Reasons to Choose City Over Country For Your Wedding

CITY CHIC VS. CHARMING COUNTRYSIDE

Planning a wedding is full of decision making, every decision is crucial and has an impact on the final outcome on the big day itself. Finding a venue is up there as one of the biggest decisions you have ahead of you and before this comes the choice of setting.

As an experienced Wedding Planner I have helped countless couples plan their special day, whether this be in a secluded country Manor House or slap-bang in the middle of a bustling city, and what makes each and every choice of venue a special one is that it is personal to each and every couple – There should be no rules! I’m going to outline some of the reasons why you could consider an urban backdrop over that rustic country fairy-tale, and believe me, there are plenty!

VIBE

Let’s start by discussing something you absolutely will not find in the countryside. The energy in the city is like no other, choose a city wedding and you will see the faces of strangers lighting up as they see you in your wedding get-up, cars and buses will toot in congratulations and you can suck it all up by walking the streets between your ceremony and reception venue. There is a buzz in a city that you can not possibly replicate in a rural setting, if you are city-dwelling sweethearts you will already recognise this vibe!

VENUE

When it comes to planning a wedding, you will be spoilt for choice in the city with a wealth of options regardless of what type of venue you are looking for. If you are after a religious ceremony you will no doubt have a variety of possibilities available to you, this is most definitely not the case in a rural spot. Not only do cities have hotels and manor houses like in the countryside, they are also perfect if you are looking for somewhere a little out of the ordinary to exchange your vows. The city is full of one of a kind hang-outs - from restored buildings steeped in history to industrial lofts with views of the entire city. Choosing city will give you a wider, more varied selection of potential venues with the added advantage of guaranteed wow factor for your guests! Check out these cool Bristol city venues.

SUPPLIERS

It’s obvious, but in a city setting you will have the choice of so many different suppliers. From florist to photographers and stylists you will be choosing from the best of the best and you won’t need to settle for any that you don’t absolutely love.

TRANSPORTATION

A large cost associated with many rural weddings is transportation, specially from ceremony to reception if your countryside retreat is a drive away from the only church in the area! This is another bonus of a city wedding, with convenience being key and several options being available if your venues are not only a short walk away, public transport or ridesharing services are sure to make things easy for your guests.

ACCOMMODATION

Many countryside venues do have the option of on-site accommodation and this is great, however it may only be available or suitable for a small number of your guests, meaning others will need to source a local B & B or a hotel in a neighbouring town, often not a distance you can safely walk and with no taxi service available after 10pm in some rural towns and villages, who will be the designated driver? Choosing a city location eliminates this issue with room deals for your guests if you choose to hold the reception at one of the many hotels and a variety of choices and options to suit any budget around the corner from any venue you decide on.

PHOTOS

This is where things get exciting, the city setting provides you with a wealth of options and unique spaces like nowhere else. Backdrops for your big day can include graffiti sprayed walls to iconic skylines and even green parks so that you can mix it up completely and make the most of your surroundings, guaranteed to be different every time. I would recommend looking for a photographer who is familiar with shooting in an urban environment, this will ensure no opportunity is missed to catch that perfect moment as the passing bus blows your veil dramatically in the air!

WEATHERPROOF

The marquee wedding of dreams, in the beautiful countryside is very much reliant on the Great British weather and let’s be honest, that is never guaranteed! A city wedding is completely weatherproof, just as atmospheric whether hot or cold, come rain or shine. With a growing number of options for outdoor, roof-top ceremonies you also no longer have to opt for something inside.

MAKE THE MOST OF IT

Not only can attending guests treat your wedding as an excuse for a city break and a chance for a mini holiday, but you can also be far more flexible with pre and post wedding events as well as using multiple venues for the wedding day itself. Perhaps you throw a welcome party at your favourite restaurant, say your vows in an industrial loft, followed by your wedding breakfast and reception in an old library and decide to meet everyone the morning after the wedding, to share stories, at a trendy brunch spot? The possibilities are endless and can be easily applied to both large and more intimate weddings.

Planning a wedding against the backdrop of a big city can seem intimidating at first but believe me, the potential is never-ending and it is easy to see why it is an attractive option for many newly engaged couples.

Perhaps consider investing in a Wedding Planner to help you navigate the sheer number or options a city provides; they can help to hunt down those jaw-dropping secret spots and recommend suppliers you will not want to marry without! Please remember, there is no right or wrong option when it comes to choosing your wedding venue and whether you choose to go traditional or innovative, I have no doubts it will be a day you will remember forever.