As an event organizer in Louisiana, choosing the right venue is one of the biggest challenges you have to deal with. This decision can affect how the rest of the event unfolds, making it a critical one to make. It helps to narrow your choices to the best Louisiana event venues, but how do you choose the right one? We can help you with tips on picking the best venue, finding proper table linens and other decorations, and suggesting the top venues in the area.
Budgeting for a Louisiana Wedding
According to a news report, the average cost of holding a wedding in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, is around $75,000. It is said to be because the city is one of the major wedding destination sites in the US.
When setting a wedding budget, the biggest chunk of the spending is allotted to venue and catering at around 40%. It means that you should be extra careful in choosing the venue based on how much it costs and several other factors.
There are many venue types you can consider. You can host a wedding or most events at restaurants, hotels, resorts, bars, breweries or wineries, conference halls, art galleries, and barns. Event facilities like sports clubs, stadiums or arenas, mansions, colleges or universities, and botanical gardens are common choices.
Choosing Louisiana Event Venues
After setting the budget, it’s time to look at a list of venues. Consider the following event venue checklist to complete your event planning:
1. Location
Find a location accessible to most attendees to increase the attendance rate and reduce the number of late arrivals.
2. Cost
Time the event right to lower the cost of the venue. Weekends are expensive to book. Watch out for peak seasons as well.
3. Parking Space
A venue with available parking space is ideal, but if not, look for one with nearby parking lots.
4. Capacity
Eliminate the event venue rental if it cannot accommodate your wedding party or if your party cannot reach the venue’s food and beverage minimums.
5. Amenities
Some venues offer a kitchen where you can prepare food and drinks. Others partner with caterers to provide guests with what they need. If you have your caterer, ensure you can bring outside food in.
Don’t forget to ask if the venue has tables and chairs. Invest in these items if they do but their existing tablecloths, event chair covers, and other decorations do not match your theme. You can find event linens in various materials, artificial flowers, dinnerware, wedding arches, and backdrops here at CV Linens.
6. Acoustics
Party it up properly with superb acoustics. Find a venue that amplifies sound balanced with the right amount of echoes.
Top Louisiana Event Venues to Consider
Here are the top venues you might want to look into:
Photo credit: WeddingSpot
This New Orleans venue has been around for over four decades. Guests who choose The Balcony Ballroom can book the venue and enjoy its custom-made elegance.
Photo Credit: The White Magnolia
Located in Kentwood, Louisiana, The White Magnolia is an excellent combination of modern and vintage in a barn sitting on top of a hill with a panoramic view of expansive land and magnolia trees. Its barn has a brick fireplace, pine floors, and vaulted ceilings, perfect for a romantic wedding.
Photo Credit: The Dixie Gin
Found in the Shreveport-Bossier area, The Dixie Gin offers a unique Southern charm, with its chapel with wooden pews and sliding barn doors. Aside from the ceremony, you can host a reception for up to 150 people.
Photo Credit: The Fleur De Lis Event Center
It is one of the event centers for rent in Mandeville that is perfect for those looking to add some French Quarter influence to their wedding. It has a caterer who can provide Cajun-style dishes for your intimate reception.
5. The Chicory
Photo Credit: The Chicory
This New Orleans venue is ideal for couples looking for a reception with an industrial-chic appeal and bayou vibe. Guests will be treated to exposed beams, brick walls, and gas lanterns.
6. Oak Lodge
Photo Credit: Eventective
Oak Lodge is perfect if you have a wedding party of 30 to 500 guests. It has a large reception center for a grand reception, with its oak dance floor, Tiffany-style chandeliers, and a gazebo and large patio. It also has intimate rooms for smaller events.
Find the best Louisiana event venues using these tips. Next, look at our tablecloths, chair sashes, drapes, and lighting to dress up your chosen venue.