Hotel vs. Venue Wedding: How to Choose the Perfect Setting for Your Big Day

As you embark on your wedding planning journey, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is choosing the right setting for your celebration – Hotel vs Venue wedding. Should you opt for the ease and elegance of a hotel or the personalised charm of a dedicated venue? Each option has its own advantages, and we’re here to help you navigate this choice. While we may not cater directly at hotels, our services are perfect for those choosing bespoke venues. Let’s explore the benefits of each and how Table can still play a part in making your wedding weekend unforgettable.

Hotel Weddings: Convenience with a Touch of Luxury

Pros:

1. All-in-One Packages: Hotels often provide comprehensive packages that include everything from catering and accommodation to décor and event coordination. This can significantly reduce the stress of planning and simplify logistics, especially if you have many guests travelling from afar.
2. Guest Accommodation: With rooms on-site, your guests can easily transition from the celebration to their accommodation, making it a convenient option for everyone.
3. Weather-Proof Celebrations: With ample indoor space, you’re safe from Northern Ireland’s unpredictable weather.
4. Professional Service: Hotels are experienced in hosting events, ensuring that everything runs smoothly with trained staff ready to handle any issues that may arise.

Cons:

1. Cost: Hotel weddings can be pricey, with overall costs adding up quickly when factoring in venue fees, catering, decorations and other services offered by the hotel.
2. Limited Catering Choices: Many hotels have restrictions on external catering, which means you may miss out on the unique, personalised catering experience that we offer at Table.
3. Less Flexibility with Outside Vendors: Some hotels require you to use their preferred vendors, which can limit your options for caterers and other services.
4. Lack of Privacy: Unless you’ve rented the entire hotel, other guests may be present during your celebration, which could detract from the intimacy of your wedding.
5. Cookie-Cutter Experience: Hotels often host numerous weddings, which can make it challenging to create a unique atmosphere that reflects your personal style.

Our Role for Hotel Weddings:
If you choose a hotel for your main wedding celebration but still want a touch of Table’s signature charm, consider us for your pre- or post-wedding events. Imagine gathering with your closest friends and family for a Charcoal BBQ or a Fork Buffet the day before or after the wedding. It’s a relaxed way to extend the festivities and enjoy a more intimate atmosphere—perfect for unwinding and reflecting on your special day with your nearest and dearest.

Venue Weddings: Unleashing Your Creativity

Pros:

1. Customisation and Personalisation: Venues like Tullyveery House and Larchfield Estate offer a blank canvas for your wedding, allowing you to personalise everything from décor to dining experiences. This is ideal if you want your wedding to reflect your unique style and story.
   
2. Flexible Catering Options: This is where we truly shine at Table! We believe that your wedding menu should be as unique as your love story. We offer a range of bespoke options—from rustic BBQ feasts, Burrito Bars to Fork Buffet meals—all tailored to your tastes and the vibe of your venue.
3. Scenic Locations: Venues such as Breckenhill and Old Court Wedding Company provide breathtaking backdrops that elevate your wedding photography and overall experience.

Cons:

1. More Coordination Required: With more options come more decisions. You’ll need to coordinate with multiple vendors, but the reward is a day that’s truly yours.
2. Potentially Higher Costs: While DIY venues can offer flexibility, they may also lead to higher costs if you need to hire multiple vendors for catering, decor, and rentals.

Why Choose Table for Venue Weddings?
At Table, we pride ourselves on delivering discreet service paired with delicious food to ensure your wedding day is both seamless and enjoyable for you and your guests. Here’s how we can make your venue wedding that bit more special:

1. Bespoke Menus: We work with you to design a menu that suits your style and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a casual BBQ or an elegant seated dinner, our menus are crafted with fresh, local ingredients to delight your guests.
2. Rustic Yet Chic Vibes: Our Charcoal BBQs and Fork buffets are perfect for creating that relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere you’re looking for. Picture a sunny afternoon at The Green Holiday Cottages, with guests mingling over marinated chicken skewers and vibrant summer salads served in a beautiful outdoor setting.
3. Dedicated Service Team: Our experienced team will ensure everything runs smoothly—from setting up the buffet to managing the flow of your event—so you can focus on enjoying every moment.

Perfect for Post-Wedding Celebrations

If your main wedding event is taking place at a hotel but you want a more relaxed atmosphere to close out your wedding weekend, consider hosting a post-wedding celebration at one of Northern Ireland’s beautiful venues. A laid-back BBQ or buffet is an ideal way to say goodbye to your guests in style.

Menu Ideas for a Post-Wedding BBQ:

• Char-Grilled Meats: Think juicy Irish Steak Burgers, Jumbo Sausage, Slow-cooked Pulled Pork and Marinated Chicken Skewers—all cooked to perfection over an open flame.
• Grazing Options: A selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits crackers and bread —perfect for a relaxed afternoon gathering.
• Delicious Desserts: End on a sweet note with our selection of mini desserts—from rich chocolate brownies, cheesecakes, meringue and more.

Let’s Make It Unforgettable

Your wedding should be a true reflection of who you are as a couple, and at Table, we’re dedicated to making your culinary experience as unique as possible. Whether it’s a Bespoke Wedding menu at a venue like Grace Hall or a relaxed post-wedding BBQ in your parent’s back garden, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Some Recommended Wedding Vendors

To help with planning other quirky ideas to make your wedding celebrations even more unique, check out our Recommended Suppliers page for vendors that we love, who can assist in bringing your dream wedding together seamlessly. We will continue to update this page as we discover new ones. We love all the creativity within our local wedding suppliers!

But regardless of which option you choose, consider extending your wedding celebrations with a relaxed second-day event. At Table, we offer delicious Charcoal BBQ or Fork Buffet options that are perfect for an intimate gathering with close family and friends. Our catering services are available at all of our favourite venues, ensuring your celebrations are filled with mouth-watering food and unforgettable memories.

When it comes to choosing the perfect setting for your wedding, take time to visit both hotel packages and DIY venues. Attend Wedding Fairs (see Belfast Wedding Festival and Wedding Journal), meet with venue coordinators and envision yourself celebrating in each space. Trust your instincts—choose the venue that feels right for you and your partner.

Ready to start planning with us? Get in touch today to discuss how we can help make your wedding weekend truly special! Visit our website or contact us directly to find out more about our bespoke catering services!

Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding day is the love you share with each other. Whether you choose a hotel package or a DIY venue, that setting will simply be the backdrop for your lifelong commitment together. Happy planning!