CHOOSING YOUR LOCATION ON THE OUTER BANKS... So you've decided to host your event on the Outer Banks. What a great choice….one of many great choices that you will need to make before deciding on your exact location. Oceanfront, or soundfront? Historic site or eclectic restaurant? Outside by the pool or outside on the lawn? In a special event home or at a reception facility?…..In south Nags Head, in Manteo, or further north in Corolla or Carova?…… Here are some tips on how to choose The Proper Setting for you and your guests… Site Selection What is the look and feel of the event? Do you want a controlled environment with beautiful views safe from within a facility? Or are you longing for a barefooted affair with your toes in the sand and the wind in your hair? How about an indoor, outdoor type event, where you have the best of both worlds? Do you want to create an elegant environment to complement tuxedos, formal attire and silver plated service? How about a coastal elegance with a more casual feel which blends formal and informal? Or would you prefer an outdoor picnic, with paper, plastic and no-frills dining? Are you accepting of sudden changes in wind direction, weather, or the possibility of insects at your event?
Also consider these questions… Are there adequate restrooms for the guests? How do you feel about your guests using portable restroom facilities, or being required to walk a distance to the restrooms? How many guests will you invite? Will you need a plan "B" for weather? Is the site you are considering adequate for a plan "B"? Is there adequate parking? How far from the site will the majority of your guests be staying? Will you need to provide group transportation for your guests? Do you have guests that may have special needs and not be able to access stairs? Consider the layout of the site. Can guests easily access the areas that you want to use for your event?
Will the facility and caterer that you are considering be able to accommodate your menu preferences? Your desire to host a formal plated dinner menu in a casual type facility may not be feasible for the caterer or for the facility staff. For example, trying to host an elegant plated dinner in a facility that has a very small kitchen, with no space for plating food, could be a challenge for the caterer. Or, if the facility does not allow glass, or china due to its pool-side location, plating a gorgeous meal of steak and crab cakes on plastic plates with plastic cups for wine glasses would be a disappointment.	Tale of the Whale Restaurant on the causeway to Roanoke Island (photo by Art Guyer)
On the same hand, choosing a NC BBQ menu in a formal setting with ballroom chairs and organza linen is not a good match either. Consider your location when considering the type of menu that you would like to have. If your food selections are top priority for you, discuss the menu with caterers prior to booking a facility, or be open to several food and beverage presentations if you have already chosen your site. For photos of popular locations on the Outer Banks: see The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, The Village Beach Club in Nags Nead, or The Whalehead Club.