[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When planning a wedding reception in a ballroom there are two key factors that if not properly manage can lead to unsatisfactory results.
Layout:
Most current day Ballrooms are designed as a multi use space. Ranging from corporate conferences to weddings.
It is crucial that you design your layout in conjunction with guest count and and key elements such as band stage and dance floor. Most ballrooms now are available to configured on a computer allowing you add tables, stages dance floor all in scale. I like to use a 60inch/5ft Round tables to seat 10 people. I then space these tables 5 to 6 feet apart allowing adequate room for chairs and egress between them. This configuration is one of my secret recipes. Often people think it is too tight until they experience the result. By placing the tables in a close proximity to one another harness the energy of the people and you unites your guests. The same concept applies for the table size by seating people in a close proximity at the tables allows for conversation to take place across it as opposed to just from side to side. This creates a much more social dynamic. Remember also centerpieces are important but not at the expense of stopping communication/eye contact from one side of the table to the other.
When it comes to stages and dance floor I like to use a configuration I call a classic horse shoe design. Try placing the stage along the longest wall of the ballroom and the dance floor directly in front of it, then arrange your tables in a horseshoe shape spanning from one side of the stage around the dance floor to the other. Use as many rows deep of tables as required to accommodate your guest count. This layout works very well as it puts everybody in close proximity to the dance floor and the stage and nobody feels as though they are left out or in the back of the room.
When creating your layout you find there is on extra space when following my plan instead of spacing the tables farther apart to fill up the space think about creating a lounge/bar area in this extra space this way you are keeping all of your energy together in your table/dancing environment and creating alternative social areas for people to break out and engage with one another.
Color:
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity don’t limit yourself with a complementary or traditional color that blends with the ballroom. Different than the living room or dining room in your home a Ballroom is designed for celebrations and should look and feel like fun. Don’t be afraid of introducing your favorite colors remember you have one shot to make a memory of a lifetime. Most entertaining in ballrooms is at night time so lighting is everything. What is lit is seen! By choosing a bright color for flowers and fabric and placing it in a elegantly lit room naturally the color will tone down due to the dimmed lighting, keep this in mind. Another one of my top tips is to make the room evolve, evolution is key in heightening intrigue and interest throughout the night. One of the easiest ways to create evolution is through lighting changes. Most common lighting systems allow for color change at the press of a button. I recommend using lots of up lights around the perimeter of the room and changing the color as your evening goes on, you can even time it with significant moments like first dance and cutting of the cake.
We all can think back on weddings that we’ve been to that were nice but never quite made it to that amazing level. I have found that not paying close attention to layout and color can leave the most beautiful of ballrooms lacking luster, panache and personality.
This is your big day be true to who you are have fun with it. Show your inner beauty to come together and celebrate with your new family friends and loved ones!
Experience life’s present.
Tom Noel
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
