangement placed strategically where guests will enter. Don't forget the candles: ask the servers to dim the lights and create a romantic mood with candles in large groupings all over the restaurant.

#3 Passed appetizers: solve the cocktail hour problem by selecting a variety of passed finger food. Ask the restaurant to give you choices of both cold and hot appetizers, but keep it to things that people can nibble on while they are holding a cocktail. A pre-made signature drink at the bar makes for a personal touch; plus, it alleviates waiting at the bar for a drink, as many people will just grab and go!

#4 Family style: Not only will it make it easier on the kitchen staff, but serving a family style dinner offers people the opportunity to mingle and share large plates at the table, which is just what families do! Definitely have something ready and waiting at the tables (think warm, crusty breads and assorted olives), as guests can tend to arrive at staggered times and we don't want anyone at the tables waiting hungrily.

 Don't worry, either, about offering five main courses: remember, you're not at a catering hall! Serve your guests delicious, hearty food and no one will miss the standard catering hall chicken.

#5 Don't forget the music: You don't need a large dance floor to have a good time. Ask a DJ to spin exactly what you would want to hear if you were at a large wedding for 250 guests. Pick softer music for dining and dance music for between courses. You will be surprised how many people can't wait to get up and dance with you!

 Restaurant Weddings offer the intimate setting many couples want, at a fraction of the cost of larger catering facilities. It gives you an opportunity to build the kind of relationship you wish to have with your food service vendor, while having a entire restaurant to yourself and your loved ones. You can create the wedding of your dreams and be able to visit the location time and again!