6 things to look for in a venue

When planning an event, there is no one-size-fits-all kind of venue. Each one has a different kind of star quality that makes it ideal for specific types of event. That said, there are things you need to look for in every venue, no matter what kind of event you’re planning.

Here, we’re rounding up the first 6 things you need to look at when choosing a venue for your event – whether it’s corporate, private, large or small.

1. Accessibility

Putting yourself in your guests’ shoes is the number one priority for an event planner. Can they all access it? Are there stairs and if so, will anyone need assistance navigating it? Considering location, you’ll want to find out where the closest bus and train stops are before making your final decision. A large car park is ideal for non-city events, but don’t forget to find out if your guests will need to pay for parking. If they do, make sure your event isn’t so long that they’ll have to clock up a big bill on the parking ticket just to attend. If your event is held over the course of a few days, it’s best to take a look at nearby accommodation options. With all this information sorted out for them, your guests will be able to get the most out of attending your event.

2. Catering

During the event, refreshments are a must. Whether it’s a sit down meal, canapes or just having an area where they can eat their own food, sustenance is an important consideration. If your event is a day long or more, make sure you’ve thought about ways they can get breakfast, lunch and dinner.

3. Capacity

Once you know a ballpark figure for your number of guests, that should be the first piece of information you pass on to the venue. Don’t forget that venues rarely have a hard-and-fast capacity, as the way you furnish the event can affect how many people can fit in the room(s). Our team are well-versed in the art of choosing and positioning furniture so you can create the perfect atmosphere while not compromising on capacity.

4. Amenities

Does your venue supply the items you need to create the right ambience? Some venues can provide the basics (tables and chairs etc.), but to make it extra special, you’ll want to think about something like a glamorous velvet bar for post-event cocktails.

Get the look here:

Browse our Velvet Blue Bar here

One more thing: always ask your venue if they have a set up and clean down crew.

5. Layout

When considering the flow of the event, think about how people will be interacting with each other and their environment. Will they be sitting down for the most part, or walking around? Leave spaces fairly open plan: try not to have a large number of people trying to access a small space at the same time. We can help you plan out thoroughfares and partitions to delineate your spaces.

6. Ambience

Overall, what kind of vibe are you trying to strike? Does the style and architecture of the venue add to or detract from this atmosphere?

Don’t forget to ask your venue about their acoustics if you’re planning on playing music (live or not). Some architecture really enhances music; others, not so much.

If you’re struggling to find the right venue for your event, get in touch with us. We’ve got lots of suggestions all around the UK for excellent corporate and private events.