Selecting the perfect venue for your next event is harder than it sounds. Have you ever heard floor-to-ceileing windows, grand staircases, one-of-a-kind chandeliers, beautiful rose gardens as the reason why a venue should be selected? Often times clients select what they feel is the “Perfect Venue” based on looks alone and that can lead to trouble. Certainly we want the venue to look jaw dropping, but we also want it to be convienent and meet our most critical needs. Whether you are searching for the perfect venue for a wedding, conference, company retreat or reception, there are many factors to consider. These factors are what leaves lasting impressions on your guests who can possibly make or break your next event. Regardless of how grand floral arrangements are or how tasteful the main course is, if one simple thing is not taken into consideration, be prepaired to hear the complaints. When selecting the perfect venue, here are some key aspects to take into consideration prior to booking. Location: Have you ever tried to book a hotel near a conference only to find out the hotel was sold out by the first 200 attendees. What’s even worse is the next available hotel is 15 miles from the conference location. Pick a location that is also easy to find, such as being off a major highway. Finding a location that meets not only your needs, but the needs of the attendees such as a hotel determines who and how many people will attend your event.

Other Events: In major cities there are several venues that are simply massive. They attract hundreds of thousands of attendees each month and you are one of them. Although promising because of space, this can serve as a logistical nightmare trying to make your event standout. With all the signs in the world trying to navigate through what can become a maze, it takes away from staying on schedule. Pick the perfect venue that has enough space for you, but will not become overcrowded by other events. Bathrooms: If you have ever attended a gorgeous venue and found yourself standing in line for the bathroom you wonder how is this possible. Such a large venue with one or two bathrooms for use, just doesn’t make sense. If you use  homes for your event, pay close attention as most didnt have  the abundance of restrooms like you see today. Venue Accomodations: One of the most engaging things you can have at your event such as a conference is the ability to take attendees minds some where else. You spend countless hours hearing from speakers and jotting down notes. Fortunately this isn’t a all day thing and if you are away for a conference you need time to relax. The perfect venue should have places you can relax. A hiking trail, spa, miniture golf, in-door rock climbing, dance lessons. Each of these are great accomodations that will keep you in high spirits and engaged. Secondary Spaces: We have seen our fair share of outdoor weddings turn to tragedy because they booked one space. Granted booking spaces can be expensive, but with a good wedding planner, you would have a secondary space in your contract due to weather. Secondary Spaces should be easy to access and also easy to design as most often these spaces are used at the last minute.  Secondary spaces also include areas to prep, get dressed, and store equipment.

Food: Believe it or not food and beverage to a guest is just as important as the reason they are attending your event. If you are hosting a cocktail party at a hotel or any place that mandates you use their chef, eat there first. Its nothing wrose than spending thousands on food that is barely eaten because you thought this was the perfect venue.

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