Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Venue

A Venue That Fits

Although there are many components to planning an event, choosing the right venue is probably the most important. The perfect environment for your work event or party can positively impact your guests’ experience, it can also ensure that the planning process is more seamless by providing you with all the additional extras you need to make a lasting impression. Here, we’ve listed all the things you need to consider when hiring a venue for your event.

Location

Choosing a venue that’s in a convenient and appealing location can increase the number of attendees who show up. If you’re expecting out-of-town guests, a location close to the airport or train station can be beneficial. If you’re throwing an after-work event, then a location close to the attendees’ homes or places of work will provide an easy commute.

Capacity

Knowing the number of attendees for your event can help you choose a comfortable space for your event. You don’t want your guests bumping into each other, but you also don’t want the room to feel too empty. Calculate the capacity and choose your space based on the type of event you’re hosting. For intimate client dinners, a private room in a restaurant may be perfect, whereas, for larger events, a hall is a good choice. Amenities &

Services

Choosing a venue that comes with certain services and amenities can save you a huge amount of work during your planning. If the venue has a kitchen, they may provide catering or refreshments during your event. The venue may also offer tables and chairs, a clean-up crew or certain technical components that mean you don’t have to source them yourself.

Layout

Even before you choose your venue, you will have an idea of the activities that will be included and what amenities you will require. When narrowing down your search, get an illustrated floor plan for each venue so that you can visualise how your event will look. You need to think about the flow of traffic, the activities and even the outlets for any technological equipment needed.

Acoustics

Although lower ceilings provide a cosy and intimate setting for events, they can increase the volume of the conversations in a busy room which can cause guests to strain their voices. On the other hand, high ceilings in empty rooms can result in echoes or ‘reverberation’. The right acoustics can allow for more comfortable conversations and can also enhance speeches or presentations given during your event.

Types of Venues

Finding the right venue can be overwhelming, so here is a list of the most common venues for events:

• Restaurants – perfect for intimate settings, business meetings or tasting events
• Hotels – great for all types of events due to the amenities and functionalities of rooms
• Business centres – best for business meetings and networking events
• Racecourses – great for business events, meetings, and parties
• Art galleries – perfect for workshops and networking events
• Community centres – good for community events and meetings