Each season has its perks and pitfalls when it comes to planning a wedding, but oftentimes the positives can outweigh the more unfavorable aspects.
Great Performances Wedding Specialist Amanda DiUglio highlighted for us the top 3 reasons why you should consider getting married in the spring.
#1 All is in bloom
Flourishing in the influx of sunny days, gardens and greenery are bound to be blooming in abundance. Whether you decide to host your ceremony outside or indoors, pulling from the lush natural elements is sure to give your special day an extra dose of serenity. From bountiful bouquets to stunning organic backdrops, you can’t go wrong with incorporating the fruits of the season in your wedding design.
#2 Post-winter and ready to party
Shedding the dreary days of constant gray, woodland creatures aren’t the only ones emerging from hibernation. Though more of the metaphorical variety, it’s undeniable that the first signs of sunlight draw out even the most introverted individual’s desire to socialize. A spring wedding is an enticing break from the monotony of the colder months, sure to increase that RSVP rate and bring together all those you haven’t seen since before the first snowfall.
#3 Temperate temperatures
With warm afternoons and cool evenings, the moderate embrace of spring is sure to create a comfortable atmosphere for your many celebrations. The perfect porridge for a wide array of guests, you’re certain to settle somewhere “just right” when it comes to desired degrees. No sweating through suits or shivering in sleeveless dresses, there will be smiles all around, allowing for an enjoyable exchange of vows.
Main photo credit Gulnara Samoilova
You’ve dodged enough red flags to make it to the altar, but unfortunately there’s still a few you’ll have to look out for when searching for a vow-worthy venue.
Though the historical mansion is beautiful on the outside, perhaps the interior doesn’t match the exterior? Or the incredibly popular modern museum that’s miraculously available on the exact day you need happens to also be hosting a splatter painting workshop in the same room?
There can be causes for concern no matter the space, but that doesn’t mean some can’t be worked around. We asked Great Performances Wedding Specialist Amanda DiUglio what she considers to be major red and green flags to watch out for when figuring out where to have your wedding.
The venue refuses to let you see the space before the event.
“Big red flag. Absolutely not. You should always walk through and see exactly what you’re getting before your wedding so you know what the layout’s going to be, how the day’s going to flow, and all of those important details.
The venue has bad reviews online.
“A big red flag. I think you should listen to all these other couples. I think take everything with a grain of salt, and I also recommend maybe reaching out to them if you see them on Instagram and asking them why they had a bad experience.”
They do have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
“Green…yes, absolutely! We love that. Especially if you’re outdoors! It does rain and we want to make sure that we are prepared for it. And if you plan for it, it normally doesn’t happen. So take the backup plan!”
They provide you limited time to set up.
“Is there a middle ground? I think that could be a beige flag. Having vendors that know the space and know how to work within the space is very important and what they can do is they’re going to showcase to you the things that you can do within that amount of time and…make sure that you’re guided the best way possible.”
You’re the only event at the venue that day.
“Green. I think that’s a must…it’s your special day. You’re paying a lot of money for this and we want to make sure that you are the shining star that day and all attention is on you. So definitely make sure that you are the only event happening that day.”
The venue is available for your desired date but has repairs scheduled for months prior.
“I think that’s ok…I’d get some more information on exactly what that is and what their schedule is…is it the end of their scheduled maintenance or is it the beginning of it?”
The venue has limited parking.
“Green. That’s okay! You run into that in a lot of venues, specifically more historical venues. There’s ways that you’ll work with valet companies to make it work for your event.”
They work with Great Performances.
“Biggest green flag out there. We’re so excited to partner with our exclusive venues and with our preferred venues. We’re honored to be part of your wedding!”
Main photo by Joseph Lin
When the shimmering glitter of engagement bliss finally settles, newly-weds-to-be are often left facing the formidable undertaking that is planning a wedding. With guest lists and garments being but a few items on the intimidating agenda which precedes the big day, couples arrive wearily at the inevitable and overwhelming question of “Where do I start?”
We asked Great Performances Wedding Specialist Amanda DiUglio her thoughts on what these fresh fiancés should focus on in the first weeks of the planning process.
#1 Enjoy the time
Between cake tastings, venue tours, and figuring out how to tell your Texan uncle that you’ve asked the DJ not to play any line dances, you’ll find yourself at the altar before you can say “I do”. Amanda insists that taking things slow and trying to enjoy the planning process is imperative, stating, “Don’t rush into everything! The time will go super fast and we want you to live in the moment and celebrate with all the people that you love.”
#2 Hire a planner
Beyond an average get-together, even individuals most inclined to organization might find themselves unprepared to take on such a vast task. “A planner is invaluable in the planning process,” says Amanda. “They’ll help you with all the details. They’re really your rock as you go through all of the contracts and negotiations, and can really be a good person to help lead that charge.”
#3 Start with a venue
You can’t begin a painting without first picking out your canvas, and so too does this apply to planning the perfect wedding. Understanding what’s possible within a space can help you make informed decisions on all other aspects, from where you’ll get dressed to how big the dance floor is. Amanda assures, “Once you find the best wedding venue for you, all the other pieces will fall into place.” She also points out that venues are often, “…associated with caterers and florists, and have a great preferred list,” which can help to jumpstart those next steps.
Check out our wedding gallery below to get some more inspiration for your upcoming nuptials!
Elevate Your Wedding Experience: Creating Cozy Lounge Areas for Your Guests
One of the enduring trends we’ve noticed at events, and especially at weddings, is adding warm, inviting lounge areas. Beyond traditional seating arrangements, these cozy nooks offer a retreat for your guests, giving them a comfortable, beautiful space to relax, connect, and recharge.
1. Embrace the Space: We love open floor plans, and a unique way to add warmth and modernity is by incorporating open lounge spaces. Breaking up a large area with a cozy nook creates a warm and welcoming space for guests to unwind, share stories, and celebrate the event.
2. Casual Elegance: Whatever your wedding style, from informal garden parties to a more formal affair, lounge areas can help strike the perfect balance between casual and elegant. Couches and chairs can be found to match your style, with cushions and throws adding pops of color and warmth. Don’t forget to add some tables for guests to rest their drinks and plates.
3. Personalized Touches: Personal details, from framed photos to unique décor, infuse your love story into the spaces. Also consider placing your Guest Book to be signed in a lounge!
4. Small Living Room Vibes: Grouping seating around low tables creates a small living room setting, inviting connection and conversations – and a place to set down drinks and small plates.
5. Create Movement: Think of a lounge area as a station – guests will be encouraged to mix and mingle as they enjoy the different elements of your event, from food, to drink, to people.
6. Make Space For All Guests: Lounge areas can be especially important for guests who have accessibility needs as lounges provide a comfortable, beautiful space to rest and enjoy the company of others.
Including a lounge area into your wedding planning is a thoughtful way to enhance your guests’ overall experience and elevate your celebration. They’re easily customizable, and can add comfort, warmth, and increased connection for your guests.
For some inspiration, check out our gallery of some of our favorite (and guests’ favorite!) lounge areas.
THE TOP LANDMARK WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK
From the STATUE OF LIBERTY to the PUBLIC LIBRARY,
find the perfect landmark venue for your wedding
Make a historical moment by getting married in one of the multiple landmarks in New York. We have put together a list of the top landmark wedding venues in New York to make it easier for your dreams to become a reality. Check out what we consider to be the top landmark wedding venues in New York.
Make your wedding memorable as Ellis Island offers your guests a once in lifetime experience with exclusive use of Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Skyline as your backdrop.
The magnificent space NYPL can cater to both intimate gatherings as well as large size weddings. This landmark building offers four classically elegant rooms for events.
This four-acre park like no other: an urban oasis with a world-class design and unparalleled skyline views, perfect for outdoor weddings and receptions.
Adjacent to both Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, Governors Island offers several rental spaces with spectacular views throughout the season. You can celebrate your dream wedding outdoor or use the historic Pershing Hall building.
LMCC’s Arts Center at Governors Island offers over 11,000 square foot of event space with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor.
This converted synagogue on the Lower East Side of Manhattan features Gothic arches, an ornate gold-leaf altar and vaulted ceiling. This magnificent structure dates back to 1849 and is a favorite venue for weddings.
This New York City landmark is a century-old historic venue to host your wedding. Since its construction in 1907, this fabled national landmark has hosted some of the most extraordinary New York City galas and events.
Famed as the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine’s powerful architecture and historical importance make it an impressive historic venue for your wedding.
Harlem’s renowned Apollo Theater has been delighting music lovers since 1934. The Apollo can host 350 members of your friends and family as you celebrate your union in this unique and soulful space that has been graced by music’s greatest including Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and the legendary Aretha Franklin.
Wave Hill’s 28-acre property is renowned for its award-winning botanical gardens, breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades and its historic mansions, at one time the home of Theodore Roosevelt, Arturo Toscanini and Mark Twain. It’s the perfect backdrop to your dream garden wedding.
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If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular landmark New York wedding venues, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly:
THE TOP NY MANSION WEDDING VENUES
Classic venues for intimate weddings, find the perfect mansion in New York to say your vows.
A wedding fit for a movie, a classic mansion wedding is always a no-fail way to tie the knot. We have put together a list of the top mansions in New York that serve as wedding venues to make it easier for your dreams to become a reality. Check out what Great Performances’ planners consider to be the top mansion wedding venues in New York.
Harold Pratt House
Harold Pratt House was constructed in 1919 as one of New York‘s grand Park Avenue mansions. It can host intimate weddings with different space requirements.
The house features a marble stairway connecting a variety of beautiful spaces including a Library, Reception, Drawing, Sitting and Ballroom. All feature cathedral ceilings, fireplaces and original chandeliers.
Wave Hill
Wave Hill’s 28-acre property is renowned for its award-winning botanical gardens, breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades and its historic mansions, at one time the home of Theodore Roosevelt, Arturo Toscanini and Mark Twain. It's the perfect backdrop to your dream mansion garden wedding.
Ukrainian Institute Of America
The Fletcher-Sinclair mansion, home to the Ukrainian Institute of America is an exceptional space with stunning architecture, world-class art exhibitions, and an unparalleled atmosphere — making it one of New York’s premiere Mansion event spaces.
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If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular mansion New York wedding venues, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly:
THE BEST WEDDING VENUES WITH A VIEW IN NEW YORK
A view that can TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY.
Find the perfect venue with a view in New York for your wedding.
A wedding above everything! A wedding with a view simply screams magical and you can do that in New York. We have put together a list of the top wedding venues with a view in New York to make it easier for your dreams to become a reality. Check out what we consider to be the top wedding venues in New York with view.
The 620 Loft & Garden, the penthouse of 620 Fifth Avenue, offers the exciting combination of a city garden and downtown style loft space for your special day. This rooftop garden is a perfect venue to say your I Do’s while being surrounded by the towering building of the city.
This four-acre park like no other: an urban oasis with a world-class design and unparalleled skyline views, perfect for outdoor weddings and receptions.
This modern venue offers windows facing North, South and West, and has four skylights which gives dramatic lighting for your intimate wedding. It can seat up to 150 people. The Penthouse is 4,500 square feet, has 24 windows on 3 sides, 4 large skylights, an easily accessible rooftop with a great view of the Empire State Building.
Glasshouse Chelsea is a unique, multi-functional venue on the 14th and 21st floors of the architecturally-acclaimed Chelsea Arts Tower in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood. The stunning view from this venue can be your wedding’s magical background.
The Glasshouse’s modern, clean space lends itself to all kinds of events especially weddings. This venue offers a breathtaking view of the city with indoor and outdoor spaces.
Adjacent to both Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, Governors Island offers several rental spaces with spectacular views throughout the season. You can celebrate your dream wedding outdoor or use the historic Pershing Hall building.
Hudson Mercantile, a portfolio of centrally located, clean, modern, white spaces in the Hudson Yards district of Midtown Manhattan. The 3 unique spaces in this venue can be converted into your dream wedding venue.
Glasshouse Chelsea is a unique, multi-functional venue on the 14th and 21st floors of the architecturally-acclaimed Chelsea Arts Tower in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood. The stunning view from this venue can be your wedding’s magical background.
Glasshouse Chelsea is a unique, multi-functional venue on the 14th and 21st floors of the architecturally-acclaimed Chelsea Arts Tower in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood. The stunning view from this venue can be your wedding’s magical background.
Wave Hill’s 28-acre property is renowned for its award-winning botanical gardens, breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades and its historic mansions, at one time the home of Theodore Roosevelt, Arturo Toscanini and Mark Twain. It’s the perfect backdrop to your dream garden wedding.
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If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular New York wedding venues with a view, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly:
THE BEST HISTORIC WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK
A touch of HISTORY when you say your vows. Find the perfect historic venue for your wedding.
Fancy getting wed in a history location? Make history where there is history by celebrating your special day in a historic venue. We have put together a list of the top historic wedding venues in New York to make it easier for your dreams to become a reality. Check out what we consider to be the top rooftop wedding venues in New York.
This New York City landmark is a century-old historic venue to host your wedding. Since its construction in 1907, this fabled national landmark has hosted some of the most extraordinary New York City galas and events.
Famed as the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine’s powerful architecture and historical importance make it an impressive historic venue for your wedding.
Part palace, part industrial shed, the Armory is dedicated to the development and presentation of work in the performing and visual arts best realized in a non-traditional setting. It has different spaces that can cater to your wedding’s size and requirements.
The 17,500-square-foot space features a main hall with a 70-foot ceiling and stained glass skylight that will definitely makes any wedding held here extra magical.
The Altman Building is a historic landmark in the heart of Chelsea and is a raw space waiting to be dolled up with your dream wedding motif.
From its modern glass and steel pavilion to the grandeur of the Beaux-Arts Court designed by McKim, Mead and White, the Brooklyn Museum is an ideal venue for the wedding of the ultimate art lover.
The Brooklyn Museum offers three space options that can accommodate medium to large size weddings.
Harold Pratt House was constructed in 1919 as one of New York‘s grand Park Avenue mansions. It can host intimate weddings with different space requirements.
The house features a marble stairway connecting a variety of beautiful spaces including a Library, Reception, Drawing, Sitting and Ballroom. All feature cathedral ceilings, fireplaces and original chandeliers.
The Hammerstein is an incredible venue for special events such as wedding. The 12,000 square feet ballroom, it can accommodate large groups for weddings and receptions.
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If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular historic New York wedding venues, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly:
THE TOP MODERN WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK
From clean raw space to a grand space covered in glass,
find the perfect place for your MODERN wedding
Modern times require modern venues to fit your needs, it might be a raw space ready to be filled with your ideas or a grand venue with a breathtaking view. We have put together a list of the top modern wedding venues in New York to make it easier for your dream tro become a reality. Check out what we consider to be the top modern wedding venues in New York.
The Glasshouse’s modern, minimalistic, and clean space in Hell’s Kitchen easily lends itself to all kinds of events, especially weddings. This venue offers a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city of Manhattan with indoor and outdoor spaces.
PlayStation Theater, located in the heart of Times Square: a modern, state of the art, and versatile event space perfect for events such as weddings. This venue is great for large scale weddings and reception with its 45,000 square feet of space and two VIP balconies with lounge seating.
Hudson Mercantile, a portfolio of centrally located, clean, modern, white spaces in the Hudson Yards district of Midtown Manhattan. The 3 unique spaces in this venue can be converted into your dream wedding venue.
The Pershing Square Signature Center is a modern venue with spaces such as theaters that is great for intimate weddings with small to medium sized number of guests.
The theaters and lobbies are the picture-perfect settings for a wide array of events including modern weddings.
The white box offers a unique raw space for your wedding. The south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows and 150 square foot sunroof fill the space with natural light as you say your vows.
With 40,000 square feet of column-free space and conveniently located at Pier 36 and South Street in Manhattan, it’s a perfect venue for large scale modern weddings in Manhattan.
This venue can seat up to 1000 and can be configured depending on the requirements needed for your special day.
Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Duggal Greenhouse is an exceptional choice for private functions such as weddings. It has a raw indoor space and a small outdoor space for cocktails. The Greenhouse is a laboratory in new technology, utilizing solar energy, organic air purification and eco-friendly building practices.
Metropolitan Pavilion is a premier Manhattan special events facility offering versatile room configurations in a convenient and historic Chelsea location. It’s perfect for modern style weddings within the city.
With 40,000 square feet of column-free space and conveniently located at Pier 36 and South Street in Manhattan, it’s a perfect venue for large scale modern weddings in Manhattan.
This venue can seat up to 1000 and can be configured depending on the requirements needed for your special day.
Project Farmhouse is a state-of-the-art sustainability center and event space that can host your intimate wedding event while exploring environmental issues through the lens of food, horticulture, arts, and more.
With over 6,300 square feet of space, the Mezzanine is a one-of-a-kind event space, perfect for intimate modern weddings within the city.
The Mezz is a one-of-a-kind event space, it features a 300-standing/150-seated capacity.
The Paley Center for Media is unique venue for weddings. The two theater can serve as your venue for I do’s and can be decked with your wedding’s motif.
This intimate performance venue with state-of-the-art audio and video broadcast studio is a unique setting for your special event such as weddings. It can set up to 120 people and the space can be customized to your preference.
The NY Genome Center has its own private entrance, a 180-seat auditorium, and a 92-seat cafe area. The event spaces can be converted into your preferred wedding venue requirements.
TheTimesCenter is a versatile, visually stunning, state-of-the-art event venue that can host your dream modern wedding in NY.
TheTimesCenter is comprised of The Stage and The Hall, each with its own unique lobby.
Skylight Modern offers 15,000 square feet of high-ceilinged space that is virtually column-free, and touches of exposed concrete add edge to the clean architecture. It’s the perfect raw space to paint your dream modern wedding in NYC.
The BRIC House Ballroom, main performance space has retractable seating that provides room for a seated even such as weddings. This modern venue also boasts state-of-the art AV technology.
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If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular modern New York wedding venues, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly:
THE TOP NY OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUES
Be ONE WITH NATURE while saying your vows, find the perfect outdoor venue for your wedding
Fresh air and birds in the sky, a perfect outdoor wedding in Manhattan is within your reach. We have put together a list of the top NY outdoor wedding venues in order to make it easier for your dreams to become a reality. Check out what we consider to be the top outdoor wedding venues in New York.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Caramoor is a 90 acre historic estate with wide gardens for your dream wedding.
The Sunken Garden, a three-tiered formal garden surrounded by woodlands is the most popular venue for a wedding ceremony.
Wave Hill’s 28-acre property is renowned for its award-winning botanical gardens, breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades and its historic mansions, at one time the home of Theodore Roosevelt, Arturo Toscanini and Mark Twain. It’s the perfect backdrop to your dream garden wedding.
The 620 Loft & Garden, the penthouse of 620 Fifth Avenue, offers the exciting combination of a city garden and downtown style loft space for your special day. This rooftop garden is a perfect venue to say your I Do’s while being surrounded by the towering building of the city.
This four-acre park like no other: an urban oasis with a world-class design and unparalleled skyline views, perfect for outdoor weddings and receptions.
Adjacent to both Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, Governors Island offers several rental spaces with spectacular views throughout the season. You can celebrate your dream wedding outdoor or use the historic Pershing Hall building.
Hudson Mercantile, a portfolio of centrally located, clean, modern, white spaces in the Hudson Yards district of Midtown Manhattan. The 3 unique spaces in this venue can be converted into your dream wedding venue.
Hudson Mercantile, a portfolio of centrally located, clean, modern, white spaces in the Hudson Yards district of Midtown Manhattan. The 3 unique spaces in this venue can be converted into your dream wedding venue.
Make your wedding memorable as Ellis Island offers your guests a once in lifetime experience with exclusive use of Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Skyline as your backdrop.
Katchkie Farm
An idyllic setting for weddings, Katchkie Farm boasts beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains, gently rolling hills, open fields, and gardens.
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If you want to learn more about having your wedding at one of these spectacular outdoor New York wedding venues, fill out the form below and a planner will reach out to you shortly: