Make Your Restaurant Wedding Fun And Memorable

Planning a wedding at a restaurant? You're in for a treat! Restaurant weddings are a fun, unique, and affordable way to celebrate your big day. Here's how to make it a memorable event for you and your guests.

First, choose a restaurant that reflects your personality as a couple. Is there a special place that holds a sentimental value, like the spot of your first date? Or perhaps a restaurant that serves cuisine from your favourite vacation destination? Picking a restaurant with a connection to your love story adds a personal touch to the celebration.

Next, get creative with the menu. Restaurant weddings offer the chance to serve delicious food beyond the standard wedding fare. Opt for signature dishes, family-style platters, or even a fun food station. Impress your guests with a unique dining experience they'll be talking about for years!

Don't forget to consider the logistics. The day of the week, guest count, and use of space will impact the cost. Partial buyouts or renting a private dining room can be more budget-friendly options. Discuss food and beverage minimums, deposits, and other requirements with the restaurant.

Finally, add your personal touch to the decor. Restaurants already have a distinct style, but you can accentuate it with centrepieces, custom signage, and accent pieces that match your theme.

With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, your restaurant wedding will be an unforgettable celebration full of delicious food and wonderful memories.

Create a marketing plan to attract couples to your restaurant

Marketing Plan to Attract Couples to Your Restaurant

Know your Unique Selling Points

First, you need to know what makes your restaurant a great wedding venue. Is it the food? The decor? The atmosphere? Identify your strengths and play to them. If you're known for your delicious food, showcase your menu. If your restaurant has a unique and beautiful interior, highlight this in your marketing materials.

Identify your Target Audience

The type of couple that would choose a restaurant wedding is likely to be looking for something a little different. They may be foodies who want to share a favourite restaurant with their guests, or they may be looking for a more intimate, low-key celebration. Perhaps they are on a tighter budget and are looking for a more affordable option. Identify your ideal customer and tailor your marketing to them.

Build a Website

If you don't already have one, build a website that showcases your restaurant as a wedding venue. Include details such as capacity, food and beverage options, and any other unique features that would appeal to couples. Include plenty of photos to show off your space, and consider including testimonials from couples who have previously held their wedding at your restaurant.

Utilise Social Media

Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your restaurant as a wedding venue. Share photos and videos that highlight the unique features of your space, and use relevant hashtags to reach your target audience.

Think Outside the Box

Spread the word about your restaurant through referral partners. Tell your local liquor reps and food distributors that you host weddings, and ask them to spread the word. Attend wedding conventions and rent a booth to show prospective clients what you have to offer. Bring inquiry and questionnaire sheets, appetizers, and photos of your venue to really sell yourself to potential customers.

Emphasise your Flexibility

Many couples will be looking for a venue that they can put their own stamp on. Emphasise that you are willing to work with couples to create a personalised experience. This could include offering signature cocktails, creating a unique menu, or allowing them to bring in their own centrepieces and decorations.

Offer Tastings

Offer complimentary drink and food tastings to couples who are interested in booking your restaurant for their wedding. This will help them feel special and give them a chance to experience your food and drinks first-hand.

Be Transparent about Costs

Be clear about your pricing structure from the outset. Many couples will be working with a budget, so let them know if there are ways to save money, such as by having a mid-day wedding or a partial buyout of the restaurant.

Ask the couple questions to personalise the experience

Asking the couple questions about their likes, dislikes, and preferences is a great way to personalise their restaurant wedding experience. Here are some ideas for questions to ask the couple to help create a fun and memorable celebration:

Restaurant Choice

• Is there a restaurant that holds a special meaning for you? Perhaps the spot of your first date, or a place you frequent on a weekly basis?
• Do you have a favourite restaurant in town, or one that serves a type of cuisine you both love?
• Is there a particular restaurant you've always wanted to try, or that's on your foodie bucket list?
• Are there any restaurants that can accommodate your guest list size? Would you prefer a private room or to rent out the entire space?
• If budget is a concern, which restaurants offer the best value for money, or are there any with flexible payment options?

Food and Beverage

• Are there any specific dietary restrictions or allergies the kitchen should be aware of?
• Can the restaurant accommodate special meal requests, such as children's meals or dietary restrictions?
• Would you like to customise the menu to include your favourite dishes, or those with a personal significance?
• Do you want to include interactive food stations or food-themed activities for guests?
• What type of beverages would you like to serve? Do you want to create signature cocktails or incorporate specific drinks with a personal connection?

Decor and Ambiance

• Are there any decorations or themes you would like to include that reflect your personalities or interests?
• Is there a specific dress code you would like your guests to follow?
• What type of music or entertainment would you like to have? Do you have any songs that are significant to you as a couple?
• Are there any traditions or rituals you would like to include in the celebration?
• Will there be a dance floor, and if so, is there enough space for your guest list?

Remember, the key to personalising the restaurant wedding experience is to incorporate the couple's interests, preferences, and meaningful details into the various aspects of the celebration, from the food and drinks to the decor and entertainment.

Create a signature cocktail for the couple

Creating a signature cocktail for the couple is a fun way to personalise the wedding and make it memorable. It's also a great opportunity to involve the couple in the planning process and make them feel special. Here are some ideas to create a signature cocktail that will wow the couple and their guests:

Get to Know the Couple

The first step is to understand the couple's likes and dislikes. Ask them questions about their favourite drinks, flavours, and ingredients. Find out if they have any special memories or stories associated with certain drinks. For example, maybe they had their first date over margaritas or they love trying new craft beers together. Understanding their preferences and tastes will help you create a signature cocktail that truly reflects their personality.

Offer a Drink Tasting

Invite the couple to a complimentary drink tasting with your bartenders. This 1:1 time will be a special experience for them and show that you care about their big day. During the tasting, experiment with different spirits, mixers, and garnishes to find the perfect combination that embodies the couple's style. You can also offer them bottles of wine from significant years, such as the year they were born or the year they met, as an extra touch.

Incorporate Their Story

Use the information you've gathered about the couple to create a unique drink that represents them. For example, if the couple is from different cities or countries, you can combine flavours or ingredients that represent each place. Or, if they have a favourite cocktail, you can put a creative twist on it to make it more personalised. The key is to tell their story through the flavours and presentation of the drink.

Add a Creative Touch

Think outside the box to make the signature cocktail stand out. Consider using fresh herbs, unusual garnishes, or unique serving vessels. You can even play with colours to match the wedding theme or the couple's favourite hues. Adding a creative element will make the drink more memorable and Instagram-worthy!

Name the Cocktail

Give the signature cocktail a catchy name that reflects the couple's personality or story. It could be a play on their names, a reference to an inside joke, or a nod to their favourite things. A well-thought-out name will add to the charm of the cocktail and make it even more special for the couple.

Creating a signature cocktail for the couple is a fun and interactive way to involve them in the planning process. It adds a personal touch to the wedding and creates a lasting memory for the couple and their guests to cherish.

Discuss dessert options with the couple

Dessert is an important part of the wedding menu, and it's a great opportunity for the couple to showcase their personality and interests. Here are some ideas for discussing dessert options with the couple for a fun restaurant wedding:

Unique and Creative Desserts

Think outside the box and suggest unique and creative dessert options that the couple might not have considered. For example, a cotton candy station, chocolate-dipped fortune cookies, or even a cheese wheel cake for savoury lovers. These unexpected treats will delight the guests and offer a fun twist to the traditional wedding dessert.

Interactive Dessert Stations

Interactive dessert stations are a great way to engage guests and create a fun atmosphere. Consider a build-your-own sundae bar, a s'mores station with a campfire, or a churro bar with various dipping sauces. These interactive stations encourage guest participation and provide a memorable experience.

Cultural and Thematic Desserts

If the couple has a particular cultural background or a strong connection to a certain theme, suggest desserts that tie into their heritage or theme. For instance, if they're having a Parisian-themed wedding, offer macarons or croquembouche, a traditional French dessert. Cultural desserts can also be a wonderful way to honour the couple's roots, such as a Mexican Pan Dulce Bar or Italian cannolis.

Miniature and Bite-Sized Treats

Miniature and bite-sized desserts are perfect for keeping the energy high and allowing guests to sample a variety of options. Offer an assortment of mini desserts such as cake pops, tarts, whoopie pies, or even boozy tiny doughnuts. These small treats are easy to grab and go, ensuring guests can quickly get back to the dance floor.

Seasonal and Local Delicacies

Consider incorporating seasonal and local delicacies into the dessert menu. For a summer wedding, offer refreshing treats like gelato, ice cream sandwiches, or signature popsicles. If the couple is tying the knot during the winter, suggest warm and comforting desserts like cinnamon rolls, chocolate lava cakes, or a build-your-own hot chocolate bar with various toppings.

Nostalgic and Sentimental Choices

Discuss the couple's favourite childhood treats or desserts that hold a special place in their hearts. Whether it's chocolate-dipped pretzels, peach cobbler, or their go-to restaurant dessert order, incorporating nostalgic choices will make the wedding dessert menu more meaningful and personalised.

Remember, the key is to offer a variety of options that reflect the couple's tastes and personalities. By choosing unique, interactive, and personalised desserts, the couple can create a fun and memorable restaurant wedding experience for their guests.

Plan out the size and space with the couple

Planning a wedding in a restaurant can be a unique and intimate experience, and it's a great way to save money on venue rental fees and decorations. However, it's important to carefully consider the size and space of the restaurant to ensure it can accommodate your wedding plans. Here are some tips to help you plan out the size and space with the couple:

• Know your headcount: Before finalising a restaurant, have a clear idea of how many guests will be attending the wedding. Restaurants are typically smaller spaces, so make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate all your guests. It's important to check this in person to ensure there are no problems on the day.
• Discuss layout and seating arrangements: Some restaurants are flexible and allow changes to the seating arrangements, while others have set layouts. Talk to the restaurant manager to understand your options and decide on an arrangement that works best for your guest count. If the restaurant has hosted similar events before, ask to see photos to get a better idea of the different seating options.
• Consider the ceremony space: If you plan to host the ceremony at the restaurant, check if there is ample space. For smaller restaurants, consider local parks or churches nearby to avoid shuttle costs between venues. Another option is to split the restaurant function space into sections and include a "flip" within the venue, allowing you to use different areas for the ceremony, cocktails, and dinner.
• Understand the restrictions: Be aware of any restrictions the restaurant may have regarding access to the space, décor, catering, toilets, parking, and supplier partners. Discuss these with the restaurant manager to ensure your plans are feasible and to avoid any surprises later.
• Book early: While it may be easier to book a restaurant compared to other wedding venues, there are peak seasons when the demand is high. It's best to book at least six months in advance to secure your desired date, especially if you plan to host the wedding during holidays.
• Discuss privacy options: Unless the restaurant can host your party in a segregated hall, consider hiring the whole place for the day to ensure privacy. Many restaurants have small halls that can be booked for more intimate gatherings. While this option is more costly, it provides the exclusivity you deserve for your special day.

Frequently asked questions