Inspiring event venues in spectacular places…

Are you…

Tired of meetings in uninspiring corporate event venues?

Looking to escape to the countryside for your wedding?

Planning a party to celebrate that #0-something birthday with family and friends?

Then why not head for the hills, the wild moorlands and sweeping downs that make up the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) across the UK? Breath-taking scenery, flower-filled meadows and ancient woodlands await, along with some of the country’s most stunning, amazing and quirky event venues.

Whether you’re planning a business meeting or a celebration, your venue and location are the backdrop to your event – and hold the key to creating an unforgettable experience for your guests. That’s where Secret Spaces comes in. We specialise in finding amazing event venues and spaces in spectacular places that add the wow factor to your event and keep guests talking about it for years to come.

How to choose the right event venue?

What’s the one thing you should consider when choosing an event venue? If only it was that easy! There are so many things to think about, that narrowing it down to ten things is actually quite hard.

But here we go, 10 top tips to help you make the right choice when searching through the top event venues near you.

Choose your date and start planning early

This may sound obvious, but if you’re striving for unique and fabulous – then you need to secure your venue well in advance. It’s also a good idea to plan backwards – so if your event is 1st May, then invitations should be sent mid-March and so on.  Always give yourself a little extra wiggle room to allow for any delays.

Be clear on your objective for the event

For instance, if you’re planning a corporate event to schmooze potential clients – then your objective is to find a corporate event venue which is spectacular, oozes style and offers impressive service. An anniversary party, however, might call for a more intimate, romantic setting and so your objective would be to choose a venue which is smaller and has a gorgeous backdrop for photo opportunities.

Know your budget

It’s so easy to get carried away when you fall in love with a venue. Finding a special setting can be an emotional experience. But spending more than your budget will allow could mean other elements of your event may suffer. Be realistic, open-minded and don’t be afraid to negotiate!

Know your audience

Who is attending your event and what’s important to them? You may love the look of an edgy bar in town, but does it really suit the needs of your guests?  Try not to be guided by your imagination and pounding heart. It’s a good idea to take someone with you when you visit a venue and have a second tour a few days later – when you feel more objective.

Location

As they say, it’s everything. Your venue needs to be accessible to your guests and cater to all of their needs.  If you’re planning a wedding, the location is key to a smooth and hassle-free day. And a Manor House in the middle of nowhere for your corporate event may seem idyllic, but if it means your team need to wake up super early to arrive by 9am – they aren’t off to the most positive start!

What kind of space do you need?

Sit-down dinner, drinks and canapés reception, conference meeting …one space will not suit all. Have a clear plan in mind about how you want the event to feel and flow. That’s not to say that you can’t think outside the box.  An unconventional space, as long as it’s comfortable for your guests, can seriously add to the wow factor.

Services and amenities

Let’s face it, you’re looking to impress. And uninterested staff, a tired looking venue or no parking is going to get your guests talking for all the wrong reasons. So, what do you need? A party for children will require open space, washrooms nearby and adequate changing facilities.  For a corporate event, on the other hand, you’ll need projectors, strong Wi-Fi and quiet break out rooms for your corporate event.

Ambience

A really important one, but near the end of my list because you can largely rely on your own gut feel. You’ll know when you walk into a venue if it’s the right vibe for you and your event. However, if you’re having an evening event, ensure you visit at night – the venue could look and feel entirely different ambience during the day.

Do your research

Who books anything without reading reviews these days, or asking within your circle of friends? However, if your venue is super exclusive, it might be more difficult. In which case, don’t be afraid to ask the person you’re booking with for the telephone number of a previous client who’d be happy to have a chat with you. And have a peek around their social media. If somebody has something negative to say they will almost certainly share their experience here.

Visit several of the best venues near you

If you’ve ever been married, you will have had an image in your mind of THE perfect dress. You’ve dreamed of this dress since being a little girl. Then you go to the dress shop and you’re made to try on different styles. You politely agree of course …and love every single one!  A wedding venue, or any venue – is just the same.  You have to keep an open mind and try a few on for style!

84% of business owners and CEOs believe corporate events are a critical component of their company’s success. And in turn, picking the right venue is a critical component in the success of the event.

You want your event to impress. To give you and your guests goose pimples! You want a day to remember.

Choosing the right venue for your event can feel overwhelming and confusing. Where do you begin?!

Let Secret Spaces help you.