Should couples consider additional lighting for their wedding at 501 Union?
501 Union (Brooklyn, NY):
Tucked among five distinct Brooklyn neighborhoods – Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boreum Hill, and Park Slope – 501 Union was transformed into a private events venue in 2013. As a result, it has become a unique backdrop for stylish weddings, corporate events, and photo shoots. Hence, 501 Union is the perfect space for a private events, a wedding, Bar Mitzvah, or corporate event with additional lighting.
Is Brooklyn’s 501 Union the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding?
Choosing a wedding venue is often the most difficult decision in the planning process. In a city like New York, where options range from historic hotels to rooftop gardens, finding a space that feels authentic to you can be overwhelming. If your Pinterest board is full of “industrial-chic” inspiration and you are drawn to the moody, artistic vibe of Gowanus, 501 Union is likely on your radar.
Located in one of Brooklyn’s most distinctive neighborhoods, 501 Union has built a reputation for blending old-school nostalgia with modern elegance. But is it the right logistical and aesthetic fit for your big day? We analyzed feedback from couples and planners to help you decide if this venue matches your vision.
A Unique Blend of Styles
The primary draw of 501 Union is its atmosphere. Couples frequently describe it as “moody and romantic,” praising its ability to serve as a chameleon for different wedding themes. Whether you want a stark, modern industrial look or a softer, floral-heavy elegance, the venue provides a stunning backdrop.
The aesthetic is often called “old-school style mixed with a modern atmosphere.” This distinct look makes it a favorite among photographers. The lighting and architectural details provide gorgeous photo backdrops without needing excessive decor. Additionally, past couples have specifically noted the effectiveness of the air conditioning—a crucial feature for anyone planning a summer wedding in the city. You can get those perfect industrial shots without worrying about the heat.
Versatile Layout and Flow
One of the common critiques of industrial venues is that they can feel like one giant, impersonal warehouse. 501 Union avoids this by offering a multi-room layout that includes a covered atrium for ceremonies, a cocktail lounge, and the main reception hall.
This separation of spaces allows for a seamless flow throughout the evening. Guests aren’t stuck in one room for six hours; they move through a journey from vows to cocktails to dancing. It accommodates long guest lists comfortably, ensuring the party feels full and energetic without being cramped.
Logistics: Flips, Guest Counts, and Planning
While the layout is a major pro, it does require logistical foresight. If you plan to use the main space for both the ceremony and the reception, you need to plan the “flip” carefully. This is the period where staff reconfigure the room from theatre-style seating to dinner tables.
Couples suggest working closely with your planner to determine exactly where guests will go during this transition—usually the cocktail lounge. Staff members, specifically Lisa, Danielle, and Karla, are frequently mentioned in reviews as being professional and helpful guides during this planning phase.
Regarding guest count, the venue is versatile. It handles large parties easily, but it also works for more intimate gatherings. Some couples suggest that for a layout including a full dinner setup plus a dance floor, a guest count around 60 feels intimate and spacious, though the venue can certainly hold much more.
Budgeting and Vendors
A wedding at 501 Union is an investment. Be prepared for significant rental fees and bar packages. However, reviews consistently highlight that the value lies in the unique experience and the quality of the space.
To manage costs and quality, many couples turn to community forums like Reddit to share vendor recommendations. For example, caterers like Dish Food NYC are often cited as reliable options that know the space well. Because 501 Union is a popular venue, there is a robust ecosystem of rental companies and vendors who are already familiar with the load-in and load-out procedures, which can save you headaches on the day of the event.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a traditional ballroom or a hotel banquet hall, 501 Union might not be for you. However, if you want a venue that captures the essence of Brooklyn—stylish, slightly edgy, and deeply romantic—it is a top-tier contender. By planning carefully for the room transitions and budgeting for the required packages, you can host a wedding that stands out as truly unique.
WHY IS WEDDING LIGHTING IMPORTANT AT 501 UNION?:
Lighting accounts for one-half of the essential elements of décor at 501 Union wedding. Therefore, your wedding florals will satisfy the other half. As a result, a perfect mixture of lighting and florals are the critical ingredients for a visually spectacular event at this venue. Nevertheless, it could be using candles usually supplied by your florist or chandeliers rented from our company. Furthermore, a perfect balance of florals and lighting will guarantee your florals’ beauty and that this venue is still seeable after the sun goes down.
STRING LIGHTS IN ZIGZAGGING PATTERN
- Make sure to consider a simple arrangement of String Lights suspended in a zigzagging. Zigzagging String Lights is a timeless lighting pattern. Therefore, it is a great choice to enhance the wedding reception room at 501 Union. Additionally, we usually place our string lights under the skylight in The Main Room. As a result, this arrangement of string lights visually supplies “more bang for fewer bucks.”
UP-LIGHTING AGAINST WALLS
- Consider placing Warm White Up-Lights along the perimeter walls of the reception room. Our company is a huge fan of up-lighting placed against walls, and this venue is no exception. Therefore, we strongly support using Warm White Up-Lights along the perimeter walls of the main room. As a result, Up-lights greatly enhance the space by providing an accent light against the walls. For this reason, we suggest using Up-Lights in addition to the venue’s in-house wall sconces.
LARGE HANGING FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
- Highlight a sizeable hanging floral arrangement with a spotlight. Hanging floral arrangements are almost always a conversation piece. Therefore, any sizeable floral arrangement should be highlighted with additional lighting to remain visible after dark. Fortunately, there are better options than the in-house track lights included with the venue for illuminating hanging florals. As an alternative, consider including spotlights provided by our company to highlight any large-scale hanging floral arrangements. Alternatively, at a minimum, consider hanging string lights with your sizeable floral arrangement to ensure they remain visible after dark.
LARGE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS (set on the bar)
- Sizeable floral arrangements are always a conversation piece. Therefore, consider providing a spotlight for them to ensure they remain visible after the sun has gone down. Thus, highlight any sizeable standing floral arrangements or sizeable florals on display on the main bar in the rear section of the venue. Similarly, highlight any sizeable florals that are on display on tables.
BAND MEMBERS
- Seeing the members of a band is a crucial part of their performance. Therefore, consider providing a spotlight to highlight their performance area. Therefore, members of your band will remain seen after sunset. Additionally, their movements and facial expressions are visible. As a result, your wedding at 501 Union will benefit significantly from additional lighting for your band.
- Furthermore, you can also consider using a set of color-changing lights to highlight your band members. Usually, dimmable warm-white lights are appropriate. As an alternative, you can consider color-changing lights for your band as an upgrade from warm-white lights. However, a person must operate a controller to change the colors during the band’s performance.
THE BAR
- The main bar at 501 Union is a celebrity in popularity. As a result, the main bar usually becomes a gathering place where guests exchange conversations and laughs while waiting to receive their drinks. Nevertheless, you can consider spotlighting the main bar with a set of spotlights, but this is optional at 501 Union. Typically, the in-house lights at 501 Union provide sufficient light for the main bar.
WEDDING CEREMONY LIGHTING AT 501 UNION
- During the fall and winter months, sunset will arrive early in the day. Therefore, your ceremony area may appear dark. As a result, viewing your ceremony and the quality of your wedding photos may be affected. For this reason, highlighting your wedding ceremony at 501 Uniont with additional lighting is usually essential during these months. Hence, adding additional lighting will ensure your wedding ceremony at 501 union remains visible at sunset.
WEDDING CAKE LIGHTING AT 501 UNION
- After dark, your wedding cake may also require additional lighting at 501 Union. Therefore, pin-spot lighting is essential to highlight your wedding cake after dark.
CURTAIN OF VERTICAL STRING LIGHTS
- Vertical Strings (or String Lights hanging horizontally with multiple swoops) are an excellent addition to the wall behind your ceremony area. Therefore, consider suspending a curtain of string lights vertically against the wall behind the ceremony area.
Popular (Dance Floor) Lighting Options for Weddings at 501 Union
Mirror Ball w/ Motor & Spotlight
Sound Activated / Color-Changing Wash
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Approximate Total w/ NYC Tax, Setup, and Delivery
Delivery $75 / NYC Tax (8.875%)