Photos by Meghan Doll Photography.
Over the last couple of years we have worked increasingly with alternative reception venues as our couples are gravitating away from the more traditional ballrooms and requesting more trendy clubs for their weddings, where they have enjoyed fun times with their friends.
Night clubs, jazz clubs, cabaret clubs and, yes, even dance clubs are happy
to assist a couple in buying out a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night for just the right price. Of course, a buyout is based on the average nights profit they would normally receive if they were open so be prepared it may be less or more than you expect.
The fun thing about a club is the layout, atmosphere and if you enjoy the house band, you may be able to secure them at a great rate.
Room layout can be fun and difficult, all at the same time. You just need to be patient and work with the space utilizing booths, 6 tops, 4 tops and even 2 tops. High tops and low cabaret tables also fit right in. The club will generally have great décor and lounge style furniture. If you ask, chances are they will allow you to rearrange the furniture as long as you are careful and it’s up to fire code.
Atmosphere is usually the greatest when it comes to a club. Because you already identify with the club’s environment chances are you already like the interior design and décor of the space. Because of this, your décor budget will allow you to focus on up-lighting walls for dramatic affect and creating small centerpieces that don’t decorate the space but enhance the beauty of the room. Because the band and dance floor area usually take a prominent place in the room, this allows for great flow and great access on and off the dance floor. The band can be set up on the stage and speeches and toasts can be given from the stage as well.
If you want to have a little fun with a club reception, hire a few people
with flash cameras and as your guests arrive have them take photos of the
guests arriving as though they are stars being photographed by the paparazzi and hire others to pretend their fans and ask for their autographs which can echo their sentiments’ for you the couple. Team this up with a club re-mix CD of both of your favorite songs and you have a perfect favor for your guests!
