So where should we get married?
So where should we get married????????????
We’re often asked that question. As with every decision you make regarding the “big day,” becoming an educated consumer will help you make the best choice. Here are some of the things to consider when making that all important decision:
– Geographic Location: Are your guests from the Tri-State area? Do you have an Out-Of-Town contingent? Might your guests have to “sit” in highway beach traffic because there is no other way to get to the wedding? Is the Puerto Rican day parade scheduled to march right by the window in the room simultaneously being used for your Ceremony?
– Venue: There are many different types of venues to consider. These include Synagogue, Hotel, Catering Establishment, Parks, Gardens, and other less-typical ideas. The Hotels will often afford you more and varied room usage, less vendor restrictions, and offer accommodations that may not be available at some of the other venues. The Synagogue option would typically offer a traditional sanctuary for the Ceremony, and avoid the need to decorate a Chupa Room that is not naturally conducive on its own. On the other hand, the Synagogue may have certain caterer restrictions and in some cases synagogue membership may be required for facility use. Some of the most aesthetically pleasing sites include Botanical Gardens, Arboretums, Farm sites and other out-of-door venues. In fact, some venues have the added value of incorporating nearby beautiful and creative physical spaces for your photos. But weather, your number of guests and the time of year may influence those options.
Catering Establishment: So you found the place that functions SOLELY as a catering hall, and may in fact even offer their own in-house catering package. In some cases these may be the most economical venues, as you are not paying for a venue AND caterer. But there can often be multiple weddings going on at the same time. We recently had a Badekin intersect with the Hindu groom on his horse in the hallway of one of these establishments. It certainly made for an interesting and memorable moment. Make sure you are clear on what you are signing up for regardless of the kind of venue you choose. Will there be a Bridal Attendant? Is there another wedding after yours? Will you get “thrown out” so the next party can have your ballroom (or even worse, the bridal room). Can you bring in your own preferred caterer? Do you have to pay extra for risers, gratuities, chairs, tables etc?
– Logistical Components: Some questions to ask yourself- can they accommodate as many people as they say they can? Very often the sales person at the venue may not take into account that for authentic Jewish Dance music, it is preferable to have room to create large circles so that all your guests can be included in the festivities. This takes up almost twice as much space. If your Cocktail Hour precedes the Ceremony, how long will it take your guests to get to the Chupa space and be seated? The time devoted to moving people may result in less dancing time later on in the evening. How are the acoustics? Is the room built with marble floors, low ceilings, mirrors and no acoustical modifications? Very often the noise of people conversing in some venues is over 100 decibels- WITHOUT any music going on. Are there stairs only w/no handicap-access route? Will there be 100 people standing in the back of the Ceremony because there are not enough seats in the venue?
These are only a few of the many considerations to think about as you go about making the best choice that fits your style, budget, crowd-size, and logistical needs for the “Big Day”.
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