While there are many venue options to select from for a city wedding in Switzerland, Hotels can be one of the best choices! For couples with a larger guest list, many ballrooms can accommodate a larger guest count. And for couples who want to create a complete wedding weekend experience, hotels can allow guests to stay right on-site. This is especially great for destination weddings, since guests will know exactly where to stay. It also lets you have a mini-moon after the wedding since you can stay at the hotel!
As you start to look at wedding venues, I wanted to share what you should consider before choosing a hotel for your wedding reception. Just like all venues, there will be some important details to consider!
View The Getting Ready Room
When visiting hotels, ask to visit the suites where you will be getting ready. You want to make sure it is filled with natural light and has a neutral background. This way, your photographer can capture the best images! You will also want to make sure it is a large space, especially if you have bridesmaids or family getting ready with you. You want to be as relaxed as possible on the morning of your wedding, and having a clean and bright space with plenty of room, will start your wedding day off right!
Look Into Rentals And Flowers
Some hotels will provide tables, chairs, and flowers, but that doesn’t mean they will fit your design vision. See if you can have additional rentals brought into the space. Most hotels will have basic chairs, which will not look as polished. So consider changing the chairs to more luxury ones that will tie into your decor.
Another vendor you may need to hire is a florist. Some hotels will provide basic flowers, but they might not fit your color palette or design. So ask the hotel if you can bring in your own florist or floral designer and the decor rules. Some hotels may not allow certain items to be brought in, or flowers hung from chandeliers, so clarify the rules before finalizing your design.
Hire a Wedding Planner
While a hotel will have staff on hand on the wedding day, they are not wedding planners. They will not take care of any custom details, including setting up the event how you want it. They won’t place name cards, create custom menus, or help you create a seating layout. That is where having a wedding planner and designer comes in! If you are looking for a personalized event that is customized for the two of you, hire a full-service wedding planning and design company! Here at Weddings By Loukia, we will work with you to create a bespoke and timeless event where every detail is carefully curated and designed.
Have The Champagne At Cocktail Hour
Many hotels will offer a complimentary glass of champagne for dessert. However, we suggest moving it to the cocktail hour, so that you can greet guests with champagne! We often find that when champagne is served in the evening with the dessert and cake, most guests skip it, and unfortunately, most of it is wasted. If you can have the champagne served during cocktail hour, you will kick off the reception with some bubbly, and guests are more likely to drink it all!
Ask If You Can Customize Your Menu
While some hotels will work closely with you to create a customized dinner menu, some will have pre-set menus you can select from. If a personalized dinner is important to you, make sure you ask what their options are for creating a menu.
Ask About The Timeline
Before you pick a hotel, ask them how late you can host your reception. Some hotels will only allow music until 1 AM, and some even earlier! So if you are planning for a late-night reception, make sure the hotel will accommodate that.
Finding a Hotel For Your Wedding Reception
As you start to plan your wedding here in Geneva and elsewhere in Switzerland, having an expert at your side will make planning much easier! We can help you from the very beginning of your planning and help you find the perfect venue or hotel for your wedding. Whether you dream of a countryside elopement or a luxurious three-day weekend in Geneva, we can help you design and execute your vision! Not only will we help you with the design and decor, but we will be there on the day of your wedding to make everything happen. We do it all, from setting up decor to creating a timeline! Reach out today, and let’s plan your perfect day!
Vendors:
Photography: Celine Chan
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Geneva
Wedding Dress: Calla Lillies Studio
Hair and make-up: Juliet Martin
Florals: Weddings By Loukia
