When it comes to weddings there is only one rule, make it your own! As one of the largest venues in the area, Carbondale’s Hotel Anthracite hosts hundreds of unique events each year. General Manager Adam Gooler helps couples craft celebrations that capture their personalities and offers ideas for planning a wedding in Northeast PA.
Keep it Casual
The wedding day is a rush of emotion and moments. Slow things down a bit and plan some pre-wedding festivities with guests who made the trip from out of town for the event. At Hotel Anthracite the Canary Café is a comfortable and quiet place to catch up and mingle before the big day. Have some activities for everyone to enjoy as a group, such as a wine tasting or game night.
Being Outside is In
The freshest idea in wedding planning is to host some part of the festivities outdoors. Unpredictable weather and accessible conveniences make a hybrid option the most appealing. The courtyard at Hotel Anthracite is a popular ceremony site. The lovely, landscaped area features a trickling fountain, greenery and enough space to accommodate 110 seated guests and another 40 gathered around. Most couples opt to exchange vows beneath the garden arbor. The courtyard is also a beautiful location for cocktail hour. Guests may mingle and enjoy hors d’ouevres before heading into the ballroom for the reception. For larger gatherings the adjacent private dining room provides wonderful indoor-outdoor flow and is the ideal space for hors d’ouevres stations.
Shake Things Up
According to Adam, buffet stations far outpaced plated dinners during recent receptions. Instead of a formal, sit-down dinner provide your guests with elegant stations and let them create their own culinary experience. Some couples enjoy the personal touch of chef-assisted stations especially when it comes to carved entrees and pasta dishes. When planning a wedding in Northeast PA, Hotel Anthracite gives you the opportunity to make the day your own. Gravity Hall boasts 6,000 square feet, one of the largest event venues in the area. All that space is yours to create the atmosphere you envision. Dramatic hanging floral arrangements create the wow factor you may be looking for, plus you’ll have the freedom to arrange tables however you wish. Consider setting up a breakout lounge area with plush couches and chairs to create a speakeasy vibe. If you want your favorite band to jam for the night, a stage setup can accommodate live entertainment.
Stay Late
When an event is as memorable as this you do not want it to end. Host an after-party for your nearest and dearest and those who may be staying over. The after-party starts when the reception ends. Hotel Anthracite gives couples the option to extend the celebration an extra hour in the ballroom or host an intimate gathering in the Canary Café or Kol Grill. Nosh Platters provide all the craveable party food you want including chicken wings, soft pretzels and even breakfast sandwiches.
Sweet Endings
The best way to wind down the wedding festivities is to host a post-wedding brunch. It’s the perfect opportunity to share the company of your guests who have travelled to be part of your big day. Hotel Anthracite offers 61 guest rooms, so visitors won’t have the hassle of traveling after the reception. The hotel’s private dining room or Canary Café provides an intimate place to gather for brunch and reminisce about all the moments from the day before.
When it comes to planning a wedding in Northeast PA, couples are being more creative than ever to add their signature style. Hotel Anthracites provides the space to craft a wedding day or weekend-long celebration into the event of your dreams. Check out available wedding packages or submit a wedding request proposal.