Expert venue finder

Celebrity party planner Peregrine Armstrong-Jones gives some vital party venue search hints...

Finding the perfect venue is rather like hunting for a new house! Here are some tips which I have found useful many times over.

Take your time

You will know when you have found the venue for you. As soon as you arrive, it will feel automatically right. Your venue is the place where you are going to entertain all of your friends and relations -- so take time to get it right. Start your search a long time before the party as this gives you the space to make the right decision without rushing into anything. Start looking one year before your party date.

Traditional or something completely different?

If you're searching for something unique, you need to think laterally. You may have seen a building or even a private house that you feel would be perfect. Although some places look like they may seem unavailable... don't believe it until you have asked.

I am always amazed by the number of times I have asked private owners to rent out their houses and the answer has been 'yes'. So have the courage to approach a venue that looks exciting -- if you want to do something different, your venue needs to be dramatic.

If you are looking for a traditional, well-tested venue, then you will probably be considering either a hotel or historic building which will offer a formula that works in that particular venue.

Take a look at the confetti venue search for some of the most beautiful.

Size it up

Once you know roughly how many guests you will be inviting, you'll have a good idea for the amount of space that you will need in order to set up chairs, tables and dance floor area. Be careful -- a venue which is too spacious loses its intimacy while a venue which is too small will be uncomfortably cramped. Work at the space -- it's simple just to draw a plan! Then you can tailor your party to the right venue.

Meet the caretaker

You need to establish early on whether or not the management of your venue are on your side. Most are friendly and flexible; however, there are certain museums and historic buildings which are run by caretakers/managers who, deep down, would prefer to see their venues full of art or exhibits instead of wine and music. So get the feel of the management wherever you go!

You can find a wide selection of wedding and reception venues in our extensive directory of venues across the UK and abroad.