Wedding Reception at a Restaurant - Can I do That?

March kicks off a whole new blog set for Estoria Social.  We want to bring you more information, How To's and pretty pictures to whet your appetite! From venue selection to budget planning, more personal behind the scenes looks on "Lifting the Veil" and a lot more from our own brides, we've got the schedule filled with goodies!

This week, we wanted to focus on selecting a venue, inspired by real life conversations with our couples.  We cannot tell you how many phone calls and emails we get from clients asking "what's an affordable, all-inclusive alternative to a classic Atlanta wedding venue?"  The requirements include a place intown, close to hotels and nightlife, filled with good food and an atmosphere sophisticated enough for a wedding with just the right amount of laid-back attitude. Now, let us be the first to say, we  still love the classic spaces throughout our city and beyond, but our clients push us to find something  unique to fit their style, and we must answer the call to think outside the box!

Over the last few years, we've seen restaurants making a huge comeback on the wedding scene. We've heard people ask "A reception at a restaurant - Can I do that?" We say of course you can! Think about it - you've got amazing food, cool atmosphere, alcohol on premises (more about this in our next post),  and all of the necessities to make for an awesome party.  We've put together our top three recommendations for a lovely and sophisticated restaurant reception. 

1. Empire State South  999 Peachtree Street

Via Style Me Pretty

Love an adorable Chef with a unibrow who was also on Bravo's Top Chef?  Empire State South boasts incredible food from Chef Hugh Acheson and is gorgeous to boot.  Its gussied up Southern menu and warm interior reminds us of eating in a farmhouse, without having to escape to the country.  The restaurant has a private event space for rentals, however, the entire restaurant can be yours as well.  The bocce court and covered patio makes for an awesome ceremony space for the non-traditional couple.  This is also an AWESOME space for a rehearsal dinner. 

2. JCT Kitchen and Bar 1198 Howell Mill Rd.

via Kyle Hale Photography

When we walked into JCT Kitchen and Bar, we felt like we found what Estoria Social might look should it be reborn as a restaurant.  Inviting, unpretentious and understated, JCT Kitchen is a bright and cheery restaurant with a phenomenal menu to boot.  Any couple could make this space their own whether it is a laid back farm style, sleek and modern with metallics or completely funky and bohemian like the wedding featured above.  The inner courtyard (which is shared with our next space) makes for the ultimate industrial chic wedding space.  This place sells out like hotcakes when it comes to wedding season, and weddings can only be held on Sunday, so if you love it, book it!

3.  Abattoir 1198 Howell Mill rd.

Via Star Chefs

Via Garden and Gun

Don' let the name worry you, the large open space, filled with natural light, is a part of the Star Provisions Restaurant group.  If good food and good wine are your priorities, then Abattoir is a foodie couple's dream come true.  Big enough for a dance space, the beautifully designed restaurant has its own farm tables, outdoor seating space and amazing wine list.  

So there you have it! Our top three restaurants-to-reception spaces in Atlanta.  On our next blog, we explore the pros and cons of classic and non-traditional wedding spaces.  It might just stop you from chasing your tail!