How to Find the Perfect Venue for your Event in Tampa Bay
HOW TO FIND
THE PERFECT VENUE
Congratulations on your big event! If you are in the early stages of the planning process, you’ve likely established a date and finalized your guest list. Next comes the hard part — finding the perfect venue.
Whether you’re tying the knot, throwing a surprise birthday party, or organizing a corporate event ceremony, the venue will influence the rest of your planning. Your decor, rentals, caterer, logistics, and more all depend on where you choose to host your event.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, we’re here to help.
As a trusted catering and events company that is deeply rooted in the Tampa community, we know the ins and outs of the best venues in the area. We partner with the most sought-after Tampa Bay venues and we can recommend some hidden gems you might not be aware of.
To help get you started on finding the perfect venue for your event, here are four questions to ask yourself.
What is my budget?
What’s included in the venue fee?
What is the venue’s maximum capacity?
What vibe am I going for?
1 — Budget
Budget —
Venue costs can make up a large portion of an event's budget and will likely determine what you can spend on everything else.
The venue can also be one of the more complicated items to budget for because so many other expenses may or may not be included in the fee. For example, the venue may include rentals, food and beverage services, valet parking, and so on. Make sure you’ve established your overall budget and keep that number in mind as you are weighing your options.
2 — VENUE FEE
Venue Fee —
Some venues are all-inclusive, some are empty spaces, and many are somewhere in between. There are benefits to each one.
All-inclusive venues have everything you need to pull off your event without outsourcing from other vendors. This convenience and ease can come at a price or it may be more economical. Oftentimes, a venue has the basics such as tables and chairs. For some events, like a corporate luncheon, this may be all you need. Venues that are merely a space to hold your event have advantages, too. They may be less expensive or the ideal option for DIY types. These venues are like a blank canvas just waiting to be transformed into your dream event!
Determine where you fall on this spectrum and ask what’s included in the venue fee.
3 — CAPACITY
Capacity —
Perhaps the most obvious factor to consider is if the venue is large enough to accommodate your guest count, but this too isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
Many venues have multiple event spaces of various sizes. Furthermore, how you plan on using those spaces will affect how much room you have for your guests. Will you have a five-piece band or just a DJ? Are you serving passed appetizers, a buffet, or a plated meal? Even the size and shape of your tables and chairs can make a huge difference in how many people a space can accommodate.
4 — Vibe
Vibe —
What kind of look are you going for?
Most venues can accommodate a wide variety of styles and tastes, but the overall aesthetic can help or hinder your vision. A contemporary art museum may be the perfect setting for a bride with a modern flair, while an outdoor venue with lush greenery will enhance natural or bohemian themes. Don’t just rely on photos — check out the venue in person to make sure you’re feeling the vibe.
Once you’ve given these details careful consideration, you can start narrowing down your options. And remember, we are always here to help your vision come to life! Want to take a look at our recommended Tampa venues list? You can check them out here.
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