OH&L Weddings - Dearly Beloved
We are gathered here at this ballroom, art center, clubhouse, garden or resort.
Some couples forgo traditional ballrooms for less conventional options such as the Maitland Art Center (above).
By Katie Farmand
With all of the hotels, convention centers, ballrooms and other event spaces throughout Metro Orlando, there are almost too many options. It can be overwhelming to evaluate them all while searching for the perfect wedding or reception venue.
Traditional or edgy? Elegant or laid back? Whatever your style, by following these guidelines and seeking guidance from experts – local wedding and event planners – you can narrow the choices and find a space that fits your needs and budget.
Think About Your Theme
First and foremost, you’ll want to choose a place that meshes with the theme or the atmosphere you choose for your wedding. Do you want a blank canvas that you – or your event designer – can transform into a totally new space? Or do you want to stick with a traditional ballroom look?
If upscale and formal is the ambience you’re seeking, consider one of the high-end resorts, such as the Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton or the Grand Cypress. A key resort bonus: Out-of-town guests will have a posh place to stay and won’t need transportation to the festivities.
For an urban-chic theme, Michele Butler of Michele Butler Events recommends downtown Orlando, including such venues as The Mezz in Thornton Park, the Grand Bohemian on Orange Avenue or Cevíche in Church Street Station. “You’re all set for a cool city wedding,” she says.
If rustic is more your style, consider one of the many outdoor venues throughout Central Florida. Bella Collina, for example, a Tuscan-style real-estate development in Montverde, offers numerous options for weddings.
Bella Collina (above), is a residential development that offers atmospheric spaces in both indoor and outdoor settings.
“You can have your ceremony around their fountain, and your reception can be held indoors or outdoors,” Butler says. “Regardless of which location you choose, the views are amazing and you really do feel as though you’ve been transported to Italy.”
More charming outdoor favorites, she adds, include Casa Feliz in the heart of Winter Park, the Estate House at Cypress Grove, Harry P. Leu Gardens and the Maitland Art Center.
Location, Location, Location
Think about the venue itself, yes, but also consider where you’ll hold your wedding reception. If you’re planning your reception in a separate location from your wedding, make sure the reception site is within an appropriate distance, Butler says.
Most planners would advise: the closer, the better.
“The most common request I receive is for the ceremony and reception to be at the same location,” says Elisa Delgardio of A Flair for Affairs.
She recommends country clubs, hotels and historic venues for double-duty ceremony and reception venues.
Consider the Guest List
This may seem like the most obvious guideline, but it can quickly whittle your possibility list to only a few options. “The size of your invite list will dictate the appropriate size venue you will need,” says Sharia Riley of StyleHouse Weddings & Events.
Big spaces can seem empty and sparse if your guest list is on the small side. If, however, you’re inviting a crowd, you’ll obviously have to make certain to choose a location with plenty of room.
The consultant at the venue will let you know how many people you can have. Space-consuming elements such as a dance floor, a photo booth, a buffet line or tasting stations will require more square footage.
“You may want an intimate affair,” Butler says. “But you don’t want to stack people on top of each other.”
Playing Favorites
Do you already have a caterer or other vendor in mind? Many venues have approved vendor lists, including everything from caterers and linen-rental companies to florists and bartenders.
Hotels and restaurants will obviously require that you utilize their catering services, including beer, wine and liquor.
Follow the Rules
There may be restrictions that can affect the design elements you have in mind. For instance, some venues don’t allow open flames, so if you dream of a room filled with candlelight, you may have to rethink your options.
Similarly, some venues have a strict cutoff time, which can be as early as 10 p.m., so hard-core partiers will have to adjourn and go elsewhere.
“This process can be very exciting yet overwhelming,” says Riley. “There are a few key questions that need to be addressed when going forward, but once you nail down exactly which direction you’d like to go, picking the ideal site will be easy.”
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