Location, Location, Location

Finding the right venue for your party can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. It’s like finding an apartment to live in, except you are only going to spend about 5 hours of your life there. When it comes down to finding that perfect glass slipper of a venue, if you are not going to be hiring someone to help you through this process, then here are a few key pointers to keep in mind:

Size is Key - Find a venue that provides just the right amount of square footage for the number of guests you are expecting. If the venue is too big, you are not only paying for more space than you need, but you all need to fill that space. If the venue is too small, you will be limited to how many guests you will be able to invite and how much seating you can put around the space.

Proximity - Consider the location and who your guests are – if they are coming in from out of town, make sure there is nearby and adequate parking or that it is easy to get to from public transportation.

Style - Does the venue fit the look and feel you want the party vibe to be? We find most commonly the venue type falls into one of the following categories:

• Modern - usually characterized by lots of windows, technology and an overall chic appeal.

• Classic – usually in old building, thick concrete walls, and more ornate trimmings – many of these venues have been updated to include some built-in technology but some are still in the stone ages.

• “White Box” – usually plain white loft spaces which can look like anything on the outside because you will have to completely set the tone with your décor on the inside. They are usually less expensive (in some cases) but often require more in décor to create the right feeling.

Inclusions – Find out what is included with your rental. Some venues include furniture; some do not which puts the added expense of renting furniture on your party budget’s bottom line. Is heating and cooling included? Is there lighting built in? Is there a sound system built in? Does the venue provide coat check, bathroom attendants and security? There are always more questions to be answered, but those are some of the basics.

Rules and Regs - Gain a clear understanding from the venue manager on things like security requirements, insurance, restrictions and exclusivity with vendors – you may select the perfect venue and find out you may NOT bring in that favorite caterer of yours.

Once you settle on the right place, half the battle is won. Now you can really start planning the rest of the party, sending out your invites, figuring out where you want things to go and hiring all your vendors. Do not forget to call jesGORDON for your design and flowers.