Ideas or Suggestions on How to make use of split level venue so that everyone feels involved

sherrondamartin

My fiance and I decided to go with a venue that allowed us to bring in our own people and rent the space out at a decent price. This is why we chose "The Gallery" in Houston. This venue is a very uniquely styled place with a vintage Mediterranean feel to it...this is why we love it so much. It's just different not your norm reception hall. However, we've set a date already and put a deposit down on this SPLIT LEVEL venue. My fear is that our guests seated on the second level will not feel involved in the reception at all, just because they are on the 2nd level. I'm looking for ideas on how to keep them interested and to not feel like they are being left out because they are upstairs and me and the mr and others are downstairs....PLEASE ADVISE!! I'm almost reconsidering the venue based on this alone! Hey I'd get back at least a grand from the $2200 I put down already...

jen2013

how many would be upstairs approximately?

vpine

Wow, I understand that you'd want something unique but as a guest, I would want to be on same level as bride/groom.

nikbaylor

Will you be seating people on separate floors, or will everyone be seated on the first floor with the second floor to be used just for mingling?

PJS001

Are you going to have formal seating with a seating chart, formal seating with people choosing where they sit or more of a lounge feel?

I went to a wedding where the venue was two levels and I think it worked fine. They had the head table/sweetheart table on the first floor and had it right next to the dance floor. They then had informal seating for dinner on the second floor. I think they made this work best because the buffet dinner was served upstairs so people were already up there. The multi-level was also ideal for people who did want to dance, but wanted to be part of the action. They were able to watch from the second story balcony without being completely in it.

jen2013

I think it could definately work. a lot of brides have had it there and used both floors. maybe have the buffet on both floors so people dont have to go up or down with food and drink. ( it it is a buffet ) and like a PP said maybe you can have your table close to the dance floor so people upstairs can see. I think if you dont make it a big deal then others wont think to make it a big deal. it's great for people who would rather watch then be right in the action

Fullwed

I would have to agree with the other Knottie in that open seating may work so that everyone can mingle.  Both floors would then be open to everyone.  Also, although it may be a bit more trouble.....I would make sure that the Bride & Groom spent some degree of time upstairs.  Just an idea.

sherrondamartin

Thanks for the responses ladies...
@Jen2013...yeah i was thinking about 100 on each level...
@vpine..one of bridesmaids made light of that to me once before
@nikbaylor....I considered that idea, but that would bring my guest count down quite a bit, which is not quite what i was hoping to do
@PJS001...I was considering placing the buffet on the 2nd floor, there is a room that could be used for buffet service alone, but there will be formal seating with a seating chart
@Fullwed, I suppose the open seating idea is best but for sure reserve the seating for the elder attendees in the wedding party like our parents, grandparents etc.

I'm certainly considering having the buffet on both floors to ease the up and down traffic with the food and beverage!

THANKS LADIES...I'm feeling somewhat better about the decision!!! I think it can work!
You guys rock!

dixonkr

I say have reserved seating on bottom for wp and immediate family as well as any guests with mobility issues. After that I'd do open seating.

sherrondamartin

That's exaclty what we have settled on...

Thanks dixonkr

"SayiDo" 9-15-12