Wedding Receptions – Why Choose an Indoor Venue Over an Outdoor One

The wedding reception is an integral part of any wedding. It typically comes after the ceremony and involves dinner, dancing, speeches, and more.

Having your ceremony and reception at the same location makes it easier for everyone involved. Service providers such as planners, photographers, florists, and ushers will all have one venue to work with. Contact Running Mare for professional help.

Outdoor wedding venues provide stunning natural scenery, beautiful backdrops, and a picturesque environment that can help your special day feel truly magical. But there are some major benefits to choosing an indoor venue over an outdoor one, especially if you and your fiance have specific visions for your big day.

Whether you envision an elegant ballroom, cozy banquet hall, or something more rustic, there are plenty of ways to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that matches your wedding style. For instance, consider hanging greenery from the ceiling (like eucalyptus branches or ivy) to add a touch of natural beauty. Or, adorn the tables with rustic decor, such as rough-cut slices of wood and natural floral arrangements.

You also won’t have to worry about weather conditions with an indoor venue. This may not be a concern for some couples, but it’s a significant benefit to many others. Outdoor weddings often require contingency plans in the event of rain or snow. But if you choose an indoor space, there’s no need to set up a backup location.

One of the most important things to consider when selecting a wedding venue is how easily it will be accessible for your guests. This is particularly true if you’re hosting out-of-towners or anyone else who needs to make a quick trip to the bathroom, retouch their makeup, or have a snack. Indoor locations are more convenient and accessible for most of your guests, whereas outdoor weddings may require guests to travel further out of their way.

Luckily, most urban and metro areas have a variety of transportation options for out-of-town guests to use. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer a flexible, affordable option for getting to your wedding. Alternatively, most NYC neighborhoods have bus lines that can provide another low-cost and easy way to get to your venue. In addition, some couples opt to arrange private transportation for their out-of-town guests. This can be a great way to ensure everyone arrives safely and on time.

Convenience

The comfort of your guests is a key factor to consider. An indoor venue offers climate control (air conditioning in summer and cozy heating in winter) which ensures your guests are comfortable, and ready to party when the music kicks in!

Outdoor weddings, especially those held in the summer, can be challenging if your guests aren’t accustomed to hot and humid weather. This can lead to discomfort for your guests, which can take a toll on their enjoyment and energy levels. Additionally, it’s common for outdoor weddings to be held earlier in the day, which can make it difficult for your guests to remain hydrated and awake throughout the reception.

In addition to heat and humidity, an outdoor venue’s landscape can also be a challenge for some of your guests. Large grassy areas are often hard for elderly and disabled guests to navigate, which can create a negative experience for them. In addition, an outdoor ceremony and reception can be impacted by traffic or other outside noises.

For out-of-town guests, traveling to and from an outdoor wedding may require extra expenses and travel time. In some cases, you’ll need to rent a tent or other weather-resistant space as a contingency plan for rain or harsh temperatures. This can quickly inflate your wedding budget and introduce new layers of complexity into the planning process.

Indoor venues are generally more budget friendly than outdoor venues, and many of them come with built-in amenities such as tables, chairs, lighting, and linens. This can save you money on rental fees and help your overall wedding costs stay within your budget.

An indoor wedding can also be more convenient for out-of-town guests. Many airports in NYC are a short drive from Manhattan, including LaGuardia and JFK. However, some outdoor venues in NY are located far from these airports, requiring your out-of-town guests to pay for additional transportation costs to get to the wedding.

An indoor venue can also be more budget-friendly for couples who are planning to include a live band or other entertainment at their wedding. Many bands, DJs, and other entertainment providers charge more for live performances at outdoor venues than they do for indoor ones.

A Smooth Transition

Your wedding venue will have a lot of moving parts. It’s important to choose a venue that has plenty of space for all of your guests to move around, dance, and mingle comfortably. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there is a clear separation between the ceremony and reception areas.

Many outdoor wedding venues have stunning scenery as a backdrop, whether it’s the greenery of a vineyard or the waterfront view of a lakefront estate. This adds an enchanting element to your special day, creating a truly magical environment. In addition, an outdoor backdrop can also provide a beautiful setting for your wedding photos.

Indoor venues typically have walls, carpets, and light fixtures already installed, which might not match your wedding day vision. However, some locations offer more of a blank canvas that can be easily curated to reflect your style and decor preferences. Some examples include warehouses, barns, and art galleries.

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding during the summer, heat can be a major concern. Having a backup indoor location can give you peace of mind if the weather turns unfavorable, and it will also ensure your guests are comfortable throughout the night. Additional tents, fans, and ponchos can help guests stay cool and dry if necessary.

Incorporating an indoor space into your wedding plan can also be a great way to cut down on the amount of lag time between the ceremony and reception. A seamless transition between the two can be tricky, so be sure to work with your venue and vendors to create a transition strategy.

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition is to assign someone to direct your guests. Whether that’s your wedding coordinator, an on-site event specialist, or a smooth-talking relative, it will be helpful to have someone that can help guide your guests and keep everyone on track. For example, this person can help guests know where to go after the ceremony, when it’s time to start dancing, and when they need to leave for their cars or hotel rooms.

A Great Photo Opportunity

Many couples choose to have a first look, which is an intimate moment that can lead to beautiful photos before the ceremony. If you’re considering this option, make sure your photographer is familiar with the concept and can offer guidance if needed.

In addition to wedding party group shots and candids, don’t forget to include some fun posed photos as well. This is a great opportunity to include any special props you’ve chosen, such as the engagement ring box, sign-in book, flower girl basket, or cute hanger for your dress.

Once you’ve decided what kinds of posed photos are most important to capture, discuss those with your photographer and create a shot list. This will not only help ensure you’ll get the exact photos you want, but it also helps your photographer prepare for the day.

It’s a good idea to write out a timeline of reception events and distribute it to everyone involved in your wedding (everyone from the vendors you’ve booked, your venue coordinator, your maid/matron of honor, best man, parents, flower and ring bearer attendants, and guest book attendants to the ushers and anyone else who has a specific role on the day). Having a clear idea of what should happen when is a must, especially if you don’t have a professional planner or on-site coordinator.

For any tips or payments you’ll be giving out on the day of the wedding, consider putting them in separate envelopes with your point person’s name written on it. This will save you time on the day of the wedding and will ensure no one gets overlooked.

If you’re a bride who’s planning to walk down the aisle on your own, take the time to practice walking with your dad or someone else before your big day. This will ensure you’ll feel confident and comfortable as you walk into the ceremony space and can be a huge help when the nerves kick in! Also, take some time to think through your vows and how you’ll personalize them for your relationship. This is the perfect way to show your love for each other on the day of your wedding!