With lighting, music and a few rehearsed lines, your wedding is a bit like a theatrical performance, so give your wedding the stage it deserves at The Rapids Theatre. Arrive to your name on the marquee and recite your vows on stage while your guests enjoy the architectural splendor of this magnificent venue.
We asked Maureen Boyd, Rich’s Catering & Special Events’ Catering Sales & Event Planning Manager for The Rapids Theatre, what makes this venue so special and how to utilize the Theatre’s unique features to create a memorable wedding.
Start on Stage
The Rapids Theatre stage is an ideal place for your wedding ceremony. You’ll say your vows from center stage while guests get front row seats on the floor. Imagine getting married on the same stage where you watched one of your favorite bands perform!
“The transition from ceremony to reception is seamless,” said Maureen. “Your guests will be invited upstairs to the grand balcony for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while you take time to pose for some photos on stage and throughout the theatre. From the balcony, guests will have a panoramic view of the first floor where dinner and dancing will later take place.”
A Striking Façade for Photos
The Rapids Theatre was constructed in 1921 and has since been restored to all its original beauty. The elegantly detailed venue features sculpted ceiling, columned walls and gold accents, offering stunning backdrops for your photos. The architecture of this dynamic venue is unrivalled anywhere in WNY.
Movie Quality Lighting and Sound
Like a major motion picture, your wedding deserves award-winning sound and lighting to set the mood, complement your theme and wow your guests. The Rapids Theatre features a state of the art sound system that will ensure your music sounds great all night long, whether you’ve hired a DJ or a live band.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, lighting transforms spaces! The Rapid’s contemporary lighting system, staffed by a professional technician, will elevate your event from ordinary to extraordinary. Available in a variety of colors to complement any wedding theme, the lighting can be changed throughout the night to signal transitions from dinner to dancing and much more.
On the Big Screen
The stage features two large screens which can live feed all of the night’s most important moments, from the ceremony, to your first dance, to your cake cutting. You can also create a slideshow to run through the cocktail hour and dinner.
“Recently, we’ve seen our guests create special slide shows to play during the father/daughter and mother/son dance,” said Maureen. “This personal touch gives every guest a rare glimpse into the special relationships shared between the couple and their parents. It’s a really memorable moment for everyone.”
More Memorable Moments
Everyone will know they’ve arrived at the right location when your name appears on the marquee outside the Theatre. This once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity is something you’ll cherish forever! For you and your guests, Rich’s will even roll out a red carpet to create a grand entrance.
For décor, Maureen says the Theatre’s design complements any color scheme but gold accents really highlight the detailing on the ceiling and walls. She suggests Rich’s gold candelabras for a centerpiece that enhances the elegance as well as a theatrical theme.
A custom backdrop on stage, which will be the focal point of the night, can also be created to further incorporate your theme. And why not surprise your guests with fireworks at the end of your first kiss? It’s a great photo opportunity!
The Rapids Theatre is a remarkable place to host your wedding ceremony and reception. Start your planning today, call Rich’s Catering & Special Events at 716-878-8693.
