Party Venues London

So you’re planning a private party and you’re looking for a venue but don’t quite know where to start? Don’t fret, we’re experts in finding fantastic venues and so we thought it would only be fair to share our tips for finding the perfect London party venue to suit your brief. When it comes to finding party venues, London is brimming with options. From dry hire venues to quirky hangouts, drinks reception venues to shared Christmas party options, the choice of Spaces can be overwhelming. So to kickstart your London party venue search, make sure you consider the following whilst whittling down your options. Follow our lead and you’ll have the perfect spot to host the party of the century!

Location

Before you begin your search for a party venue in London, you can refine your options by choosing a location. Picking a location is important for a number of reasons. First of all, party venues tend to differ between boroughs. From the cool and quirky haunts of Shoreditch to the upmarket swanky spots of Mayfair, the location of your private party can really set the tone for your event. Another element to consider which relies heavily on Location is accessibility. Where will your guests be travelling from and is it important that the venue is close to transport links? Will you require parking? If the venue is not easily accessible, ensure you have enough money in your budget to arrange alternative transport for your Guests.

Type of venue

Depending on the kind of private party you are hosting, there are a variety party venues you can choose from - some which will suit your event far better than others. From bar hire, private restaurant hire and minimum spend venues to banqueting halls, ballrooms for hire, nightclub hire and dry hire party venues, narrowing your search to a type of venue will streamline the process. So if you’re throwing the office christmas party you might want to consider a Christmas themed venue, a hotel ballroom hire or a shared Christmas party. However, if you’re organising the summer work do, a venue with a view, Thames boat venue or a beautiful garden hire would be a more appropriate summer party venue. So, now you’ve restricted your search by location and venue type, it’s time to consider your budget.

Budget

Defining your budget early on in your planning is crucial to party planning success. Decide what proportion of your budget can be spent on your private party venue before you begin to explore your options. If you’re working with a tight budget, consider inventive ways to save on venue spend. London party venue hire rates differ depending on the time and day of the week. You can further save on spend my exploring different applications of Space. A nightclub hire on non-peak days or a coffee shop after hours can mean a premium spot without the premium price tag.

Availability

Particularly important if you’re planning a large summer party of big office Christmas bash, be sure to check the availability of the kinds of venues you’re looking for at the very beginning of your party planning process. Bare in mind that the best venues will get booked up months in advance so ensure you leave enough time to secure the best party venue London has to offer!

Capacity

When selecting a party venue in London, think about the number of Guests you’re expecting to be in attendance. You don’t want the Space to feel overcrowded but equally a cavernous Space with a sparse guestlist is not ideal. The number of guests will inevitably affect your budget and the kind of venue that will be most suitable.

Vendor restrictions & suppliers

Many London party venues have a list of preferred suppliers. When enquiring with venues, ensure that you ask about their vendor restrictions and policies. Using recommended vendors or in-house suppliers can save you money in the long run, however neglecting to ask before booking a venue can lead to unexpected costs further down the line. If the venue offers catering in-house, make sure you organise a tasting. If you wish to use your own preferred supplier, make this clear to the venue Host when making your enquiry. With HeadBox, you can request a Bespoke Package from Hosts where you can specify any additional services you require such as catering, entertainment or AV services. If the venue does not offer the above services, why not try Friends of HeadBox, our hand-picked ecosystem of trusted suppliers?

Decor and Ambience

While party venues can be dressed to your specifications, there are some features about a Space that are fixed. When conducting a site visit prior to booking a venue, take note of the existing decor and ambiance of the Space. Make sure that you are able to bring in additional decor before booking the venue. You may be able to save yourself some time and money by finding a Space that is easy to access - you don’t want your team to have to transport props up several flights of stairs and extending prep time, when another venue option with a lift would have been preferable. If you’re throwing a themed party and are looking to bring in your own decorations, a blank canvas venue hire is a fantastic option. That way you can have complete control of the aesthetic of your party venue in London.

Private Hire

Before you secure your party venue booking, ensure you consider the other uses of the Space. Will you have exclusive hire of the venue or will another party be using another of the Spaces at the time of your event? Positing this question to the Host prior to booking will save you any unexpected mishaps further down the line.

So there you have it, our top things to consider when choosing a private party venue in London. Remember, you can explore selected venues in 3D before you organise a site visit. Just look for the 3D symbol on a venue’s listing, click on it and explore away!