Events / What To Consider When Seeking Small Event Venues
When planning a micro wedding, a small event related to your wedding, or a small meeting of any type, seeking out small event venues is often first on your list of planning tasks.
Small event venues typically accommodate up to 100 guests which makes small event locations a perfect spot for hosting any type of smaller-scaled event.
When selecting small event venues, here are some details to consider in order to make the best decision for your wedding, event, or meeting.
Small Event Venue Location
The location of the venue can be a critical factor when selecting a small event venue for your wedding or event. Small event rooms in hotels is always an option as well as small event venues like restaurants, catering halls, and more.
Pay attention to where your invited guests will be coming from in order to select the location of the small event venue. For example, if you are choosing between small event venues for your rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch, you may wish to select a small event venue that is centrally located to those events. Having the venue located near the other events taking place will make it easier for both you and your invited guests. If you have guests or attendees traveling from out of town or staying at a hotel in a specific area, you may also wish to consider venues for small events in a central location to make it as easy as possible for your guests to attend.
Small Event Venue Availability
You may be able to narrow down your choices of small private party venues based upon availability. Many venues for small events book well in advance so be sure to seek out the small event venues on your list early on in your planning process. This will help you to have a choice rather than decide based upon what is available.
Keep in mind that many small event venues are open to the public or may host multiple events in one day. For both reasons, it’s best to inquire about these details upfront before making your selection to avoid any areas for conflict later on in the planning process.
Small Event Venue Accommodations
While the size, location, and availability of small event venues may meet your needs, what else does the venue have to offer for your event?
Does the venue recommend that you work with vendors on their preferred list or are you able to work with outside vendors on your event? You may also wish to ask your venue contact if they have in-house catering options as well as floorplan layout options. This will help you to get a feel for their accommodations should you choose the venue for your event.
Menu & Service Style Options
Does the small event venue offer various service styles and menu options? Is there a detailed list of catering packages for you to review?
Are you able to see a sample menu and/or schedule a tasting? Are there food allergies you need to address and can the venue meet these needs? Are you allowed to bring in outside food (like celebration cake) or does the venue provide this for you?
Venue layout
If you are looking to include dancing during your event, does the small event venue layout have room for a dance floor? Is there enough room for bridal shower games or other activities on your list?
If it’s a meeting, will you have a keynote speaker? Is there room for a stage or is a podium enough?
Some small event venues offer outdoor event space layouts. Are you looking to host your event outdoors if the weather is nice? Does the venue you are currently looking at provide this option? If this is something you are interested in securing for your event, ensure to ask what happens if it rains. You will want to know they can guarantee an indoor spot for your event should the need arise.
Venue Innovation
In today’s technologically advanced society, small event venue innovation comes into play. When seeking small event locations, remember to ask about their technological capabilities. Strong WIFI, plasma screens, mobile phone charging stations, and adequate technological wiring and connections are important not only for guest and attendee experience but for your event as well. For example, if you plan to show a photo/video montage, you will need the screens for display. Your entertainment company may require screens or proper wiring connections for their equipment as well.
Small Event Venues of Interest
Since one in every ten events in the US is planning in Allseated, it’s no surprise that most small event venues already utitlize Allseated for designing event layouts and planning events.
Many venues also take advantage of Allseated VISION products for virtual venue tours. These venues are able to showcase their event spaces for clients to virtually tour from anywhere in the world.
Here are some examples of small event venues that use Allseated’s VISION virtual tour technology.
Peak is a stunning New York CIty restaurant, bar and event space located on the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards, the development’s tallest building. This small to medium event space features marble floors, gold accents and beautiful gold ring chandeliers – and don’t forget the iconic New York City view!
This beautiful 4,680 sq. ft. banquet hall overlooks New York City and is an ideal event space for dinners, receptions, and presentations. The detailed ceiling and beautiful view create a luxurious atmosphere for your event.
Located in California, Piedmont Hall is a small, rustic room similar to a chapel with a built-in stage. Located across the inspiring views of the San Francisco skyline and nestled within a natural setting amongst the redwood trees, Piedmont Community Hall makes the perfect location.
Located in Texas, the mid-century building sets a unique backdrop for weddings big and small in the heart of the city with breathtaking views of Austin’s Town Lake. The Onyx Ballroom can accommodate up to 665 people for weddings, corporate and social events. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an abundance of natural light. The Topaz Ballroom also features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake, setting a stunning backdrop for sunset ceremonies and parties.
The Lakeside Village auditorium at the University of Miami in South Florida has a theater seating layout perfect for presentations and meetings. The orange details and relaxing views of the campus palm trees create a welcoming environment for your meetings!
This historic ballroom sports crystal chandeliers, fireplaces, murals painted in the 1920s, and floor to ceiling windows showing off the New York cityscape. The Parlor is another great option for small gatherings, with a charming fireplace and cozy wooden accents – perfect for bridal parties or rehearsal dinners.
Los Altos Golf and Country Club:
The Los Altos Country club in California offers beautiful spaces for your event. For small gatherings, the lounge and outdoor patio offer a serene experience with a built in bar and views of the golf course. The large dining room sports a rustic feel with Latin-style decorative details.
While the count may vary by venue, small event venues typically accommodate up to 100 guests which makes small event locations a perfect spot for hosting any type of smaller-scaled event.
Some factors to consider when selecting a small event venue include location, venue availability, venue layout and innovation, menu and service styles, and accommodations.
Keep in mind that many small event venues are open to the public or may host multiple events in one day. For both reasons, it’s best to inquire about these details upfront before making your selection to avoid any areas for conflict later on in the planning process.
It’s important to find out if the venue recommends that you work with vendors on their preferred list or are you able to work with outside vendors on your event. You may also wish to ask your venue contact if they have in-house catering options as well as floorplan layout options. This will help you to get a feel for their accommodations should you choose the venue for your event.
A small event venue makes sense if you have a lower guest count for the event. When planning to distance seating, you can still choose a larger event venue. The venue staff or event planner can assist with arranging the layout using Allseated’s physical distance.
Here are some ideas to consider and questions to ask regarding food services at the small event venue. Do small event venues still offer service styles, menu options and catering packages? Are there food allergies you need to address and can the venue meet these needs? Are you allowed to bring in outside food (like celebration cake) or does the venue provide this for you?Is there a detailed list of catering packages for you to review?
If you are choosing between small event venues for your rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch, you may wish to select a small event venue that is centrally located to those events. Having the venue located near the other events taking place will make it easier for both you and your invited guests. If you have guests or attendees traveling from out of town or staying at a hotel in a specific area, you may also wish to consider venues for small events in a central location to make it as easy as possible for your guests to attend.
When seeking small event locations, remember to ask about their technological capabilities. Strong WIFI, plasma screens, mobile phone charging stations, and adequate technological wiring and connections are important not only for guest and attendee experience but for your event as well. If you plan to show a photo/video montage, you will need the screens for display or your entertainment company may require screens or proper wiring connections for their equipment as well.
Many venues for small events book well in advance so be sure to seek out the small event venues on your list early on in your planning process.
Does the small event venue layout have room for a dance floor? Is there enough room for bridal shower games or other activities on your list? Does the venue you are currently looking at provide an outdoor option?
