WEDDING PLANNER
Where to wed
New approaches to the perfect wedding venue By Carol Diggs
C
OVID-19 spurred lots of creativity among couples planning weddings, including some new ideas about venues. But unusual places can also require some creative thinking ahead to ensure your perfect day comes off perfectly. Here are a few options you might not have (yet!) considered.
Sarah Fay Waller, principal of Day by Fay, used the 2020 pandemic slowdown to brainstorm her annual style shoot, a mocked-up wedding to showcase and market her design skills. With two degrees in art history, Waller decided to explore the idea of staging an intimate wedding in a museum space—like the art gallery at the Quirk Hotel. The first question: What were the Quirk’s requirements and restrictions? Luckily, the Quirk’s gallery is part of a site designed for hospitality; it might be different at a free-standing gallery or museum. For example, Waller says, “In some galleries, you can only do white wine rather than red, and in some, dancing is prohibited—loose arms/legs may damage art on display.” To that point, wedding insurance “is almost always required regardless of venue. But [for a gallery/museum] it might be recommended or required to get coverage for $2 million rather than $1 million.” And, depending on the art, you might consider either asking guests with small children to arrange for a sitter, or holding the reception/meal in another space. Next question: What is the gallery exhibiting? Ultracontemporary art may not fit your traditional style—or, alternatively, what’s on display may provide inspiration for your wedding theme. Waller keyed her design to the Quirk’s exhibit of two contemporary artists (a watercolorist and a photographer), and sought-out vendors whose work would complement her vision. Waller suggests that, for any wedding plans, couples start out with a list of “non-negotiables—for some, this might include amazing food and drink, or stunning views, or guest experience.” Those requirements can help you determine if a potential venue fits the bill.
JOHN ROBINSON
THE GALLERY WEDDING
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