So, of course you know by now (because you faithfully read every post), that we had our wedding reception at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History.

What you may not have known is that there was another wedding within arms reach that night at the Detroit Science Center.

I kind of knew from the start that I didn’t want our wedding to be at a banquet hall. But in the interest of leaving no stone unturned, I did place inquiry calls to a few halls. I found after talking to several banquet halls that they could’ve easily been called “wedding factories”.

Brides and grooms were ushered in one end of the machine. A little “we always do it this way” and a lot of “we have standard procedures for that” later and Voila!, you’ve got yourself a complete wedding and reception in a box.

No thanks. I’m all set – and you should be too.

I mean, if you really put effort into finding an alternative venue, and you don’t find a place that suits you, then go with the banquet hall, because in the end, yes, you will be married. And that is what matters above all else.

But trust me on this one, it’ll be well worth your time and effort if you find a different locale.

Hosting your wedding reception at location other than a banquet hall creates a unique environment for your guests. It could be a place that reflects your personality as a couple, honors your culture, or is a nod to your alma mater.

Los Angeles Country Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Cobblestone Farm in Ann Arbor, MI

Either way, finding a venue outside of a banquet hall will make your wedding unique and often give you more flexibility. It can be as casual or as formal as you’d like.

Consider one of these perhaps:

1. Library
2. Museum
3. Cultural Center
4. Barn
5. Art Gallery
6. Theatre
7. Botanical Garden
8. Loft
9. Yacht Club
10. Backyard
11. Historic Home
12. Historic Building
13. Rooftops
14. Building Atriums
15. Zoo
16. Neighborhood Block
17. Ski Lodge
18. Beach
19. Sports Venue
20. Boat
21. Bed and Breakfast
22. Bowling Alley
23. Arcade
24. Private Club
25. Park

All I’m suggesting is that you not box yourself in when deciding where to hold your reception.

The Quixotic World Theatre House

New York Public Library

If I missed anything, feel free to add it in the comments.

Possibly Related Posts:

• 6.11.11
• Less than 13 months!
• Our first Venue meeting this Friday
• Christmas Lights as Wedding Decor?
• Latex Balloon for the Reception Centerpiece?

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