Finding the Right Venue for a Party

Whether you are planning a birthday party, a bridal shower, wedding reception or simply looking to throw a party because you want to, you need to find the right venue for you. That can be easier said than done, however, with a number of factors to take into consideration, and that’s not just the price tag.

While you do not need an all-singing-all-dancing luxury venue, you want to pick somewhere that is suitable, but still keep within your specified budget. Below we have drawn up our list of the top things to consider when seeking out the perfect venue for your event.

Location

First thing’s first – location. If your venue is in the middle of nowhere with poor transportation links, especially if the large majority of your guests do not drive, it’s probably not going to be a wise choice. For example, if you are planning a party in Nottingham, your venue should be within a reachable distance for everyone involved.

If your venue will probably require your guests to drive, make sure to pick somewhere with ample parking. If you cannot guarantee parking space, make sure to let your guests know before the day – the last thing you want are disgruntled guests dampening the atmosphere.

Big Enough For Your Guests

This is a simple one, but you would be surprised to learn just how many overlook this very simple piece of information. Venues can only host up to a certain number of people, depending on the licensing that they hold.

Assemble a guest list and account for plus ones (if you are allowing for them) to get an idea of how many people you can expect. Chances are that not everyone will be able to come for one reason or another, but nobody wants to be stuck in a room in which they can hardly move.

Hospitality

What is the hospitality of your chosen venue like? Does the venue incorporate a bar and, if so, does this come at an extra cost and what is on offer? Some venues include the bar as part of the hire package, as this means extra revenue, while some ask for extra for the bar to be in use.

Helpful Staff

In many cases, the venue is much more than space itself. Often, venues will have events teams that will help you to plan and decorate the venue in accordance with your requirements. If you are planning a big event for a special occasion and find yourself responsible for a number of other arrangements, being able to call upon an experienced events team is beneficial.

How long do you require the Venue?

Before confirming the venue, make sure to specify the times in which it will be in use. This could actually save you money if you don’t require the venue for longer than a few hours – there isn’t any point in paying for the entire day if you won’t be there.

In saying that, keep in mind that you may need access to the venue to decorate before your guests arrive. While you obviously do not want to pay for hours that the venue will not be in use, neither do you want to rush dressing the venue in an hour before the party starts.

Price

Finally, there is no getting away from it; the price of the venue is important. If the venue is too expensive for your budget, it’s a no-go. If you find a venue that you believe ticks all of the boxes but is a little above budget, why not try to work something out with the team in charge? The worst that can happen is that you have to look elsewhere, which is where you would find yourself anyway.

Once you have considered all of the above and happy that all of your requirements have been met, your event will benefit from having the perfect venue.