Every couple has one. Whether it was the backdrop to your first date, your go-to takeout joint, or your favorite place to celebrate a special occasion — you likely have a restaurant that’s “yours.”
Why not make it part of your wedding day? Hosting a reception at your favorite restaurant is not only sentimental, but it can be quite cost-effective compared to other venues. Keep reading to learn how a restaurant reception can help you save money and make your wedding even more memorable.
How Much Do Wedding Receptions Cost
In 2024, the average wedding cost hovered around $33,000. While your ceremony venue is likely your largest expense, catering comes in at a close second. Data from Zola shows that couples spend anywhere from $6,500 to $10,000 on catering, or twenty to thirty percent of their total wedding cost. By hosting your reception at a restaurant, you can significantly cut down on some of the bigger expenses associated with wedding receptions.
That’s because restaurants are inherently built to host an event like a wedding reception. Compared to other reception venues like an event hall, museum, or even a country club, restaurants already have most of the equipment you need to host a reception. They have plenty of tables, chairs, dishes, cutlery, and linens — not to mention an entire kitchen already outfitted for cooking large amounts of food. You can save a bundle by not having to rent these items in addition to paying the venue rental fee.
Speaking of venue rental fees, you typically have two options when it comes to renting a restaurant: a private room or the entire eatery. Whichever you choose will depend on your guest list and how many people the restaurant can accommodate.
Coriander Kitchen, for example, hosts a variety of private events at their Detroit-based restaurant. Couples can choose to rent a pergola for a small event with 40 or less guests, a rooftop deck for a medium-sized event up to 100 guests, or the entire restaurant for an event with up to 180 guests. The rental fee ranges from $500 to $1,500 which is considerably less than other venues in the area.
Benefits of a Restaurant Reception
While cost is a huge benefit of a restaurant reception, it’s not the only one. Many couples favor this style of wedding reception due to the unique ambiance and food and beverage options.
Since it’s you and your beau’s favorite restaurant, you already know (and presumably love!) the menu. You don’t have to choose between chicken or fish from your neighborhood caterer — you can surprise and delight your guests with a creative menu that you trust.
Some restaurants have a pre-set menu for special events while others will work with you to create a custom menu for your reception. If you have the option to weigh in on the menu, use it as an opportunity to add a personal touch to your reception. Choose your tried and true dishes, signature cocktail, and favorite bottle of wine.
Limitations of a Restaurant Reception
A restaurant reception may not be for everyone, though. Due to their size, operating hours, and proximity to other businesses, some couples may feel restricted by the nuances of a restaurant venue.
Here are some things to keep in mind before deciding if it’s right for you:
- Space is limited. Most restaurants are smaller than your typical reception venue. They’re great for micro weddings with less than fifty people, but might not be the best choice for a large event.
- It’s harder to decorate. Restaurants have their own style already and may prohibit you from bringing outside decor. Luckily, most restaurants are aesthetically pleasing on their own and don’t need much dressing up.
- Vendor access may be limited. If you rent out a restaurant, there’s a good chance the restaurant will want to use its own staff or vendors during the event.
- Noise is kept in check. Not only are restaurant receptions typically smaller, but they’re quieter, too. Most restaurants won’t allow a DJ or dancing but will allow softer background music.
- Privacy is limited. If you rent an event room in a larger restaurant, you might have onlookers (or even wedding crashers!) from the general public.
- There might be a curfew. Restaurants typically close earlier than a late-night wedding reception. Depending on the restaurant, you might have to shorten your reception to adhere to their operating hours.
Whether you’re already dreaming about a reception at your local watering hole or you just started to think about your dream venue, Eventective is here to help. Use our wedding directory to find the perfect venue for your special day.
Rachel Kauffman is a Detroit-based content writer, bookworm, and cat mom to two feisty felines.
