How to Choose a Party Location

Location. Location. Location. Where you host your party is one of the first questions you’re going to ask yourself once you decide to have the party! Here are a few options to help you as you decide.

Home

A party at home is great! It creates a relaxed and fun atmosphere for your guests. You should think about how many people you’re having, of course, and make sure there is enough room for everyone. You can plan on an outside party, but make sure you have enough room inside in case of rain. A tent is another great alternative and gives protection from bad weather.

Now, a party at home means more clean up for you as the host. You might want to hire someone for “party help” to help with set up, serving and clean up. This will allow you more time to enjoy your party and your guests.

Hotel

A hotel ballroom or event room works well for a corporate event or a larger private party. If you are having out of town guests, having the party at their hotel is a great convenience they will all appreciate. (You can even arrange for discounted rooms with many hotels)

Decorations in many hotels are plain or generic so that you can decorate with any theme you choose. You also have the benefit of onsite catering. No need to bring in your own caterer or rent linens and tables.

You’ll also find a wealth of knowledge with hotel’s event staff. They have worked with local vendors and can make suggestions to help plan your entire event.

Banquet Facility/Country Club

You’ll find many of the same benefits at a banquet facility or country club that you will a hotel. All your catering and serving needs are in one place and décor tends to be neutral enough for any décor.

A banquet facility is designed specifically for special events, so they may also be able to offer you décor, making it a truly one stop shop for your event. This is a great choice for someone wanting to throw a great party but not wanting to work with a variety of vendors.

Restaurant

Many restaurants offer a variety of options for private parties. Depending on the restaurant, you’ll find spaces for groups from 5-500 and atmospheres that can be casual or formal. Choosing a restaurant allows you to choose somewhere that offers food you love! So, it can be perfect for a small family get together or a large corporate function.

Museum

A museum is a great place to have a party if you’re looking for a “Wow!” from your guests. The décor is built in, so you won’t need to bring in as much, if any, decorations for your event. This can be a cost saver, but you might pay for it in the facility rental.

Many museums will allow your guests to roam freely around the exhibits. Your guests will love this without a doubt.

Most museums will have preferred vendor lists. So, although you’ll need to bring in a caterer and other vendors, the museum staff can help you choose vendors that they work well with and that will be good for your event.

Stadium

Like museums, most sports stadiums have event staffs and specific spaces for parties. This is a great choice for a party in a different and fun location.

Bowling Alley/Pool Hall/Etc.

A gaming facility like a pool hall, bowling alley, skating rink or video arcade is another fun option for a party that comes with a built in theme and built in activities! There is no way your guests will be bored at that party! Perfect for birthday parties, Bar or Bat Mitzvahs or corporate events.

Outside

There are many wonderful locations for a party outside – a backyard, park, amusement park or on the beach, to name a few.  There is nothing like a party outside on a beautiful day. There is also nothing like a party outside on a rainy day. As great as a party outside can be, make sure you have a Plan B for inside!

Temple/Church

If you’re hosting a celebration for a religious event, you should consider having your party at your church, temple or place of worship. Most have great event facilities. Plus, if you’re having a ceremony or service first, then your guests won’t need to drive to a second location for your party.

Other Spaces

There are endless places to hold a party. We’ve coordinated parties in great, usual spaces. Here are a few of my favorite:

• A barn (a perfect Western)
• A shopping mall (after it closed at night)
• An old armory (great for a Halloween party)
• An elementary school gym (we did a school theme 50^th birthday party)
• An empty warehouse (the possibilities are endless!)

Regardless of where you are having your party, what is most important is being together with family and friends or clients and employees enjoying each other’s company.

Comments

[Theme Wedding Planner]

Ah, when I go to a party I always take a taxi, Stacey, I don't think parking spots are such a big issue when partying :P

[Stacy]

In any location make sure you consider the parking spot for all your invited guests.

I wrote a whole article on: http://foodpartyplanning.com/party-planning-information

Party on!

[Carlene Whiting]

How many balloons should I blow up so that everyone could see when they walk in? How many should I do? so that everyone can tell about the whole decreations.

[Carlene Whiting]

what time should I have all of my friends show up?

[Carlene Whiting]

What is the best way to have the funnest graduation party?

[hannah]

this didnt help me