Cover image courtesy of Christman Photography

Although wedding trends are constantly evolving, the appeal of traditional ballroom weddings remains strong, with many couples drawn to the sense of tradition and timeless elegance that a ballroom wedding offers remaining interested.

Current data from The knot also shows that while banquet halls and barns each attract about the same percentage of American couples, the traditional ballroom continues to appeal to those who want a classic celebration.

Why a ballroom wedding?

Couples who choose a ballroom are looking for a venue that offers a seamless wedding experience that includes planning, vendor selection, cuisine, and decor. This stress-free approach lets them enjoy their day. Ballrooms also offer an elegance that many newer venues lack.

Taylor Furry Polomchaka bride who recently celebrated her wedding at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem shared some of the reasons why she and her husband chose a ballroom over a winery. “Hotel B(ethlehem) has been doing this for years…so I knew they could pull it off.” She also talked about how the ballroom event was more personal because guests stayed together rather than going off to tour the grounds of a winery.

Another important benefit is the sense of continuity. Ballroom weddings often take place in hotels that are close to the engaged couple. Many couples have fond memories of visiting them in their childhood. Furry-Polomchak said she and her husband also chose the hotel because it was the place where they met for dates. “Hotel B(Ethlehem) had a special place in both of our hearts,” she said.

Couples often envision their wedding as the first chapter in a lifetime of memories. They may return to the venue for anniversaries, baby showers, birthdays, and eventually their own children’s wedding. This cyclical tradition makes it a sentimental choice for those who dream of a classic wedding. Over the years, the staff forms lasting friendships with many couples. These relationships underscore the impact a venue can have on a couple’s wedding experience. Furry-Polomchak advises couples: “Make it a place you can visit in the weeks, months and years to come, that you know will still be there, that will make you smile when you return, and that will make you think of the special memories stored there.”

Personalize the traditional

Although the setting is steeped in tradition, it is possible to personalize a ballroom wedding. Venues work closely with couples to create unique touches that reflect their personalities. This can be anything from a special drink to modern variations on old customs, like a private last dance, or seamlessly incorporating a trend like the non-white wedding dress (from the 1920s) that is trending in 2024.

This mix of tradition and customization creates a perfect balance that allows modern trends to be subtly integrated while maintaining the timeless charm of the venue. Interestingly, The knot reported that 89% of newlyweds participate in a first dance and 74% in a cake-cutting ceremony, highlighting the continued popularity of these traditional elements.

Furry Polomchak emphasized the personal touch of their wedding and noted: “We were able to enjoy cocktail hour with our guests on the balconies above the ballroom, which made the view of the ballroom from a different perspective or “bird’s eye view” something very special for us. (The ballroom) was decorated with simple ivory linens, beautiful gold chairs and this ‘antique’ feel that went well with our black and white wedding theme.”

Advice for the undecided

For couples who haven’t yet decided, it’s important to think about the long-term significance of their choice. Planning a traditional ballroom wedding comes with its own challenges. For example, historic venues can be limited in terms of guest capacity and decoration options. However, a historic ballroom not only provides a stunning backdrop for the wedding day, but also a place that can be revisited and new memories created over the years.

Furry Polomchak adds this advice: “Think about how the day will go (and) how much support staff will be on site…Hotel B(Ethlehem) has an excellent reputation for customer service, which helped us choose our reception venue.” She added that while family had no input into the decision to have a traditional ballroom wedding, the couple still thought about their guests and their preferences. Ultimately, though, she says, “Think about YOU most of all.”

Editor’s note: Click here to read about couples breaking away from tradition.

Kathy Sanders is the Sales Manager and Event/Wedding Specialist for the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. She has been in the hospitality industry for 30 years and is passionate about organizing weddings and special events. Kathy has coordinated over 1,000 weddings and countless unforgettable events in her career. Kathy has two children and four grandchildren and her best work is planning her own family’s holidays, birthdays and family gatherings.