It’s time for an update and reposting of one of our most popular blogs – venues where you can choose you own catering company.
Finding a reception venue if you are catering your own wedding can be a challenge. A lot of brides have asked us if we could provide a list of venues that allow outside caterers. We found lots of choices for you – from community spaces to elegant historic homes. Some of these venues have catering company from which you choose, and others that will allow you to choose your own.
While we have quite an extensive list, here are some other resources for you to consider:
- Do a search for local Fraternal Organizations; Elks Club, Shrine Temple, etc.
- Check with local churches. Note; ask if they allow alcohol if you plan on serving liquor or beer
- Local Parks – Check with your local city and county recreation departments regarding available rental facilities
- College Alumni clubs
- Public Botanical gardens
- Libraries
- Museums
- Art Galleries
- Historic Estates
- Party Rooms in Condominiums
- Rental Hall at a College or University
- Your Street – For a few hundred dollars or less, some special event permits allow you to close off a city street, like the one you live on. You may be required to obtain a special license or permit for food and alcohol.
- Rent a private residence for a weekend. – For example, you can reserve cabins, ranches, lake houses, entire estates, and other spots on Airbnb. Filter your search by locations that are “suitable for events.”
- Or, consider having it at home if your guest list is not too extensive for the size of your home.
In addition to renting the venue, you may end up needing additional items (such as chairs, tables, linens) to accommodate a large number of people in attendance. Also don’t forget other basics like dishes, flatware, stemware, and serving pieces, if your catering company does not provide them. To rent these items check out these vendors on our web site: https://bridestlouis.com/wedding_category/wedding-decor-rentals-staging/
Especially with county or government location, you need to verify when you can get in to set up, and when you need to have all items removed. Decorating issues – lights, candles – what are the rules, what is allowed, what is not. Many facilities won’t allow you to use regular candles due to fire potential, but will allow floating candles in a vase filled with water.
When it comes time to set up for the wedding, keep in mind time requirements. For example, for food service most catering companies recommend a minimum of 2 to 3 hours, depending on the number of guests. And if you need to set up tables and chairs, plus add linens, décor, centerpieces, and favors – time required also depends on the number of guests –you will need to allocate a minimum of two hours even for smaller events.
For private homes, please be sure to read our blog post on Outdoor Weddings, as most homes do not have large enough space to accommodate large groups. There are many additional factors you will need to consider including renting portable restrooms (you really don’t want 100 people trapping through your house to use the bathrooms)! Plus, you need to make considerations for weather – hot or cold, bugs, wind, and a Plan B for rain.
Needless to say, helpers are a definitely requirement – be it family or friends. You will be depending on them to fulfill their tasks, so choose wisely.
So here is the list that we have for the Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois area.
CLICK HERE to download this valued resource.
If you book one of these venues, be sure to tell the venue that you found them through BrideStLouis.com.