Drive-in Movie Theaters
In 2016, Four Brothers Drive-In and its adjacent restaurant in Amenia, NY, in Dutchess County, added weddings to their offerings. John Stefanopoulos, a Four Brothers owner, along with the nearby Millerton Inn in Millerton, NY, said the number of bookings has only increased since the start of the pandemic.
“Once Covid happened, people went crazy. It strengthened the movement to do non-traditional weddings,” he said. “Couples go to local places instead of franchises.”
Mr Stefanopoulos cited the desire for off-the-beaten-path experiences and outdoor options as attractions. In addition, couples have the option to play their favorite movie in the background. “We usually do the reception and cocktail party on our terrace,” he said. “The ceremony takes place under the tents and dinner and dancing happens in front of the big screen so you can watch while you eat.”
An eight-hour event for up to 200 people at Four Brothers will cost $30,000 to $45,000 for the space, film, food and service. Add-ons such as tents, tables, chairs, DJ, photographer, and flowers, or other arrangements Four Brothers can provide, such as shuttle buses, will increase the cost by another $10,000 to $15,000.
Flower studios
FlowerSchool New York is a flower school by day and a location space by night, known as ILA Penthouse. Everything from designing, staffing, planning and executing the plant-centric menu is done in-house on the 4,000-square-foot space on the seventh floor of a building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.
“The number of venues and staff has decreased, while the number of weddings has increased,” said Calvert Crary, the school’s principal, who estimates the space will host 100 weddings next year.