Party Planning: Choosing a Venue

Setting your sights on the perfect place for your party? Prepare for your visit with our tips for selecting the right place for your celebration.

One of the first big decisions, no matter what kind of party you're throwing? Where to have it, of course! Here's a list of things to think about when you're checking out potential party venues.

Room to Move
First, make sure the room is large enough to accommodate all the people on your guest list. The space may look enormous when it's empty, but don't forget tables, chairs, the band or DJ setup, the dance floor, and so on are all going to take up a lot of space. Of course, if you decide you must have your party at your aunt and uncle's lake cottage (the one with four rooms -- total), you can always work backward and tailor your guest list to match.

Space Invaders
There should be logical places within the space where everyone can eat, drink, talk, and dance. Can you imagine all of that happening in there? If a room is too small to separate into sections, you may feel cramped. If it's shaped like an S or some other oddball figure, that could compromise your party's flow, as well. Also, note the locations of columns or other obstructions in the room -- will they block people's views?

V.I.P.'s Only
Privacy varies widely from place to place. If you're having a daytime party in a public spot, such as a park or botanical garden, be prepared for strangers to walk by. Not really your style? Host your party in a spot that will post a CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY sign. Be sure to inquire about available security at your site to keep gate-crashers at bay. That said, don't think that just because you're indoors you're safe from uninvited guests. Banquet halls and hotels often hold more than one affair at a time. If there'll be other events going on simultaneously in rooms close to yours, you may hear karaoke-loving guests singing their hearts out to the sounds of Madonna through the walls or meet them over the hot-air dryers in the bathroom. If this bothers you, try to schedule your party for a time when there won't be another one next door.

Seeing the Light
Light can make -- or break -- the mood. Try to visit the site at the same time of day that you've chosen for your party. You might be grossed out by the sight of that 20-year-old carpet during the day, but with the lights turned low at night you might never even notice it. On the other hand, if you're having a brunch or afternoon party, you'll want to check out how much sunlight comes in through the windows then.

Color Matters
If you're considering a certain theme and color palette for your party -- say, an Arabian Nights-inspired theme done in purple, teal, and gold -- brown walls are really not going to fit your style. The site doesn't have to be done in the exact colors as your planned decorations, but the walls, carpets, chairs, and curtains shouldn't clash or conflict with your party's mood or theme.

Ample Outlets
Boring, we know -- but be sure to take a thorough cruise around the room to see if it has lots of places to plug things in -- especially if you're looking at a place that's not a regular spot for hosting parties. Your main user of outlets will be the entertainment crew. Take note of where the outlets are: If their location will force your DJ to spin records in a weird spot, make sure they'll have plenty of extension cords.

 

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