We have begun looking at venues and the location we most likely will go with has an upstairs and a downstairs. You can rent just one floor or the whole building. We really only need the square footage of the main floor (also comes with large balcony space for an additonal bar area). We would have a large curtain hung to divide the space so guests could not see the table/reception decor on the other side until after the ceremony.
The large balcony area is big enough to host cocktail hour, but then guests could see the "transformation" of the space as tables were pulled out, uplighting was moved around and ceremony chairs were pulled away.
We are wondering if we should just opt to rent the additional downstairs space for cocktail hour and have guests directed down there once the ceremony is over, that way once the flip is done and dinner begins it will be a "big reveal". However, this would be at the extra cost of renting the additional space and some additional decor.
Do you think it's worth it? Would it bother you as a guest to see the tables and chairs being moved down below if you were enjoying cocktail hour from the balcony? Not sure if this is tacky or I'm just thinking too much into it.
Thanks ladies!!