Planning A Wedding Reception At A Restaurant: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding reception at a restaurant? There are a few things you should consider. First, you'll need to determine how much space you need. This will depend on the size of your guest list and whether you want a small, intimate reception or a larger, more traditional celebration. You'll also need to think about food, service, and the overall look and feel of the space. It's a good idea to visit the restaurant a few times to get a sense of these things. Music is another important factor – make sure you know any restrictions on volume and timing, and whether there's space for a band or DJ. Finally, don't forget to ask about additional entertainment options and any associated costs. With these things in mind, you can plan a memorable wedding reception that your guests will love.

Space: how much space you need and how to get it

Space is a key consideration when planning a wedding reception at a restaurant. First, you need to determine how much space you need. This will depend on the number of guests and whether you want a dance floor. As a rule of thumb, plan to have about 10×10 feet for 50 guests, 12×12 feet for 100 guests, and 15×15 feet for 150 guests. If you want a dance floor, you may need to rent more space or move some furniture.

If you're having a small, intimate reception, you may only need to do a partial buyout of the restaurant. This means renting a private dining area for the night. If you're having a larger, more traditional reception, you'll likely need a full buyout, which gives you complete privacy but is more expensive.

When considering space, it's also important to think about the music. If you're planning to hire a band, keep in mind that they will take up more room on the dance floor than a DJ. Ask the restaurant about any restrictions on how loud or how late music can be played. Also, check the electrical capabilities of the restaurant to ensure they can accommodate your music needs.

Food: the type and style of cuisine offered

Food is a major draw for wedding receptions at restaurants, especially for foodie couples. It's important to consider the type and style of cuisine offered as a top priority. You can make multiple visits to get a feel for the place, the service, and the all-important cuisine itself. A traditional wedding venue or catering hall will provide a tasting, but at that point, you're already committed and have paid a deposit. A restaurant already has everything you need: glassware, tables, chairs, linen, etc.

When choosing a restaurant for your wedding reception, consider the food, the service, and the look and feel of the space itself. Try it out a few times to make sure it meets your expectations. You may also want to think about the return-visit factor, which is not possible with more traditional venues like catering halls.

If you're planning to have a dance floor, ask if it's possible to dedicate a spot for it, whether that means renting more space or just moving some furniture. As a rule of thumb, plan to have about 10x10 feet for 50 guests, 12x12 feet for 100 guests, and 15x15 feet for 150 guests.

Restaurants may offer both full and partial buyouts. A full buyout is a complete takeover of the entire space, while a partial buyout is for smaller celebrations in separate areas. For example, Roìa offers its upper-level space as a partial buyout for weddings with 75 or fewer guests.

Music: what kind of music you want and the electrical capabilities of the restaurant

Music is a key consideration when planning a wedding reception at a restaurant. Before you book, it's important to know what kind of music you want and the electrical capabilities of the restaurant. If you're planning to hire a band, keep in mind that musicians take up more room on the dance floor than a DJ. Knowing the electrical capabilities of the restaurant will also let you determine any limitations, which all bands and DJs will need to know before agreeing to sign a contract. Ask the restaurant if there are any restrictions on how loud or how late music can be played and if there is space to accommodate a live band or DJ. If you're going to have additional entertainment, such as a photo booth or a cigar lounge, double-check with the venue to see if they'll allow it on their premises or if there may be additional costs associated with it.

Entertainment: whether you want a photo booth, cigar lounge, etc

When it comes to entertainment, you'll want to consider whether you want a photo booth, cigar lounge, or something else entirely. If you're planning on having a dance floor, you'll need to make sure there's enough space, and that the restaurant can accommodate a live band or DJ. Ask about any restrictions on how loud or late music can be played. If you're planning on having additional entertainment, double-check with the venue to see if they'll allow it and if there will be any additional costs.

It's also worth thinking about the food, service, and the look and feel of the space. You can make multiple visits to get a feel for the place, and the cuisine. A restaurant already has everything you need in terms of glassware, tables, chairs, and linen.

If you're planning a small, intimate reception, you may only need to do a partial buyout of the restaurant. This is when there is a private dining area you can rent for the night. Larger, more traditional receptions will likely require a full buyout, which is more expensive but means you'll have complete privacy.

Cost: the difference in price between a full and partial buyout

The cost of a full or partial buyout of a restaurant for a wedding reception will depend on the size of your party. A full buyout is a complete takeover of the entire space, and is more expensive than a partial buyout. However, it means you will have complete privacy. A partial buyout is when there is a private dining area that you can rent out for the night. This is suitable for smaller, more intimate receptions. For example, Roìa restaurant offers its upper-level space as a partial buyout for weddings with 75 or fewer guests.

Frequently asked questions