If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding and wondering what venue to choose, let us introduce you to a gem that’s often not considered: the restaurant wedding. Many people associate restaurants with different celebrations other than weddings – and that’s understandable, given that weddings generally require a dance floor, more tables, a space for the bar, and so on. But this isn’t always the case, and many great restaurants offer layouts that enable you to work around your floor plan ideas. Not only can they accommodate your wedding, but holding the event at a restaurant can also save you a lot of money along the way, and it’s a lot more convenient. 

But what type of restaurant is ideal for the big day? Well, there’s no such thing as a right or wrong answer when it comes to this question! It all depends on your preferences as a couple and the vibe that you want to create during the event. In this article, we will have a look at the different types of restaurants that are often chosen to hold wedding events, so check them out below to see which one you would like the most. 

Restaurant interior

Fine dining restaurant

A fine dining restaurant is characterized by exceptional food quality, a high level of service, and an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. This type of restaurant pays close attention to detail, from the table setting to the décor, ensuring each aspect will help create a distinguished experience. If you want to hold the wedding in an elegant atmosphere, with luxurious décor and fine tableware, a fine dining restaurant is definitely perfect for you. 

One of the biggest benefits of holding the wedding at a fine dining restaurant is that guests will have the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence. Besides, the setting is luxurious, so everyone will likely be impressed and have a great time. Remember that the type of restaurant you choose will also dictate the attire not just for the bride but also for the bridesmaids, so once you choose the type of restaurant, make sure to send the invitations early so that they can know how to dress in style by picking elegant yet comfortable dresses. For example, mid-length A-line dresses are ideal for a wedding at a fine dining restaurant. 

Outdoor restaurant 

For couples who love nature, there’s no better place to hold the wedding than at an outdoor restaurant. The combination of natural surroundings, fresh air and good food makes outdoor restaurants an excellent choice, offering a unique charm and ambiance that indoor restaurants cannot replace. Dining outdoors during the wedding event will allow guests to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings, whether it’s the blooming flowers, a beautiful sunset, or the starry sky, enriching their experience. 

However, remember to be mindful of the weather conditions. If you’re holding the wedding on sunny days, this isn’t something to worry about, but rain, wind, or extreme temperatures can make the entire experience unpleasant for guests, so you want to take that into consideration. Some restaurants try to mitigate such challenges by offering heaters or retractable roofs, for example, so make sure to check that with the establishment before booking. 

Rooftop restaurant

Few things rival the sprawling city skyline or nature’s backdrop as you marry your best friend. A rooftop restaurant is the ideal choice if you want to create a unique experience for guests, allowing them to enjoy panoramic views and break away from the traditional four walls. There’s, however, a downside you need to consider: street noise, which can be really disruptive. You want to pay attention to the level of noise on the rooftop restaurant and consider how it will impact the whole event. Also, make sure to ask about any possible restrictions that could affect the wedding, such as certain décor, lighting, candles, electrical, load-in time, parking, and so on. 

With that said, holding your wedding at a rooftop restaurant offers you the opportunity to bring in your own vibe. Whether you want a boho chic soiree, a black-tie affair, or a movie theme, anything you can dream of can be turned into a reality, so feel free to choose whatever reflects your personality and create an atmosphere that you and your guests will enjoy.

Beachfront restaurant

If you love the ocean, look no further than a beachfront restaurant to hold your wedding. Unlike traditional weddings held indoors, a wedding held at a beach brings a unique charm, and a big part of their appeal is the natural beauty and intimacy of the outdoors. And here’s the thing: while you can definitely plan an extravagant wedding at a beachfront restaurant if that’s not your cup of tea, you can also make it simpler and more relaxed. 

Just remember to consider how easy it is to get to the location. Consider the comfort of the guests and the logistics of setting up tables, chairs, and food. Suppose the location is off-the-beaten-path; this is something you need to be mindful of and plan ahead so you can ensure guests can get to the destination without much effort. Regarding the wedding attire, we recommend going for a lighter dress, made of lightweight fabrics, such as chiffon or charmeuse. Also, ditch the heels and choose espadrilles instead, as they are a more beach-friendly alternative and will still look good with the dress. 

 Theme-based restaurant

Are you looking for a unique, personalized way to hold your wedding? If that is the case, a themed-based restaurant is likely the ideal choice. The hallmark of this type of restaurant is its one-of-a-kind atmosphere, meticulously created to transport guests to a whole different world, whether a historical period, a fictional universe, or a cultural phenomenon. Each of the elements of the restaurant, from the music to the décor, contributes to the immersive experience. 

The menu at a theme-based restaurant is created in a way that reflects the selected theme, offering dishes that align with this concept. Whether it’s a Tex-Mex favorite in a lively Mexican cantina or Italian cuisine in a Tuscan villa setting, the food at this type of restaurant plays a major role in boosting the overall dining experience. When choosing a themed restaurant, consider your love story and shared interests, as well as your favorite memories, and make sure that the theme isn’t only for aesthetics but can also provide a comfortable dining experience. Encourage guests to dress based on the restaurant’s theme, and make sure to book in advance. Given the popularity of these restaurants, they can get quickly booked! 

The bottom line

There are different types of restaurants available where you can hold your wedding, and ultimately, the choice will depend on your preferences, budget, and the atmosphere you want to create. Consider your vision for your dream wedding, and let it dictate your choice for the restaurant. If the restaurant offers the services you want, and you love the ambiance it provides, trust your intuition and celebrate your wedding there! After all, it’s your special day, so if you fits your vision, that’s all that matters in the end!