Choosing your wedding venue can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At The Arts Ballroom, we make it easier by offering a mix of elegant spaces, timeless design, and support for your big day. Below, I’m sharing the key factors to consider when selecting the right venue for your wedding, using our own venue as an example of what to look for in a top notch location.
Start with Your Vision
Before you start touring venues, take a moment to think about the type of experience you want. Do you envision a grand celebration or something more intimate? Would you prefer a historic setting with modern amenities? At the Arts Ballroom, we offer both, a grand space with rich history, ideal for couples who want to blend traditional elegance with contemporary sophistication. The Grand Ballroom, with its chandeliers, mahogany doors, and marble fireplace, sets the stage for a truly unforgettable celebration.
Tip #1: Find a Space That Reflects Your Style
Look for a venue that mirrors your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create. If you love classic, romantic vibes, a venue like ours with its French acoustic ceiling and hardwood floors could be a great match. The layout should feel comfortable, not cramped. At the Arts Ballroom, for instance, we’ve got over 10,000 square feet, giving you space to breathe and move between your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
Tip #2: Pay Attention to Flow and Flexibility
A good venue should allow your guests to flow easily from one part of the event to the next. Look for spaces that offer both flexibility and defined areas for each part of the wedding day, from the ceremony to the cocktail hour to the reception. The Arts Ballroom’s Grand Ballroom and Sylvania Room allow for this kind of smooth transition. You’ll find that guests feel comfortable and the vibe remains consistent throughout the day.
Tip #3: Think About Your Guest Count and Comfort
Your guest list will help determine what size venue you need. Some venues can feel too cramped, while others may feel empty if the space is too large. Our Grand Ballroom seats up to 230 guests for a formal ceremony and offers standing room for up to 250 during cocktail hour. It’s a perfect middle ground for large or medium sized weddings, where everyone can gather comfortably without feeling too spread out.
What You Need to Know About Service
Once you’ve found a venue that feels like a good fit, consider the level of service you’ll receive. The right team can make a huge difference in how smoothly everything runs. At the Arts Ballroom, we include a dedicated event coordinator, a bridal attendant, a maître d’, and full catering staff. This allows you to focus on enjoying your day while we take care of the details.
Tip #4: Choose a Venue with a Supportive Team
Look for a venue that offers more than just the space, it should also provide the services that will help keep everything on track. Ask about the staff to guest ratio and what services are included in your package. For example, at the Arts Ballroom, we ensure that one server is available for every 10 guests, which helps maintain the level of service and ensures everyone gets the attention they need.
Catering and Beverage: What’s Included?
Another big factor to consider is the food and drink. Does the venue offer flexible catering packages? Are drinks included? At the Arts Ballroom, we pride ourselves on our customizable catering options, from plated dinners to butlered hors d’oeuvres and a top shelf open bar. This gives couples the flexibility to design a dining experience that fits their wedding style.
Tip #5: Understand Catering Flexibility
If food and drink are important to you, find a venue that can cater to your specific needs, whether it’s accommodating dietary restrictions or offering the kind of cuisine you love. Also, inquire about the variety of bar options. We offer a top shelf open bar and attended cocktail stations to ensure your guests are well taken care of.
Neighborhood and Nearby Photo Opportunities
If you’re planning to take photos outside the venue, make sure there are beautiful and accessible locations nearby. The Arts Ballroom is perfectly positioned in the Avenue of the Arts district, just steps from iconic Philly spots like Broad Street, Love Park, and Rittenhouse Square, ideal for capturing timeless moments with the city backdrop.
Tip #6: Take Advantage of the Location
Look for a venue that’s not only beautiful on the inside but also located in a picturesque neighborhood. Check out the surroundings and whether there are photo-friendly locations nearby. The Arts Ballroom’s location makes it easy to get stunning shots that showcase both the elegance of the venue and the charm of the city.
Tip #7: Don’t Forget About Practical Details
Before you commit to a venue, make sure it checks all the practical boxes, parking, accessibility, and space for your entire guest list. These details can make or break the guest experience. Our venue has ample nearby parking and easy access to public transportation, which helps ensure that everyone can easily attend without any hassle.
Conclusion
Choosing a wedding venue is about more than just picking a pretty place. It’s about selecting a space where you’ll feel comfortable, your guests will be at ease, and everything will come together smoothly. We’ve designed our venue with every detail in mind to help make your wedding day a seamless and unforgettable experience.
We’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Book your tour or request our pricing guide at artsballroom.com, or call 215-621-8561 to talk with one of our team members today!
FAQs
How many guests can the Arts Ballroom accommodate for a wedding?
The Grand Ballroom seats up to 230 for formal ceremonies, with room for 250 guests during cocktails.
What’s included in the Arts Ballroom’s catering packages?
Catering packages include food and beverage service, a custom wedding cake, dessert menu, and tax and gratuity.
Is there a private space for the bridal party?
Yes, we have two private suites on the Mezzanine, ideal for bridal parties or pre ceremony prep.
Where can I take photos near the Arts Ballroom?
You can take beautiful photos at Broad Street, Love Park, and Rittenhouse Square, all within walking distance of the venue.