Event Spaces and Restaurant Patios: Much Ado About I Do
The definition of the perfect wedding venue is more open-ended than ever. Creativity is in. If you run an outdoor event space, you already know that. But if your restaurant patio is more date night, now is the time to consider hanging out a private party sign.
Opportunity flows from the rehearsal dinner to post-wedding brunch.
And that’s just the wedding weekend. Let’s not forget the bridal shower weeks or months before that. Venue needs shift as the happy couple moves along their celebration path. Don’t discount your chance to book a special event even if you have a small patio. Warm up the fairy lights and greenery. Break out the matching tablecloths. Your patio’s vibe, whether relaxed or romantic or modern may be exactly someone’s ideal celebration spot. Maybe you want to divide your patio or event space in half with a row of shrubbery, separating the private event and still offering service to your regular guests.
Rehearsal Dinners are less fuss and more fun.
Wedding days are more pressed shirts and perfect manners. The rehearsal dinner is a chance to make silly toasts and keep things informal. Anything from your restaurant’s top-rated favorites to comfort food to steak works. Some couples share their personal story in the menu they choose – a clam bake for someone with New England roots or tapas for someone who’s Spanish. If your chef can flex, you can offer a truly one-of-a kind event.
Customize for the couple who wants things personalized.
It’s simple to get linens in a special color or put a favorite flower out. Maybe the couple wants a simple backdrop for photos or a photobooth off to the side. Adding simple touches is easy to coordinate and googlable when in doubt. Is there a place for a musician? Or a dance floor?
Make a vow to get connected.
If you find you like doing private parties for wedding events, get more of them. Introduce yourself to event and wedding planners in town. Photographers, wedding dress boutiques and wedding cake bakeries will also offer leads. Of course, word of mouth will do the trick when everyone raves about their time with you.
You’ll be richer, not poorer.
A special event can help you earn two to three times as much as a standard evening on your restaurant patio.
“With events, everything is more predictable — including food ordering, service scheduling, etc. — and higher-margin items like liquor and dessert comprise a larger portion of the check,” writes Gather CEO Nick Miller.
Keep umbrellas, optional
Nobody likes soggy gift wrap and bows. So, you’ll want to help guests focus on the celebration and not the elements. An enclosed patio makes sure that’s the case. Patio screens can stay up when the weather’s mild and balmy and come down when things head south.
Need help keeping your events weathertight? Reach out to Southern Patio Enclosures. We’re happy to help you find the perfect solution for enclosing your patio or event space.
