Whether you’re hosting a wedding or a corporate party, a successful event will start with the right venue. After all, the event space sets the scene for the party. Take care that you handle this major planning aspect properly. Knowing what to do and not do ensures you get the right space without any avoidable complications.

Do:

Schedule a visit.

Checking out the venue in person will help you determine whether it’s really the right space and will make planning the event logistics much easier. Pay attention to the size, ambiance, helpfulness of the staff, and whether the location would suit your needs. Prepare a list of questions and picture your event there when you visit. You can plan your event layout and test the AV equipment and acoustics. That visit won’t take long, but it will provide you with a wealth of useful information.

Set your budget.

You should walk into your event planning with a set budget in mind. Know what you’re willing to pay for the event overall, then break that down into categories, such as the catering, decorations, venue, and more. Generally, your venue and food should cost less than half of the overall budget.

Don’t:

Wait to book.

The venue is one of the first tasks to focus on; you need to know that it will be available on your event date, and the space you choose will affect what you do for catering, decorations, and more. Start looking for a venue at least five months in advance, or a full year ahead of time for parties larger than 400 people.

Sign without reading.

The contract is there for your benefit, so read it thoroughly before signing. This will tell you exactly what to expect, and you can negotiate any details you want to change. For example, they may outline rules regarding the vendors you can use and will tell you exactly what they’ll provide. Knowing this will help you plan and avoid any costly surprises in the future.

The right venue will give you the most bang for your buck while making your planning simple. The Signal is a modern, yet rustic, space in Chattanooga, TN, with accommodations for events ranging from 50 to 1,300 guests. The private party venue is conveniently located two minutes from downtown, and their capable staff will handle all the cleanup for you. Learn more on their website and call (423) 489-4700 to schedule a visit.