No matter what special occasion you have coming up — whether it's a wedding, corporate gathering, private party, or fundraiser — the outdoor party venue you choose will be the difference between an event your guests attend this year and the event your guests remember this year. Ensure your party stands out by selecting the best party venue.
How do you make that happen? It's all in the features and amenities of your unique event space. This includes how it's managed by the venue manager, the add-ons you can opt into to make it perfect for your guests, and the timing/location of the event. Forbes adds that integrating personalized activities and creating an environment that fosters relationships helps boost how memorable your party will be among guests.
Finding the right venue isn't always an easy task. To help you in your search for the perfect outdoor space, here are some things you need to know.
A Memorable Party Starts With Timing and the Right Location
First and foremost, a memorable event requires timing that makes sense for the occasion. For instance, weddings often do best on the weekends (depending on your guests), while a corporate gathering would be successful throughout the week if employees were granted flexible schedules or time off during the event. What this means for you can vary by the type of event and the guests you invite to your party.
In addition, location matters. If your guests find that your location is inconvenient, they may be less likely to attend. The most successful parties ensure your guests can easily locate and travel to the event space without:
- Getting lost (for instance, venues not on Google maps or with tricky addresses)
- Struggling to find parking spaces (the venue should have plenty for your guests)
- Long walks to the location from their parking spots (transportation should be available if parking is not nearby)
Aside from these basic components of a great party venue, there are several other elements of a venue to consider when deciding whether it’s right for your memorable outdoor event.
What to Look for in Your Outdoor Party Venue
Most (75%) Americans report being “very excited” about getting out and being social again. This makes for greater event attendance and a little more pressure to ensure all guests get the memorable experiences they've missed over the last few years.
For the best event of the year, you may want to consider thinking outside the box with your outdoor party venue. Being outdoors offers an array of benefits and, with the right venue, can make your event unique all on its own. That said, here are some other amenities your venue should offer to ensure it's the best fit for your occasion.
Indoor and Outdoor Options
Outdoor venues are a huge hit and offer some of the most unique and memorable experiences. However, Texas weather can be tricky, and you don't want your event to be canceled or rescheduled due to weather conditions. At certain times of the year, the scorching sun can heat your outdoor event beyond what’s comfortable for your guests.
For this reason, having a venue space that incorporates both indoor and outdoor options can be helpful! This way, guests can make the most of outdoor activities while getting away from the Austin heat now and then by cooling off inside with a cold beverage.
Half-Day Vs. Full-Day
You'll find that most outdoor venues offer half-day and full-day event options. You can choose your venue depending on which option they provide, but this may limit the additional amenities you can expect, depending on the venue. Instead, consider a party venue that offers the choice between the two without limiting the extra amenities you can add on to make your event truly special.
Related: Get Creative with Event Venues in Austin, TX
Handmade Furniture Selections
Unique features at an event venue will always set your event apart from the dozens of other guests who will attend throughout the year. Handmade furniture selections are a feature that adds a unique element and creates a desirable atmosphere as a backdrop for your event.
Not only do 72% cite handmade products as 'more special' than mass-produced items, but these kinds of additions bring a unique vibe and ambiance to your party. Unlike venues with the same generic furniture and decor, the best outdoor venue will have selections guests haven't seen before. This way, their first impressions are enhanced by unique beauty and admiration.
Prep Kitchen Access
The food prep for your event must be separate from the party. Watching staff set up and clean up after guests isn't a beautiful sight, and it can affect the vibe of your event space. The best venue will have access to a prep kitchen that isn't in view but is still stocked with all the necessary tools to ensure your guests are well-taken care of from start to end.
On-Site Venue Manager
Having an on-site venue manager can be crucial to a successful event. Throwing an outdoor party can get stressful to manage on your own, especially as you invite more and more guests to the event. You shouldn't have to bear the brunt of the stress while trying to entertain guests and have a good time in the process.
An on-site venue manager ensures everything on the venue side of things is as it should be and take care of, giving you peace of mind and extra time to mingle and socialize with everyone who shows up.
Add-Ons
Not every party will require the same add-ons, and you shouldn't have to pay for a one-size-fits-all package. Instead, the right venue will have add-on options to choose the best ones that will suit your occasion. Some examples include transportation options, AV setup, event planning, catering, beverage and bar services, and rentals for products like dishware, linens, etc.
Say goodbye to boring outdoor events when you book one of Vuka's popular venues for your outdoor party. Venues like our Bouldin Creek event space offer guests a unique experience outside — with a ¼ acre backyard, large oak tree, and local artist tapestries — while offering plenty of indoor space for those who desire it. Get started with an appointment to tour our popular event spaces!
