Wacky Wedding Venues

Yesterday I witnessed a whole wedding ceremony while having a dog at one of my favorite hot dog stands at the Jersey Shore. Steps away there was a beautiful, warm and windswept beach, perfect for tying the knot. Yet happy couple wanted their nuptials at The Windmill, better known for their truly delicious burgers and hot dogs than wedding cake and rice. The happy couple wasn't alone in wanting a different kind of reception. What's trending now are truly unique weddings.

It first started with the wedding cake. Gone were the traditional tiers of white frosting and the couple on top. In their place were now cakes made in the shape of sandcastles and hot rods. Then menus changed to involve sliders and cotton candy instead of the usually sit down dinner with cocktail hour . Then the entire venue changed from sedate but overly elaborate wedding palace to  a couple's favorite beach or the pizzeria of their first date.Nowthe prospective bride and groom can have their weddings anywhere, from a Stewarts drive thru to their local doughnut shop. Strange , yes but also romantic and kind of cool.

If you are thinking about having your wedding in an unusual place , start planning. Most restaurants, even pizzerias and Chinese ones do have enough space for both the ceremony and reception. The problem is you may not be able to invite all that you wanted to ask. At most  many eateries can seat sixty. The wedding I witnessed had probably twenty people. If that's'' the case, then look for a larger place or have an open housefor the ones left out later on.Also remember guests won't be getting traditional food.Let them know that they'll be feasting on fun foods like hot dogs or pizza .It'll be a mix of formal ceremony with informal eating. Another issue will be drinking. Most smaller restaurants don't have liquor licenses. You'll have to bring  your own  and preferably just one kind like champagne for toasting.

There's nothing wrong with having a wedding at a hot dog joint or pizzeria. It's wacky , true,but it celebrates two hearts coming together. In the end,that's all that matters