In order to hold an event, you first need a venue that can host it. If you’re trying to find a place for a wedding, then you’ll likely be looking for a place with some sort of dance floor, even if it’s a makeshift dance floor. If you’re hosting a bachelor party, a few tables where people can sit, drink, and talk may be all you need in the way of furniture. Basically, before you can define what you want out of the event venue, you must first define what you want out of the event. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin your search for the perfect venue.
The guest list
It’s natural to want to invite as many people as possible to your celebration, but remember that the cost of the event usually increases right along with the guest list. That’s an especially important factor if you’re holding a wedding and each guest must receive a meal. It’s not surprising that wedding planners rank the guest list as one of the biggest budget busters for a wedding. It’s easy for your parents or siblings to say things like, “We have to invite Great Aunt MIldred and Great Uncle Bert,” but are they willing to pay for all those distant relatives to attend? Probably not. If a family member is providing some financial assistance, that arguably gives them at least a little say over who gets invited.
When sending out invitations, don’t forget to factor in the average local costs of a venue as well. According to wedding publication The Knot, venue costs eat up close to 45 percent of the total budget for a wedding. The average cost of a venue in the United States is about $14,000. Before you spend that much, make sure you’ll get your money’s worth. The higher the cost of living, the more you should count on paying for a venue. Not surprisingly, Manhattan is the most expensive place in the country to host a wedding. Big Apple brides who want to avoid paying the New York City premium would be wise to go outside the city and into New Jersey, where they can find luxurious country club venues in places like Basking Ridge, NJ. It’s probably better to host 100 people outside the city than barely be able to afford food for 50 people inside the city.
Proximity
Finding a venue that’s affordable without being too remote is a delicate balance. If you go too far outside a town or city, you’re going to make things harder on your guests and vendors alike. That’s an especially important consideration if there are a sizable number of people coming in from out of town. If you absolutely must have a venue that’s located 45 minutes from the nearest populated area, then look into hiring a car service NYC. Don’t expect people to take an Uber or Lyft to your remote destination, especially since many Uber or Lyft drivers may get lost trying to get there. Hire a team of trained professionals to ferry your guests about rather than expecting them to make it on their own. Use the money you’re saving on venue costs and put it back into transportation costs. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort, and you’ll be able to relax knowing that Grandma and Grandpa aren’t driving around in circles on a dirt road somewhere.
