Suggestions for a 1920s-themed local wedding?
Allison emails with a fun question:
I'm recently engaged and am overwhelmed with all the potential wedding venues in our area. To help narrow the choices down, I've decided on a 1920's era themed wedding (secretly hoping Hemingway crashes my party, drunk).
Can you guys help a girl out with some vintage-y and spacious venues? And if you have any other dope ideas for center pieces, signature drinks, etc. please do not hold back.
This area has no shortage of wedding venues -- and some of them even date back to the 1920s (or thereabout).
So, got a suggestion for Allison? Please share!
Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.
Comments
As far as a signature cocktail you may want to do a "tasting" at the Speakeasy at City Beer Hall. They could probably also help you create something unique. Congrats on your engagement and have fun with the planning.
... said Morgan on Oct 3, 2013 at 11:18 AM | link
There are many spaces in and around Albany that would be suitable for such an affair. Depending on budget, any of the following could make your drunken Hemingway wedding bliss dreams come true:
Ten Broeck Mansion
Schuyler Mansion
60 State Street
11 North Pearl
Perhaps even City Beer Hall with it's downstairs Speakeasy
Don't forget the dry martinis. Congratulations and Cheers!
http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/10/30/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-ernest-hemingways-dr
... said Jamie on Oct 3, 2013 at 11:24 AM | link
It would be fun to offer one or two vintage cocktails that are not common today, but are still accessible to a wide range of tastes in liquor. For a wedding, a French 75 (a champagne cocktail with gin that was invented in WWI) would be celebratory. To me gin (as in "bathtub gin") is very evocative of the Roaring Twenties. Think Gin Rickey, Gin Fizz, or the Bronx Cocktail. For a wedding themed cocktail, I believe The Bridal Cocktail (made specifically with Plymouth gin) goes back to the 20s. But also consider another period cocktail, the brandy-based Sidecar, which should be resurrected as one of the most sublime (and potent) quaffs.
... said chrisck on Oct 3, 2013 at 11:49 AM | link
I don't know if the wedding MUST be in Albany, but the Casion in Congress Park in Saratoga definitely has that vintage vibe.
... said AddiesDad on Oct 3, 2013 at 12:14 PM | link
For photos, you have to stop in at the Capitol and pose on the million dollar staircase. That would look so striking having everyone in "costume" against that backdrop.
I wonder if you would be able to rent out any spaces in the Capitol or State Ed building. The scale of the columns, ceilings and detail would really help capture the era / theme you're looking for. If all else fails, there's a slew of old theaters to consider.
The allure of the live-music + dancing alone makes me want to crash your wedding!
... said Sean on Oct 3, 2013 at 12:15 PM | link
I'm only familiar with the food of the main chef and not all of the parties they've done, But the Lily and the Rose has done a speakeasy style catering event at the Canfield Casino before. I heard it was a lot of fun and seems like it would be perfect translated into a wedding theme.
... said Lola on Oct 3, 2013 at 12:17 PM | link
The Mount!
https://www.edithwharton.org/weddings/
... said cm on Oct 3, 2013 at 12:29 PM | link
Key Hall at Proctor's in Schenectady!
http://keyhallatproctors.com/
... said Jessica R on Oct 3, 2013 at 1:45 PM | link
They're about to open the first floor of 90 State for parties... it's a pretty amazing space:
http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping/38944/mazzone-hospitality-creating-large-in-banquet-space-in-downtown-albany/
... said Rob on Oct 3, 2013 at 1:47 PM | link
Or... the new 90 State Street Mazzone venue!
http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping/38944/mazzone-hospitality-creating-large-in-banquet-space-in-downtown-albany/
http://90stateeventsalbany.com/
... said Jessica R on Oct 3, 2013 at 1:49 PM | link
OMG, the old Crooked Lake House. Haven't been in it in a few years, but it used to just scream "Gatsby" inside.
http://www.olddaleyinn.com/weddings/crooked-lake-house/
http://www.olddaleyinn.com/weddings/photo-gallery/
... said Carl on Oct 3, 2013 at 1:53 PM | link
The Hall of Springs was built in the 30s and it's gorgeous. Also, already mentioned --Crooked Lake House is a completely different feel but fits the bill. Good luck!
... said Mary on Oct 3, 2013 at 3:50 PM | link
The Ten Broeck Mansion! https://sites.google.com/site/tenbroeckmansion/
... said Jenn on Oct 3, 2013 at 6:05 PM | link
I don't know if they do wedding receptions but check out Daisy Baker's in Troy. It's right across from the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall which would also be a lovely vintage backdrop if they rent their space out. Good luck and congrats on your upcoming nuptials!
... said Paula on Oct 3, 2013 at 6:35 PM | link
Consider the Elk's Lodge on South Allen St. The building facing the road is bland 1960's but behind it is a magnificent 1920's ballroom. http://www.elks.org/lodges/lodgefacilities.cfm?LodgeNumber=0049
... said Eric Stott on Oct 4, 2013 at 8:31 AM | link
Canfield's sounds like the perfect venue. And doesn't the Desmond arrange for events like the reader would like to have?
... said caravan70 on Oct 4, 2013 at 9:05 AM | link
Your first and only choice should be Franklin Plaza in Troy. It is an old bank that would be a perfect venue. Joe and his staff are top-notch. We were married there last October and everyone who attended raved about the quality (and quantity) of food and service as well as the venue itself. They work with you to make your day what you want it to be. They can accommodate any request. Also, they have the hotel directly across the street for you and your guests. You will not be disappointed.
... said Nicole Backman-Grottoli on Oct 4, 2013 at 9:24 AM | link
The Womens' Club of Albany, located just north of Washington Park on Madison, is pretty cool, very "clubby" feeling with a big ballroom upstairs and loads of dark paneling and secret little nooks for devious deeds in dark corners by party-goers. You could host the wedding upstairs, then do cocktail hour downstairs while the event staff transforms the ballroom into your reception. The rental fee seems really reasonable, but parking might be of issue.
http://www.womansclubofalbany.org/rentals.htm
... said Deanna (Silly Goose Farm) on Oct 5, 2013 at 7:51 AM | link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0_RMITiCkE
... said Ashley on Oct 5, 2013 at 4:30 PM | link