When selecting the best venue for your party, consider the occasion first.  The following is a list of the different types of parties that people typically plan:

• Anniversary
• Baby Shower
• Bachelor/Bachelorette
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah
• Birthday
• Bridal Shower
• Company Party
• Going Away
• Graduation
• Holiday
• Housewarming
• Quinceanera
• Prom
• Retirement
• Reunions
• School
• Wedding
• Wedding Reception

Despite the fact that some people will find any reason to throw a party, the 18 events listed above are the most common.  This will help you decide on the size and type of venue that you will need to select.

The following should be considered when sitting down to choosing your party venue.  The decision making part of the process is always the most difficult when it comes to selecting the ideal venue for your party, so hopefully the following 6 suggestions will make your task less challenging.

• Budget rules all – before you even think about proceeding, look at what your budget will allow.  A good rule of thumb is to calculate your expenses as correctly as you possibly can.  Once you have arrived at a figure, pad it with an additional 20% to cover those other expenses that can and will crop up along the way.
• Color is everything – the venue does not need to be done up in the exact colors planned for your event.  However, it is important that the carpeting, chairs, curtains (or drapes), tables, and walls do not clash with the party colors.  You would be amazed at how the mood of the event can be negatively altered by not paying attention to this step.
• Consider the age group that will be attending – if there will be children, they should be in safe areas.  If elderly people are attending the event, you should take care to provide some more comfortable seating for them.  Additionally, paths and walkways should be smooth so there is less risk of them tripping and falling. Consider the guest list and if there are disabled individuals attending, the venue should have appropriate ramps.
• Distance can be a big deterrent – not everyone that you invite will attend due to the fact that they can’t or that they live too far from where you are holding the event.  Those that are used to commuting in and out of large metropolitan areas won’t have a problem if they have to commute a couple of hours.  However, some people hate spending long periods of time doing that.  It’s safe to anticipate that the majority of those that you invite would be willing to drive an hour to get to the event.  Anything beyond that may negate them attending.
• Outdoor or Indoor – make sure that you consider the fact that if your party is being conducted outdoors or indoor keeping in mind the season and climate. It may look beautiful to have a wedding close to the beach or in a garden but if it is rainy the whole party may be spoilt. Pick a venue that caters to not only your event but suits the climate also.
• Room for all facets of the occasion – it is imperative that you obtain a venue that can handle various aspects of the event, such as:

1. Dance floor space
2. Entertainment venue
3. Bar and food serving capacity
4. Furniture needed to accommodate guests

• Spaces for the different activities of the party is critical – you want to make sure that there is sufficient space for different activities such as:

1. Dancing
2. Drinking
3. Eating
4. Party games
5. Socializing

Try to envision all of this happening inside the venue that you are considering.  What is important is that you rent a venue that is capable of being sectioned off.  Be sure to see if there are obstructions present that will hinder the guest’s views of the goings on at the party.  Pillars can detract from the mood of the party if it blocks a guest’s view of these different activities.