Researching Toronto party venues requires a bit of legwork. Party planners want to impress their guests in every aspect, from the overall tone of the party to the catering menu. While there is a long list of questions to ask yourself when scoping out Toronto party venues, this list can be narrowed down to a few hallmark queries.
Ask yourself these five questions before you book the venue.
1. What’s My Theme?
Comparing Toronto party venues should be done once you have a theme or idea of the party vibe in mind. This way, you can pick a venue that jives with the event and matches its overall style. Is it a formal event where you’d like the classic ballroom vibe or is it informal and you’d prefer a contemporary venue?
Take a good look at the existing décor, architectural details, and the building’s interior. Without this, you could end up spending a lot of money to transform the space into your vision, which is better avoided from the start.
2. Can the Venue Hold My Guests?
Knowing the absolute maximum capacity, as well as what happens if fewer guests show up than planned, is important. Not only does it ensure your guests aren’t crowded into one space, but the building has its own fire and safety codes to adhere to, which you need to consider as well.
A rough idea of attendance numbers at the initial research stage makes it easier to eliminate venues that simply don’t have the space for your guests. Some venues have an adjustment policy once numbers are better confirmed as you get closer to the date. This makes it pertinent to know whether the venue can still meet the adjusted attendance and if any additional fees are required.
3. Can I Choose My Own Caterers?
Caterers are a great help when it comes to event planning, and you might already have an idea of who you want to work with for the party. However, not all venues allow you to bring in your own caterers.
Some Toronto party venues provide their own services and don’t allow outside parties, which is problematic if you have your own team in mind. If you like the venue’s preferred list, it’s not a problem, but if you’re unsure about the catering options or you already have a trusted group, it could affect your decision.
4. What Does the Space Include?
Note the different services included in each potential venue. The inclusion of extra amenities could save you costs elsewhere. Not every venue includes the same services. If you prefer certain things provided in the space, it might be nice to choose a venue that offers them.
Parking, for example, might be more convenient if it’s at the venue instead of a rented lot nearby. A space that already has full A/V capability might be preferable to renting the equipment separately. One that’s wheelchair accessible and friendly for elderly attendees is more inclusive than a space lacking these accommodations. Chairs, tables, and linens can be expensive to rent if the space doesn’t provide them.
Anything that isn’t included should be known upfront, so you can determine what services and third parties you need to contact.
5. How Much Can I Spend?
Before getting too excited about the venue, remember how much you have to spend. It’s not fun to find a venue you really like only to discover you can’t afford the space. Consider the total party budget: venue, caterer, invitations, photographer, liquor, et cetera.
How much in the overall budget can be allocated to the venue itself? When you know how much you can spend, it’s easier to compare and remove spaces from the list of Toronto party venues.