To say our reception venue is large is an understatement. The room can hold up to 250 guests, almost five times the amount of people we’re expecting. From the very beginning I knew we had to get a bit creative when it came to making it feel a bit more intimate, especially since we didn’t have a budget the size of Texas.
Pretty intimidating huh?
We originally planned on having the happy hour outside on the courtyard but with RSVPs lower than expected (not to mention all the rain we’ve been having) moving it and the bar inside seemed like a good idea all around. With that, our coordinator sent over a few ideas, one of which was the clear winner.
Our guests will enter through the large french doors at the bottom and will hopefully complete our guest books before dropping off their gifts and grabbing a drink at the bar. They’ll then make their way back across the room and grab a few appetizers before we make our grand entrance.
I was really worried the space on the far left would become a no man’s land but Lesa really surprised us with the lay out of our stations. It fills that space perfectly and while I’m stoked about our menu I really didn’t want to see it in the background of our photos. The three high tops also sort of divide the room into two distinct areas. Hopefully they’ll also bring the non dancers a little closer to the action after we’re through with dinner.
Did you have some concerns about your reception space after you already committed?
NO JOKE, i JUST tried to tackle my open floor plan yesterday during my lunch break. it nearly killed me and i’m still not done. thanks for doing this. i was wondering about where/how to place my high boys because our layout in my head is so clear but impossible on paper. is that your sweetheart table in the middle there? are you setting your bridal party apart from everyone else? i was considering a long head table for them, but it’d have to be super long to fit their spouses/dates!
I worry every day that our venue will be too small to accomodate everyone. Your floor plan looks like it will really work out well.
I’m so glad you posted this! Our venue was building a giant ballroom at the time we booked, but we were planning on using a smaller space that they had. The last time we visited though, it was pretty clear the only option would be the newly-opened ballroom, which is WAY too big for our reception. I think we’re going to have to get creative with stations and high tops too – thanks for the visual!
My floor plan gave us such a headache – thank god our coordinator is a genius!
Actually I think that looks really well spaced out and I think once everyone is up and dancing, there won’t be any ‘no mans land’. Can’t wait to see pictures of the actual day!
Wow you really have a lot of space, but I think the spacing is really well thought.
@Miss White Pearl: Yes, that would be our sweetheart table in the middle. Our bridal party is divided amongst 3 different tables with their dates and or people they know.
I’m in the midst of the same dilemma right now! Our RSVPs came in WAY lower than I’d hoped for, and now we’re at 60 people in a room made to fit 350. I also used to be a catering manager at a hotel with two giant ballrooms, so I’m used to seeing them full…and the thought of my little farting group in this huge room makes me kind of throw up. I basically “walled” part of the room off with the DJ and focused everything else toward the front. We’ll see how it works!
Oo, that layout looks perfect, Macs!
Love the ‘hangout’/division area created by the high-tops.
What program did you use for your floor plan!? I am having the same issue and would love to be able to use something like that to help me visualize it.
Mrs. Macarons, Tampa Age and Occupation: 26, Graphic Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Renaissance Man Engagement Date: September 12, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Lange Farm About Me: I'm creative at heart and a graphic designer with an unhealthy obsession with type. I love roller coasters, spicy foods, and a good glass of Crianza. We’re planning a soft and lovely vintage-meets-modern wedding in a state that’s known for its beaches, glitz and glam. I have a ton of DIY projects and lots of little details I’m dying to share and can't wait to celebrate with our closest friends and family.
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