Lessons in Event Planning: Venue Selection

The first order of business when we're contacted for an event is choosing the perfect venue for the occasion. A reception in a lovely hotel ballroom? Yes. A 50th birthday party at a night club? No. Here are some of the most important factors we take into consideration for each client and each event to ensure a good time.

1) Budget It's not the most glamourous factor but trying to score an extravagant space on a meager budget just isn't realistic. You'll eventually realize this but only after spending several hours finding it out. A better approach is to work within your means by getting creative. Check out studio and loft spaces that are more intimate and therefore less expensive than commercial spaces like hotels and restaurants.

2) Atmosphere What kind of vibe are you going for with the event? An evening that's really cool and trendy or a more formal affair? What kind of crowd are you catering to with your event? Do you want an indoor or outdoor venue or one with the option of both via a rooftop terrace? These are all things to consider when you pick a venue to ensure your guests don't feel out of place and that the atmosphere is supportive of the event.

3.) Utility What kind of facilites do you need from of your venue? For example, if you are serving food, will you need a kitchen? If it's off site catering, does that mean you have staff that needs a prep room? What about restrooms? What's the room capacity? How is the lighting if you plan on having a photographer? You need to ensure your venue meets these needs of the event and guests for the event to carry off without a hitch.

We hope you've found these tips helpful! As always, feel free to contact us with further questions or if you have a suggestion for this new series.