It’s certainly true that finding an event space is easy enough. Finding the right event space for the type of event you’re hosting isn’t quite as easy. After all, you wouldn’t book a lecture hall for a rock concert, the same way you wouldn’t rent out Madison Square Garden for a TED Talk. To help you find the right venue for your event, we’ve put together a guide to choosing event spaces, along with a few examples from different areas. This will give you a good idea of the different spaces available so that you don’t have to settle for the wrong space for your event.

Event planning: a quick how-to guide 

It might seem easy at first to plan an event. There are literally hundreds of event venues to choose from no matter where you live. You already know what type of event you’re hosting, so all you have to do is pick a venue and book it, right? Well, no, it’s not that simple.

To plan a successful event, you’ll need to consider several important factors before you start shopping around for event venues.

Know the event you’re planning 

It sounds simple, but it’s not just whether the event is a corporate event, social event, or something else — the specifics of the event are also important when choosing your event space.

Here are a few key details you should know before you even begin looking at venues:

• the formality of the setting and the event
• the attire required
• the types and number of people in attendance
• special guests or speakers
• how long the event will last and what to do in case it runs over

Knowing these basics will drastically narrow down your search for the correct venue.

Figure out what your needs are 

Once you know enough about the event you’re planning, you can figure out which amenities and facilities your venue should have to make sure everything goes according to plan.

One consideration is whether or not you’ll need food and drinks. Knowing what you need lets you narrow down your choices. Some venues serve drinks or have in-house catering. Other venues don’t offer anything but allow for outside catering to be brought in. This option is a bit less convenient and more expensive, but is still a viable option.

In some rare cases, though, a venue may not allow food or drink to be brought in at all. In this case, you would need to have a separate place to feed everyone before arriving at the main venue, or choose a different event space altogether.

If you need special equipment, microphones, screens, computers, or other items, then it’s important to see what the venue offers and what you may need to bring in. This includes having some kind of tech support in case things go awry.

Once you plan for your basic needs, you can secure a venue that fits the type of space you need for your event.

Odds and ends 

Depending on the type of event, you may need to consider some additional factors. Ease of access is important, as well as availability of transit and access to hotels, food, and entertainment.

If the event you’re planning is an ongoing event spanning multiple days, then you’ll likely want the event venue to be near some of these things so that guests have an easier time going to and from the venue.

Most venue websites list nearby amenities to give you an idea of what’s located around the space. This can help you plan things out better and make picking the right space less difficult.

A few examples of event spaces

Now that we’ve covered the how-to portion of the guide, we’ll provide some examples of event spaces for various types of events. No matter where you’re located, this will help get you started if you’re new to event planning or just need a little inspiration.

1. Rustic Charm 

Are you looking for a bit of old-world charm, perfect for any type of formal event? And why book an intimate and homey venue for your special gathering?

Deciding to go with rustic charm, whether it be a wedding, milestone birthday or even a yoga retreat, this type of venue provides a warm and cozy gathering. Natural colors and textures like barnwood and rough linen are ideal. To give your event a simple yet sophisticated feel, use string lights and white flowers to brighten the space.

Vintage Barn Events is located in the gorgeous Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Offering an atmosphere that feels elegant and cozy at the same time, this venue offers a unique experience that your guests will never forget.

2. Historic Setting 

Have you ever thought about holding a party, dinner, or corporate event in an actual clock tower? Well, now you can. Clock Tower Events is a venue situated inside an actual clock tower atop a historic building.

If you are a lover of days gone by and all things grand, choose an event venue that highlights vintage architecture, timeless furnishings, and of course, the elegance of history. One of Denver’s nationally recognized historic places, this location is originality at it’s best.

3. Rooftop  

When you think of an event venue, you might not think a rooftop is a viable space. But most often a rooftop view is sure to impress and this gives your event the upper edge.

What have rooftops got going for them? Panoramic views and statement making decor are two ways to wow your guests. No matter if your occasion is a corporate one or an intimate gathering of a few friends, holding an event on a rooftop is always breathtaking. Hanging a screen for viewing a movie or sporting event is always fun. And sunset photos will create lasting memories.

Tribeca Rooftop gives awesome views of one of the coolest cities in North America. An event held in NYC any time of day is sure to please.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, this guide has given you everything you need to book your own event venue, along with a few suggestions of the types of spaces you can use. If you’re in the area, then check out some of the venues on our list. There’s plenty more where that came from, though, so good luck and happy hunting.