Classic Wedding Ceremony and Reception

A Classic Wedding Ceremony and Reception at 440 Elm

Why the Classic Wedding Endures

The ceremony-to-cocktail-hour-to-reception arc has remained the gold standard for generations—not because it’s the only way to celebrate, but because it creates a natural rhythm that draws people together. A heartfelt exchange of vows, a moment to toast and mingle, and then an evening of food, music, and dancing—each stage builds anticipation for the next.

At 440 Elm, that rhythm plays out in a setting designed for both beauty and flow. Guests might arrive to sunlight in the Plaza, framed by century-old columns, then wander into the Parlor for a glass of champagne among exposed brick and soft music, before stepping into the Grand Ballroom—lights low, candles glowing, and chandeliers setting the stage for a night that feels both grand and intimate.

The Flow

We design classic weddings here with the guest journey in mind:

• Ceremony in the Plaza, surrounded by historic columns and open sky. The space feels expansive yet anchored in place, making every moment photograph beautifully.
• Cocktail Hour in the Parlor, where exposed brick and warm lighting encourage conversation to bloom. Guests naturally form small circles, reconnecting with family or striking up new introductions.
• Reception in the Grand Ballroom, where 30-foot coffered ceilings, chandeliers, and stained glass create a setting that can hold a full band and dance floor without losing intimacy.

For smaller guest counts—or when weather brings the celebration indoors—the Grand Ballroom can host the ceremony, with guests flowing downstairs for cocktails before returning upstairs for the reception. Every transition is mapped in advance with your planner to ensure a natural, unhurried pace.

For smaller groups—especially in the rainy season—we can host the ceremony in the Grand Ballroom, bring guests downstairs for cocktails, and return upstairs for dinner and dancing. Every transition is mapped on your timeline, ensuring your planner, vendors, and our staff move in sync.

The Menu

Our culinary roots are in bespoke, off-premise catering, which means we think of your menu as part of the event’s storytelling.

• Cocktail Hour often combines tray-passed bites with artful displays or chef-led stations, designed for easy conversation and strong first impressions.
• Reception Dinner can be served plated for a formal arc, family-style for shared abundance, or as a roaming format to keep energy high. Each choice shapes the mood—plated service offers quiet elegance, while a station-heavy layout keeps guests moving and mingling.

We guide you through those decisions, balancing the dining experience with your timeline, speeches, and entertainment.

The Bar

A classic wedding should feel effortless from a guest’s perspective—and that begins with a well-placed drink in hand. We design bar service to minimize lines and maximize conversation: fast-lane stations for popular pours, signature cocktails for personal flair, and tray-passed offerings that keep hospitality mobile. Mocktails and non-alcoholic pairings get the same level of care, so every guest feels included.