Cover photo courtesy Christman Photography
With wedding trends constantly evolving, the allure of traditional ballroom weddings remains strong. There’s a steady interest by many couples who are drawn to the sense of tradition and timeless elegance that a ballroom wedding offers.
Recent data from The Knot also indicates that while banquet halls and barns each attract about the same percentage of American couples, traditional ballroom settings continue to hold appeal for those seeking a classic celebration.
Why a Ballroom Wedding
Couples choosing a ballroom seek a venue that offers a seamless wedding experience, covering planning, vendor selection, cuisine, and décor. This stress-free approach lets them enjoy their day. Ballrooms also offer sophistication that many newer venues lack.
Taylor Furry-Polomchak, a bride who recently celebrated her wedding at Historic Hotel Bethlehem, shared some of the reasons she and her husband chose a ballroom over a winery. “Hotel B[ethlehem] has been doing this for years…so I knew that they would have their act together.” She also talked about the event being more personal in the ballroom as guests would stay together instead of walking off to look around the grounds at a winery.
Another key advantage is the sense of continuity. Ballroom weddings are often at hotels that are local to the engaged couple. Many couples have cherished memories of visiting during their childhood. Furry-Polomchak said she and her husband also chose the hotel because it was located where they would meet for date nights. “Hotel B[ethlehem] held a special place in both of our hearts,” she said.
Couples often envision their wedding as the first chapter in a lifetime of memories. They may return to the venue for anniversaries, baby showers, birthdays, and eventually, their own children's weddings. This cyclical tradition makes it a sentimental choice for those who dream of a classic wedding. Over the years, the staff forms lasting friendships with many couples. These relationships highlight the impact a venue can have on a couple’s wedding experience. Furry-Polomchak advises couples to “make it a place that you can visit in the upcoming weeks, months, years, that you know will be around, make you smile when you come back, and make you think of those special memories held there.”
Personalizing the Traditional
While the setting is steeped in tradition, personalizing a ballroom wedding is possible. Venues work closely with couples to add unique touches that reflect their personalities. This could be anything from a signature drink to modern twists on old customs, like a private last dance, or seamlessly incorporating a trend like the non-white wedding dress (1920s era), which is on trend for 2024.
This blend of tradition and customization creates a perfect balance, allowing modern trends to be subtly integrated while preserving the venue's timeless charm. Interestingly, The Knot reported that 89% of newlyweds participate in a first dance, and 74% take part in a cake-cutting ceremony, underscoring the continued popularity of these traditional elements.
Furry-Polomchak emphasized the personal touch in her wedding, noting, "We were able to enjoy cocktail hour with our guests in the balconies above the ballroom, which made seeing the ballroom from a different perspective or ‘bird's eye view' very special for us. [The ballroom] came with the simple ivory linens, beautiful gold chairs, and that 'antique' feeling, which went well with our black and white wedding theme."
Advice for the Undecided
For couples still deciding, reflecting on the long-term significance of their choice is crucial. Planning a traditional ballroom wedding does come with its unique challenges. For example, historic venues may have limitations regarding guest capacity and décor options. However, a historic ballroom offers not just a stunning backdrop for their wedding day but also a place to revisit and create new memories over the years.
Furry-Polomchak adds this advice, "Think about how the day will go [and] the amount of support staff at the location…Hotel B[ethlehem] has a great reputation for their customer service, which aided in choosing our reception site.” She added that even though family didn’t influence the decision to have a traditional ballroom wedding, the couple still thought about their guests and their preferences. Though ultimately she says, “most of all, think about YOU."
Editor's Note: To read about couples parting ways with tradition, click here.
Kathy Sanders is the Sales Manager, Event/Wedding Specialist for Historic Hotel Bethlehem. She has been with the hotel thirteen of her thirty years in the hospitality industry. Creating weddings and special events is her passion. Kathy has coordinated over 1000 weddings and countless memorable events in her career. Kathy has two children and four grandchildren and her best work is planning for her own family’s holidays, birthdays and family celebrations.
