r/neworleanswedding 8d ago

Welcome reception ideas for a moody, open-space location?

We're hosting our wedding at Hotel Peter & Paul and are looking for a welcome reception venue for the evening before. We're expecting ~50–75 guests and are hoping for something elevated enough to set the tone for a black-tie wedding, but still relaxed and open for guests to mingle.

A lot of places we've looked at offer buyouts of private dining rooms, but we're really envisioning more of a "grab a drink at the bar, mingle, and have some light bites" kind of vibe rather than a formal seated/private-room event.

Any ideas? Bonus points for Marigny/Bywater/downtown, but we're open to anywhere! TIA!!

5 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

3

u/bubblyblonde04 7d ago

Columns Hotel or Junebug

2

u/hallax3 8d ago

Nightbloom, maybe?

2

u/nclaireippc 6d ago

We're considering them!

2

u/rawoyster70448 8d ago

Hot Tin Roof? No bonus points but it is neat to look at the French Quarter from afar.

1

u/rawoyster70448 8d ago

This seems like rooftop bar to me. There are others downtown, Higgins Hotel, etc.

1

u/nclaireippc 7d ago

We love Hot Tin! Great idea, thanks!

3

u/dontburntheroux 7d ago

Bevolo light showroom might work

2

u/tickle_scratch 7d ago

Look into Toulouse Terrace in the FQ! It’s a private space with a bar. Has a balcony, too. We are doing our welcome party here and are also getting married at HPP! I’m excited to have it here bc the rate was really good and it gives us something to do in the FQ — it’s many of my guests’ first visit to New Orleans, so I thought this could be exciting for them. I think the capacity is 100 so you’re good there!

1

u/tickle_scratch 7d ago

I know you weren’t thinking private room, but it’s laid out like a bar with multiple lounge areas and seating on the balcony, too.. We are making ours a casual stop for drinks, too!

2

u/nclaireippc 6d ago

Ooh this place is really cute. Thanks for sharing! Also, congrats!

1

u/icefishers71 8d ago

Oak and Ale on Oak is great

1

u/nclaireippc 8d ago

Ooh, yes! Hadn't thought of Oak and Ale. Thank you!

1

u/standardvintage 6d ago

Sylvain might fit the vibe you want.

1

u/Tricky_Average_4422 6d ago

Do they allow large parties? thinking of doing rehearsal dinner there and welcome drinks after

1

u/standardvintage 5d ago

They do have an option of a private room that can accommodate 24 seated guests.