Thoughts on venue with balcony seating?

I think that if you two love the venue, then go for it. Whether it’s about a balcony, or something else I feel like some people will make drama over certain way things are done in a wedding regardless.

I do you personally think there is a little bit of disconnection if some people are at the balcony and not in the main room especially if their view will be blocked or anything

I would never in a million years make any "drama" over this, but I have been a guest at weddings where I was seated in a different room from the main festivities and it's definitely not as nice an experience. You miss the speeches, any special events (like cake cutting, first dances, etc.) because you don't hear them announced, and overall, you just don't feel like a part of the wedding. But again, I wouldn't even mention it to the bride and groom, let alone complain to them about it.

Not sure exactly how your balcony vs. main floor set up is, but I would try to really consider the guest experience of being on that balcony before you decide. Will they be able to easily reach food and drink? Will they be able to see and hear what's going on? Will it be difficult for them to get to/find the bathroom/dance floor/bar, etc.? Just some things to think about.

When you say split, is it like 50/50 split on balcony and main floor? Because if it is, then it would probably be fine, but the ratio is more disproportionate then you might have some complaints from people being seated too far away.

View Quoted Comment The balcony has a view of the main floor, so they will be able to hear everything. Some would have to get up to see the first dance and parent dances. The bar is downstairs, but we are considering paying for a server to bring drinks upstairs.

View Quoted Comment The split is closer to 75 downstairs/25 upstairs

Is this for the ceremony or the reception? Some venues have balconies since they may have served another purpose, as in many historic spaces. But they aren't isolated with walls as some other venues do, so guests are still included.
As long as your guests are still in the same room, I can't imagine anyone would be upset or cause drama.

Our venue had an upper seating area and no one batted an eye at it. Everyone could still see and only had to sit there through dinner.

We were fortunate enough that our seating worked out perfectly with immediate family, bridal party, and their dates downstairs, and everyone else upstairs.

View Quoted Comment

I think the server would be a really nice addition to make your upstairs guests feel more included.

View Quoted Comment That looks wonderful. Ours would be similar in that everyone would be downstairs for the ceremony

Some people may complain, but I don't think it is a big deal as long as they can still see everything.

I think it's okay as long as everyone can see, especially if you hire an additional server so people don't have to go downstairs for drinks. I also think covid can work to your advantage here. Put some people (who wouldn't want to dance anyway) upstairs to protect them from the larger group downstairs. As long as you visit all of them early in the night, they'll probably be fine with it.

Our venue has something like this too. We plan to put our friends that aren’t in the wedding and co workers up there. The venue coordinator said typically you’ll put your “rowdy” group up there. But it still has all the same views really- no different then are large expansive ballroom we think!

I antagonized over this same issue and then fast-forward to COVID: shuffled guests to the loft and patio to space everyone out.

I think the young crowd who can easily maneuver the stairs would be a good choice for the 2nd floor.