Dressing in the Dark

In my blog “Why Not Weddings” I explain why I don’t plan weddings as an event planner. That doesn’t mean I don’t work in venues where weddings are held. In fact, I plan many events in venues where couples are pledging their undying love to each other on a regular basis. I am often preoccupied by the options offered to a bride and her court where they can get dressed. We are generally using this same space as a greenroom for a speaker to wait before heading onto the stage.

I recently had a party at a neat downtown venue with a carved wooden bar, cool fireplace, tin ceiling, great food, and good vibes. As part of our event, we had a guest performer. As usual, the greenroom we used was the bride’s ready-room. It was a lovely, well-appointed little room with cute country-chic decorations. It was a good size and even had a one-way mirror so the bride could see out but nobody could see in. What a nice touch. However, it was very dimly lit. I couldn’t imagine how a bride could see to get her dress on! My fear was any bride would end up with the many buttons on her back mismatched, and there’s no way she could put her makeup on without looking like a practice doll at beauty school.  

Why would a venue do this to a bride?

Sadly, I see this more often than I would like. I don’t know if the venues think it’s ambiance, mood lighting, or kind on the eyes. Maybe because I’m older and need light to see things these days, but I don’t know that I could get my earrings on in these rooms. I think often it’s a result of the space where a bride is asked to get ready is really not designed for this. She’s getting ready in a conference room, a women’s bathroom, a nursing mother’s room, a large converted closet, or a chicken coop.

In contrast, I had an event at a lovely venue with two really great dressing rooms; one for the bride and one for the groom. These were intentionally done. Well lit with velvety, textured wallpaper, retro furniture to match the art deco venue design, decor-appropriate chandeliers in each room with full-length mirrors, makeup tables, and lovely accents. This venue clearly had the whole experience in mind when designing/renovating their facility. These families will feel cared for from the moment they drive onto the parking lot, carry their hand-selected garments into the dressing rooms, get ready, get married, and party the night away. These are the venues you will see be successful for a longer period of time – provided the staff has the same caring attitude and the food is good.

From a planner’s perspective, a quick word to those who host weddings and other events where a bride’s room or speaker’s greenroom is needed: odds are better for us to return and recommend your venue when attention is also paid to the experiences the planner, staff, speakers, and attendees have that don’t involve the main event. These are the “above-and-beyond” moments that planners and stakeholders talk about; the ones that stick in our minds more than the main session or wedding ceremony itself.

And, planners, when selecting rooms for your event, please consider who is using the room and for what purpose. A speaker or bride will want to know what they look like from all angles before standing in front of a room of people. Make sure there’s enough lighting and mirrors available for them to do so.

Who has encountered a great ready-room space? Recommend the venue to us here
or send me an email!

Be sure to share, like, and comment on this blog!

Visit tracybaer.com to schedule a consultation with Tracy Baer to find out ways to go “above-and-beyond” at your next event!