Gallery Buzz

By Kaitlin Gray, Events Coordinator

When you think of planning a wedding, you probably think of stress. Lots of stress.

Chocolate cake or white cake? Tuxes or suits? Should Uncle Jim sit at this table or that table? Should the bridesmaids’ dresses be brown or light pink? Roses or peonies? What about favors? Fall or spring?

And of course, where will the reception be? The Memorial Art Gallery has an answer to that very question – here, of course. Not many Rochesterians know about the beautiful rental spaces the MAG has to offer; but the word is starting to spread. Our facilities are available to rent for everything from corporate meetings to baby showers; from recitals to conferences; from private dinners to, you guessed it, wedding receptions.

Our M&T Bank Ballroom is the perfect setting for a reception that your guests will remember long after the champagne is toasted. The stained-glassed windows and vaulted ceilings create the perfect mood of elegance and celebration. The detailed architecture and dramatic stage will not only impress your friends and family members, but will provide the perfect backdrop to the wedding you’ve always wanted.

Across the hall from the ballroom, our Bausch and Lomb Parlor provides a seamless space for cocktails before dinner and sweets and coffee afterwards. The rooms lead your guests throughout the evening and create an effortless flow to your special day.

We also offer our admired Vanden Brul Pavilion as another option for rental. The sophistication of this space is popular for ceremonies, cocktails or a more casual stations party. Check out our website for more details on our available wedding packages.

The MAG is very pleased to offer your wedding guests free visitation to the gallery the day of your reception (during normal business hours). Whether it’s before your ceremony or while you’re busy taking photos, we welcome your guests to casually walk through the gallery or join a docent-led tour.

And the cherry on top? We will walk you through every step. An Events Office staff member is available to help you from the initial booking all the way through the cake-cutting. We are happy to suggest vendors, assist you with our on-site caterer or offer advice on seating. We will be on-site the day your wedding to make sure everything runs smoothly and ensure you are enjoying the reception as much as your guests.

We invite you to take a peek at some of the photos of past receptions here at MAG on our website. Or better yet, stop by for a visit. We always say the spaces speak for themselves. And we are positive this is one choice that will be stress-free.