Normally the humidity and daily chance of rain discourages brides and grooms from holding ceremony/receptions at the same venue. This is because many facilities only have outdoor, uncovered options for the ceremony.
Our area is blessed with some awesome venues that can make a summer wedding a comfortable experience. We understand that most couples prefer to have three distinct areas for their weddings: ceremony, social hour, and main reception.
We are going to profile some of our long time favorite hosting spots. If you are considering a June - September 2021 wedding, don't hesitate to book as rescheduled 2020 events will be competing for the same dates.
TAMPA GARDEN CLUB
This spacious garden-themed venue on Bayshore Boulevard, offers floor to ceiling windows as a backdrop for your ceremony in its conservatory area. We have seated up to 150 guests in this space
For social hour, there are options for guests to briefly enjoy the grounds outdoors or go into the main ballroom. We have curtained off the front portion of the ballroom for bar, dance floor, and hors d'oeuvres; then opened them for the main reception after ceremony chairs have been transferred from the conservatory.
ST. PETE BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER
Overlooking an uncluttered portion of Boca Ciega Bay, the community center is blessed with a ground level covered area that can accommodate a shady ceremony area still facing the water.
Guests go upstairs to the second level for a cocktail area on the breezy terrace which is already outfitted with bistro tables and chairs.
Even if you decide to wing an outdoor ceremony on the plaza, you will be mostly in the shade as it faces east late in the day.
NOVA 535
We tested the "summer wedding option" at NOVA last August and it passed with flying colors!
The main room was initially set up for the ceremony. Then the venue staff efficiently set up the tables and chairs as guests enjoyed an hour long cocktail hour in the loft area. The bride and groom used this time for Karaoke!!! Our staff hand-passed hors d'oeuvres.
We had plenty of time to set tables and proceed on with various food stations. A second bar awaited guests on the main floor.
One of Tampa's most picturesque locations for weddings along Seddon Channel, is actually very versatile when it comes to holding summer weddings.
Its covered back patio remains mostly shaded during the afternoons with a nice breeze coming in from the channel. Since the ceremony chairs are not being utilized indoors for the main reception, they can be quickly removed to carts so guests can continue to enjoy social hour there as well.
The bar is usually is located on the patio all evening.
Indoors the air conditioning is superb even during the hottest months. Plenty of room for a dance floor, guest tables, and buffet, with additional space for photo booths, gift table, etc. in the main entry foyer.
Like many two story venues on the water, Tampa Bay Watch has an area underneath the building to host the ceremony and still face the Gulf. However, an even nicer "under cover" location is the wide deck that wraps around the perimeter.
The ceremony can be held across the expanse and there is still room on the south deck to hold social hour with a bar. Indoors the main room is surrounded on three sides by large windows mostly facing the water.
TBW is perfect for events of 50 - 100 guests with a summer senario. After dark, the main deck is a perfect location for the dance floor with gentle, nautical winds.
THE ORLO
A restored Hyde Park residence, The Orlo offers a great deal of rooms and charming spaces for your entire celebration.
The main house features a spacious porch that can we a welcoming area with bar and cocktail set-up for after the ceremony.
While small, the main house great room is perfect for an 80-person ceremony set up facing the fireplace situated between two traditional windows.
The vintage stairway servicing the upstairs getting ready areas, is the perfect entry for the bridal party wishing to make a grand entrance for the cozy ceremony.
While the ceremony chairs may need to be utilized for the main reception, there is plenty of space on the porch and inside a former dining room to hold social hour.
As you can imagine, there are a number of senarios can be considered in holding a larger ceremony in the ballroom, cocktail hour in the front of the residence as the main room is set for the reception, etc.
You must accept membership into The Orlo, and all tables and chairs must be rented from an outside vendor. There are classic sofa, table, and chair furnishings that can be utilized throughout your event.
HARBOR HALL / WHITE CHAPEL
Located in the quaint village area of Palm Harbor, these two adjoining buildings (a short outdoor walk), are perfect for summertime celebrating.
The chapel has nice padded seating and a "non-denominational" atmosphere. It can be dressed up according to your style.
Harbor Hall offers a covered front patio for high top tables with the bar and sign in table usually positioned in the small main foyer (where it remains during the event). The city of Palm Harbor now allows caterers with liquor liability to provide open bar service.
Inside the main room its neutral design with a high raftered ceiling, provides a cool setting for the main reception.
THE ITALIAN CLUB
Also known as the L'Unione Italiana, this landmark is located in the heart of Ybor City. It has three floors of entertaining space for large events.
The second floor Theatre features a stage and separate seating for the ceremony. There is an elevator as well as grand staircase with wrought iron embellishments.
Then guests can make their way to the ground floor, where social hour can be held in the Cantina with its traditional social club style space.
The Grand Ballroom doesn't need much decorating with its elaborate appointments and in-house gold chiavari chairs. An in-house dance floor is large enough for social distancing.
A big plus is "after party" options at lots of restaurants and clubs within walking distance of this venue.
KAPOK SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER
We have been catering at this historic location since the early 1990s when the once famous tourist restaurant was reopened as an event facility. Talk about CHARACTER, this place has it along with plenty of indoor space for events up to 250 people!
And it is all under one roof with expansive window views of multiple garden areas.
You will feel like a princess in the getting ready area on the balcony of the Grand Ballroom. The ornate surroundings won't be something your guests soon forget either.
Guests enter through the front gardens laden with Romanesque fountains and foliage. Most ceremonies are held in the Florida Ballroom adorned with gold arches overhead. The venue has a variety of in-house decor that can be utilized for ceremony aisles and backdrop.
After the ceremony, social hour is generally held in the Regency Lounge (the venue provides all bar service in two different areas). There are plenty of cocktail tables and lounge features here that also face windows overlooking the front gardens.
Centerpiece of The Grand Ballroom is the magnificent red-carpeted staircase where brides and grooms enter during introductions. The huge floor to ceiling window across from the balcony offers picturesque views of the back gardens and fountain. No need to be outdoors in the heat!
There is even a separate Grape Room for accommodating buffets and stations.
The Kapok offers character, comfort, and space that is well worth the expenditure for unique summer wedding.
*********************************************************************
Need guidance in planning a SUMMER 2021 wedding? We are here to help with even more suggestions!
Contact us at 813-960-7092 / cateringbyrobert@aol.com
No comments:
Post a Comment