Practical Table-Setting Ideas that Work for Same Venue Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Nov 27

Are your clients torn between holding their wedding ceremony and reception in the same place and separating the two? It is one of the first decisions couples must make before their big day, but the first option has perks. Couples choose wedding and reception same venue for its advantages, and wedding planners like you can find creative ways to set up the tables, chairs, stage, photo booth, and other elements in the space.

It is easier and more convenient for guests to attend the wedding ceremony and reception at the same venue. But it is only one of the benefits your clients can get from this option. Here are several other advantages they can enjoy:

Convenience

Hosting the ceremony and reception in one place relieves the stress of looking for transportation or driving from one venue to another. Even if the guests can look up directions to various locations online, nothing beats the lack of pressure and convenience of having to stay put in the same spot.

Lower Cost

Choosing the wedding and reception same venue can reduce the cost of the event. The couple does not have to pay for the rental fee of a second venue, the transportation service for all the guests, and the decorations, such as the flowers, table overlays, tablecloths, chair covers, wedding arch, and more.

Easier Coordination

Opting for a single place for the reception and ceremony venue means dealing with only one venue manager.

Proactive Against Bad Weather

One thing you cannot control while planning for a client’s wedding is bad weather. If it drizzles or rains, you won’t have to worry as much about the ceremony or wedding party getting interrupted if you hold them in the same place. Imagine how much of a nightmare it will be if you still need to coordinate everything because some guests are delayed, or the newlyweds are stuck in traffic or detoured because of bad weather.

Improved Attendance

If the couple chooses two venues, some guests might have to pick between the ceremony and the reception, especially if they don’t want to be stuck in traffic commuting to the reception venue.

Smooth Schedule

Creating a timeline of the wedding day and sticking to it might be easier if the ceremony ends and the setup only needs to change to accommodate cocktail hour, dinner, and post-ceremony photos.

If you’re decorating one venue for both the ceremony and reception, here are some tips to remember:

Divide the venue into a specific area for the ceremony and another spot for the reception.
If you anticipate good weather on the wedding day, prepare to hold the ceremony outdoors and the reception indoors.
Prepare an elevated platform where the couple can exchange their “I dos” in front of the room, allowing guests to see and hear them better.
When arranging the tables and chairs, put a few chairs up front for the elderly.
Arrange the decor and centerpieces to match your rectangular or round table linens so the guests can still see the ceremony while sitting at their table.
Work with a venue or catering crew with experience flipping out wedding setups between the ceremony and reception. They will know the proper layout for the space, so it will be easier to change things up after the “I dos” while keeping guests comfortable.
The best layout allows guests to freely move wherever they plan to go - the buffet table, bars, bathrooms, or dance floors.
Setting a wedding reception table is different from setting the table for other occasions. Here are a few pointers on how to properly do this part of the wedding planning process:

Many venues offer place settings as a part of their venue package. But if your provider does not include this in their offer, you might want to rent plates, flatware, glasses, and charger plates.
Consider what tablecloths, table runners, overlays, and napkins to use. These are the foundation of your wedding table settings. Again, match the color scheme the couples chose for their big day. It would be safer to go neutral, but you can emphasize them with a few bold colors here and there. You can also consider standout patterns and textures.
Help guests locate where they should be seated using stationery. Set them up to accommodate table numbers, place cards, and menus. These should match every decor on the table to create a harmonious look.
Use centerpieces to highlight your clients’ wedding themes further. These should act as the focal point of every table.
There are different types of chairs to choose from. Make sure to select special-looking ones for the couple. Ask for their opinion on what chair styles they should pick for their guests. There are folding chairs, x-back chairs, and Chiavari chairs.
Some couples prefer to put their wedding favors by the exit so the guests can get one as they go out. However, others would choose to put it on their plates so they can check out their favors as they prepare to eat.

There are many reasons to go for a wedding and reception same venue, starting from its convenience and reduced cost to a smoother schedule and easier coordination. It is a practical option, especially if you apply a few tricks to preparing a single-venue wedding and setting up the tables for it. Help your clients enjoy the benefits of completing a ceremony and reception in one venue. Make it possible for them to use the pointers mentioned above.

Written by: Wendilyn Adams, shared with MME