Wedding Reception Forum

Can I reuse my sister's venue?

Hi all -

My sister got married in June of 2011. I am thinking of using the same reception venue in October - 4 years later. The main reason is I always loved the venue and the price is right ;). Anyone think this is super weird? I feel like people might think it's "sloppy seconds". Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

- Confused Bride to be

Re: Can I reuse my sister's venue?

  • There's absolutely nothing wrong with that decision! It's a different wedding with different people and different decor. If you love it, go for it. 

    Small disclaimer, however: we don't know you and your sister's relationship. If you think she'll make a stink (which she shouldn't, since that would be silly), you'll have to weigh the potential drama against the venue. But really, you can do what you'd like!
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  • She doesn't have any claim over the venue and it will likely look very different with your decor and colours versus hers.  Feel free to choose the venue without breaking any etiquette or anything. 
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  • I see nothing wrong with it.  I know someone who had 2 siblings get married at the same place she had hers...if you like it and they do a good job, why not. 
  • Did you ask your sister how she feels? I'd say if she doesn't care then go for it. If it's going to cause an issue between you two, then I'd probably look elsewhere. I know I really don't want to have mine where my friends had theirs (don't have any sisters), it's just a preference. But if it's not an issue that your sister used it and she won't have a major issue then go for it.
  • I think enough time will have passed that it would definitely be alright.  I say this as someone from a small-ish town, where there are only a few "good" venues for weddings.  I lobbied for my sister to use the venue we used because they were fantastic and I wanted her to have a good experience.  She ultimately decided on a more rustic setting, but I would not have cared if she had chosen the same place.

    If you feel it would be appropriate to talk to your sister, I might approach it more from the position of giving her a heads up that the venue is on your radar and why you love it, rather than asking for permission since it's not really hers to give in any case.


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    Anniversary


  • If I were your sister, I'd be flattered that you liked my venue so much that you wanted the same venue.  I'd also be excited to go back and enjoy my wedding venue as a guest!
  • Technically, no, there shouldn't be a problem with it. But in reality, some people don't always act like grown-ups about these things. Weddings can bring out the crazy in people. So I would run it by your sister first. Who knows, she may just appreciate being asked. If she does get upset about it, then you can weigh what kind of damage it would do to your relationship (which, again, should be none, but you never know with weddings).
  • 3 of my 4 girls will have used the same reception venue. Not a thing wrong with wanting to use your sister's venue. I would hope that isn't a problem for her.
  • I don't see any reason why you can't use your sister's venue.

    If possible, I would plan for different flowers, music, food, and other features to distinguish between her wedding and yours more readily.
  • We haven't booked yet but we are seriously considering my FI's sister's venue. It is in our top 2 choices and at this point we are just trying to figure out where we can get the better deal.  His sister is a little weird and when I told her I had an appointment to look at it she kind of had a bit of attitude about it. But she has an attitude about everything so the way I am looking at it is, her wedding is over and done and it is not like she has exclusive rights to the venue. You and your sister are probably a lot closer than myself and my FI's sister so your feelings might be different.  

    The probability that your guests have been to another wedding at your venue are high as well. So I don't think anyone would ever look at the same venue as sloppy seconds.  Every wedding is different and your guests will know that. 
  • There's nothing wrong with using her venue.  Actually, it's not "her" venue, it's a venue that she and lots of others have had receptions at.  Your guests most likely won't compare, since it's a different couple, year, DJ, color scheme, etc.
  • I think people WILL compare. I know I would. I'd be thinking "Oh, last time I was here they had the DJ over there" and stuff like that. I'd also be thinking "Hmmm, I like they way they had passed apps at the last one, but I like the cake at this one". 

    The question is: is that a problem for you? If you and your sister are competitive, or that type of comparisons will bother you, don't do it. If it's fine with you, go for it!
  • You obviously had a good experience at the venue in regards to the food, service, etc. so why not use a place that you've been to and been happy with. Also if she had other vendors that will work for you, no reason to not use them because she did. Your weddings will be different because your colors will be different, your dress will be different and there will be other things that will make them different.

    N

  • I agree with the other knotties. Ask your sister and if she's ok with it, go for it! I too would be flattered if my sister used the same venue as me, heck I'd even give her my decorations. No two weddings are the same, because it's different people getting married. You two are what will make it special and unique!
  • I don't see anything wrong with using the same venue, especially since it's 4 years later!
  • I would love to go to a wedding at my venue!  But yes, ask your sister to make sure it is cool with her. Some people get territorial over "their wedding."  
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    Anniversary
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