Things To Consider When Choosing an Event Venue

Amateur and professional event planners alike have much to consider when arranging their next grand occasion. One of the most crucial aspects of event planning is selecting a venue. It’s often one of the first steps in the planning process because many logistics revolve around the venue’s hallmarks. When setting the scene for your next great event, there are some main elements to keep in mind to ensure you find the best venue for your needs. We’ll outline five things to consider when choosing an event venue.

Location

The prime trait of a great event venue is its location. Your selection will usually come down to personal preference and what is most accessible for the most people. An event that is difficult for guests to reach is one that they will not attend. If your guests will be traveling out of town, make sure there is available lodging nearby.

Ambiance

No matter how beautiful and welcoming a venue is, it won’t be a good fit for your event if it doesn’t offer the right ambiance. Choosing a venue with a great atmosphere can help you save money on decorations and additional services.

For a luxurious, upscale wedding, look for grand venues with opulent architecture and polished features. Or, if you’re planning an outdoor memorial service, choose a serene locale to create a tranquil and respectful atmosphere.

Capacity

Most events require an estimated headcount of those in attendance, which factors into your decision-making for a venue. Site capacity also includes the staff and volunteers who are running the event. Guests should have enough space to roam around, but the location should not be so spacious that it feels empty. Although it’s a good rule of thumb to estimate on the bigger side, larger venues tend to be more expensive than smaller ones.

Layout

A space’s layout can make or break it as an event venue. If you get a chance to walk through a potential location prior to booking, try to imagine what it would be like to have it arranged for your event. Will its flow of traffic and floorplan be easy for guests to navigate? Will there be enough room for the activities you want to include? Asking these and similar questions gets you one step closer to finding your dream venue.

Additional Services

Venues typically offer additional services and access to their amenities to serve the needs of the event and its guests. These are selling points that can influence your decision to choose one spot over another. Typical services include providing catering, security, and clean-up as add-ons. You may also have access to the location’s chairs, tables, or audio/visual equipment if those are necessary for your occasion.

Much of the decision-making process when booking an event venue will be up to your personal preferences and the considerations of your guests. Other aspects may be important to your decision, such as your budget or a minimum headcount. Once all the planning is done, you get to sit back and enjoy your hard work.