School Gym Weddings: Is It Possible?

Using a school gym for a wedding is a great option for couples who want to save money or prefer a shabby chic aesthetic. While it may seem like an unusual choice, with careful planning and creative decorating, a school gym can be transformed into a beautiful and unique wedding venue.

One of the main advantages of using a school gym is the proximity to the ceremony location, which can save time and hassle for the wedding party and guests. Additionally, school gyms often have ample space, allowing for a large dance floor and plenty of tables and chairs.

To make the gym more wedding-appropriate, consider using drapes, linens, or sheer fabric to cover up basketball hoops and other unsightly features. Enhance the lighting with lamps, candles, and string lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Get creative with centrepieces and table settings, and don't be afraid to bring in furniture to create a comfortable and intimate space for guests to relax.

While it may take some extra effort and imagination, a school gym can be a fun and budget-friendly option for your special day.

Pros and cons of a school gym wedding

Pros of a School Gym Wedding

• School gyms are usually very close to churches or halls, so there is minimal travel time between the ceremony and reception.
• School gyms have great lighting and ambiance, and many people have fond memories of their school gym.
• There are often more bathrooms in schools than in catering/reception halls, which means no queues!
• School gyms are cheap, if not free, to hire.
• You can decorate the space however you like.
• There is a huge dance floor, so there's plenty of room for all your guests to dance.
• Without alcohol, the focus is on the music and dancing, and there are no spills or stains on dresses.
• You can ask your friends and family to contribute to a potluck, which will be more personal and probably more tasty than standard wedding fare.

Cons of a School Gym Wedding

• Decorating a school gym to make it look spectacular can be expensive.
• There may be restrictions on the music you can play and the DJ set-up.
• There may be a tarp on the floor, which isn't very attractive.
• High heels are usually not allowed, as they can damage the gym floor.
• You may need to buy drapery in bulk to cover unsightly features.
• It may be difficult to serve alcohol, which is a deal-breaker for some.

Decorating the gym

Decorating a school gym for a wedding requires a bit of creativity to make the space feel more intimate and special. Here are some tips to help you transform the gym into a beautiful wedding venue:

Space Management:

If you're hosting a small reception in a large gym, carefully manage the space to create a cozier atmosphere. Consider using dressing screens to enclose the area and give it a more defined, intimate feel. Bring in furniture such as couches, chairs, and tables to create a comfortable lounge area for guests to relax and mingle.

Tables and Centerpieces:

Choose tabletop covers that complement or contrast with the gym's interior colours. If you're going for a ""shabby chic" look, use drapes and burlap instead of traditional tablecloths. For centrepieces, opt for large-bottomed vases filled with flowers and water, anchored with fruits like oranges and lemons. You can also use salt and pepper shakers as vases for individual flowers.

Hiding Unwanted Features:

Cover any basketball hoops and steel supports with linens or sheer fabric to disguise their appearance. If there are windows, use drapes to filter the incoming light and create a softer ambiance. Disguise wood panelling with linens or wrapping paper, and consider setting up a large ceiling canopy to hide metal beams and rafters.

Lighting:

The fluorescent lighting commonly found in gyms may not be ideal for a wedding reception. Opt for softer, more flattering lighting by using lamps, candles, and professional lighting fixtures. String up small white lights above railings and along platforms to add a touch of magic.

Flooring:

Gym floors may not be the most elegant, and high heels can damage them. Consider covering the floor with a tarp or rugs, and inform your guests about the potential impact of heels on the gym floor.

Creative Touches:

Add personal touches by incorporating items from your home as decor. Scour your house for items like frames, baskets, candle holders, books, and furniture that fit your wedding theme. You can also create a cute photo booth area with extra lights and balloons, providing a fun space for guests to take pictures.

Remember, with careful planning, creativity, and attention to detail, you can transform a school gym into a unique and memorable wedding venue.

Food and drink

Potluck

If you're looking for a more intimate and personal touch, consider asking your closest friends and family to contribute to a potluck. This option can be a great way to ensure a variety of dishes and is often more affordable than hiring a caterer. It's also a wonderful way to showcase your loved ones' culinary skills and can be a labour of love, as mentioned in the story of McKenzie and Zeus's wedding, where their friends and family provided enough food to feed 100+ people three very large meals.

Catering

If you prefer to hire a caterer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ask about their experience with working in a school gym setting, as they may have helpful suggestions for the space and any equipment they will need access to. Discuss your budget and the number of guests to determine the amount and type of food that can be served. You may want to consider a buffet spread or food stations to make it easier for guests to move around the gym and socialise while they eat.

Alcohol

If you're planning to serve alcohol, check with the school administration beforehand to see if they have any restrictions. Some schools may not allow alcohol on the premises, so it's important to clarify this detail early on. If alcohol is permitted, consider the amount and type of drinks you want to offer. A full bar may be more expensive, so you could opt for a more affordable option like beer, wine, and/or a few signature cocktails.

Display Ideas

When it comes to displaying the food and drinks, there are a few creative ways to set up your spread:

• Use the food as a centerpiece: Incorporate the food into the table settings. For example, style the tables with fancy bread baskets, bottles of wine, and artisan cheeses for your guests to enjoy.
• Food stations or buffet: This option encourages guests to move around and interact with each other while they fill their plates.
• Grazing tables: Create a unique and memorable food display with a grazing table, which can be a great conversation starter.

Dessert

Don't forget to include some sweet treats for your guests! Here are a few ideas:

• Wedding cake: The traditional wedding cake is always a popular choice.
• Dessert bar: Set up a creative dessert bar with a variety of treats like cake pops, doughnuts, or even a build-your-own-sundae station.
• Late-night snacks: Keep the party going with some late-night snacks on the dance floor, like mini sandwiches, pizza bites, or sweet treats.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose options that reflect your tastes and budget. With some creativity and planning, you can create a wonderful food and drink experience for your school gym wedding.

Music and entertainment

Music

• A DJ is a great choice for keeping the party going all night and filling those five hours of celebration. They can play a mix of songs to suit different tastes and keep the dance floor lively.
• A live band can add a unique touch to your wedding. Consider a customisable band that can play a range of music genres, such as the Blue Lion Band.
• For a rustic or fairy-tale-themed wedding, a string quartet or a harpist can provide elegant and refined musical entertainment.
• Roaming musicians, such as mariachi bands or saxophonists, add a fun and interactive dimension to your wedding music.
• A steel drum band will transport your guests to the Caribbean, making it perfect for a tropical-themed wedding.
• A pianist provides a more traditional form of entertainment that all guests can appreciate.
• If you're celebrating Scottish heritage, bagpipe and Scottish drumming duos like Ross and Ailise can perform at your wedding.
• Tribute bands, such as an Adele or Spice Girls tribute, can surprise and delight your guests with their favourite songs.

Entertainment

• Photo booths are a fun way to capture memorable snapshots of your guests. You can jazz it up with props that match your wedding theme.
• Caricature artists sketch cartoon drawings of your guests, providing a unique keepsake for them to take home.
• Fire performers, acrobats, and circus entertainers will dazzle your guests and create a memorable show.
• Casino games, such as poker or roulette, will add a touch of Las Vegas glitz and glamour to your wedding.
• Outdoor games like giant Jenga, mini-golf, or garden swings will keep your guests entertained, especially if you have a summer wedding.
• A karaoke booth will have your guests showcasing their singing talents (or lack thereof!).
• A silent disco is a unique way to party, especially if your venue has a noise curfew.
• For a magical touch, hire a live painter to capture the magic of your wedding day on canvas.
• If your wedding venue has a pool, consider hiring synchronised swimmers for an unexpected and entertaining performance.
• Trapeze artists performing overhead during the cocktail hour will surely kick off your evening with a wow factor.
• For a cultural celebration, hire traditional dancers to perform. For example, a hula or Chinese dragon performance will add ambiance and teach your guests about your heritage.

Remember, the key is to provide a mix of entertainment options that suit your wedding theme and create a memorable experience for your guests.

Advantages of a school gym wedding

There are many advantages to hosting a wedding in a school gym. Here are some of them:

Affordability

School gyms are often a cheap, if not free, venue option for weddings. This can be a great way to save money on venue costs, which can be expensive.

Proximity to Ceremony Location

School gyms are usually located near churches, halls, or judges' chambers, making it convenient and reducing travel time for guests attending both the ceremony and reception.

Ambience and Decor

School gymnasiums have great lighting and ambience, which can be enhanced with strategic use of lighting and decorations. The large space allows for a huge dance floor and flexible seating arrangements.

Bathroom Accessibility

Schools typically have multiple bathrooms, ensuring that guests won't have to wait in long lines and providing ample space for the wedding party to freshen up.

Alcohol-Free Environment

A school gym wedding allows for an alcohol-free celebration, eliminating the potential for drunk guests, spills, and other issues associated with alcohol service.

Potluck Feast

A school gym wedding can encourage a potluck-style meal, with home-cooked dishes provided by friends and family. This can be a more affordable and intimate alternative to traditional wedding catering.

Frequently asked questions