Photo (above): venue: SCALA event center
Article created in collaboration with SCALA event center
A space that evolves with your wedding
Your wedding celebration is made up of several moments, each with its own atmosphere that shifts throughout the day. What begins with a ceremony or reception continues with dinner and often ends on a lively dance floor. Stef explains how SCALA event center ensures a seamless transition: “SCALA event center has seven different, flexible rooms. We host everything from intimate gatherings to large celebrations with up to 350 guests, from the reception right through to the dancing.”
This flexibility is built into the venue’s architecture. “If couples want to start with a smaller gathering, we can reduce the space using movable partitions. If they then want to go bigger, we remove a partition and the space immediately takes on a whole new dimension. This allows the atmosphere to evolve throughout the day.”
Natural light also contributes to the experience. With its high ceilings and generous natural light, the space feels open and modern, while remaining easy to adapt to the different moments of the celebration.
A ceremony with an LED wall
Would you also like to hold your ceremony in your reception venue? Then you need a space that can be transformed with ease. At SCALA event center, ceremonies are often held in the shared space, where a large LED wall is part of the setting. Stef explains: “A ceremony can definitely be held there. The chosen projection sets the mood and can create an experience very different from a traditional ceremony.” By combining images, lighting and space, you can create a setting that fully reflects the couple’s story.
Different atmospheres in one venue
- SCALA event center often creates different zones throughout the day, resulting in a natural, dynamic flow. Stef explains: “For larger celebrations, we host dinner in the ballroom and the dancing in the Schelde Lounge. This lounge has LED strips in the ceiling, and we can adjust their colours. They instantly give the space a festive feel.”
A neutral canvas for your style
Although the architecture is modern and understated, the rooms are deliberately kept neutral. This makes it easier to tailor the venue to the couple’s style. Stef explains: “We start with a blank canvas: an open space that you can arrange and divide entirely as you wish. From there, we can plan your day in a dynamic, bespoke way. You move from the reception to dinner and then to the dancing, each time in a different setting.”
Seasonal touches also fit in effortlessly. “In winter, for example, couples might choose Christmas trees or warmer lighting in the room. It immediately creates a lovely atmosphere,” says Stef.
Photo: Locaton: SCALA event center A complete wedding weekend
An overnight stay adds another dimension to your celebration. Three hotels are within walking distance of the reception venue at SCALA event center. Stef explains: “We’re directly connected to the Courtyard by Marriott Ghent, which has 174 rooms. It’s ideal for couples who want to celebrate and then simply take the lift to their room. Two other hotels are also within walking distance: the Residence Inn by Marriott Ghent, with 105 rooms, and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent, with 126 rooms. This gives your guests plenty of choice.”
The couple benefits too. “You can change in your room, switch shoes or pick something up between moments. Everything is close by.”
If you wish, you can even extend the celebration into a complete wedding weekend. “Come the day before with your family or your inner circle_, have dinner together at the restaurant and enjoy breakfast with all your guests the day after the celebration. That way, you’re not just celebrating for one evening, but sharing a truly special occasion.”_
Photo: Locaton: SCALA event center Guidance from start to finish
Planning your wedding celebration naturally involves many decisions. A clear structure helps you keep track of everything. According to Stef, a good collaboration starts with listening to the couple’s story. “Before preparing a proposal, we first want to hear your story. Only then do we put together a bespoke plan. We guide you through every step of the process. Would you prefer this or that? We don’t decide for you, we decide with you. Essentials such as the seating plan are included. We discuss any additional requests clearly in advance, so you know exactly what to expect.”
Trust is at the heart of every project. Stef advises: “Choose a venue where everything is coordinated from start to finish. Having a single point of contact for the room, catering and planning makes all the difference. It gives you peace of mind during the preparations and on your wedding day. Arrange a meeting and see if you connect with the venue team and planners. You should feel that they’re really listening to you.”
Photo: Location: SCALA event center About SCALA event center
SCALA event center is a modern event venue in Ghent, featuring seven flexible rooms that can be fully tailored to your needs. Movable partitions, beautiful natural light and a unique LED wall create an elegant setting for every wedding concept. Professional event planners guide you from start to finish, with in-house catering and the option to arrange private dining. You can choose ARNO, the Italian fine dining restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Louis Verstrepen, or the Belgian brasserie STROOM. With the Courtyard by Marriott Ghent hotel above the venue and two other hotels within walking distance, you can celebrate and stay in the same place with complete peace of mind.
You don’t need to worry about accessibility either: “We’re located close to the E17 and E40 motorways, outside the low-emission zone. Guests don’t need to cross the city and won’t lose time in traffic jams. The day can therefore begin in a relaxed way. We also have plenty of parking, both above and below ground, with charging points for electric cars.”
To find out more about this topic, explore these links:
- An elegant wedding: 19 modern reception venues that will make an impression
- Exclusive wedding venues in East Flanders
