It’s also one that’s likely to determine everything else on your checklist. Get it right, and perhaps it’ll even help you check some of those things off. So, what goes into picking the right playground for your next fun-filled celebration? From hiring a much-needed helping hand to putting an emphasis on flexibility, here are the factors you have to think about – so your gathering goes without a hitch.
The old-and-tired adage, “location, location, location,” is true for a reason. Location really does matter. When you’re scouring the internet for the perfect spot, keep a few important things in mind. First, if your guests are pouring in from another state, consider the venue’s proximity to hotels. Are there accommodations nearby? What about parking? (Nothing puts a damper on a party like struggling with parking woes from the get-go.) Another factor to consider: The afterparty. Aside from valet services and ample parking opportunities, one of Flora’s most sought-after features is its strategic location in the heart of San Diego. Several notable hotels are just a stone’s throw away and walkable from the venue. What’s more, the nightlife hot spots are within easy reach, so your guests can keep the party going even after the official festivities draw to a close.
A blank-slate venue might sound good to the DIY-er in you, but it’s also infinitely more challenging to pull off – especially if you’re in a time crunch. To save valuable hours (if not days and weeks) and spare yourself a few headaches, make sure to research the amenities your preferred venue offers. What sort of furnishing and rental options are available? Do they meet your budgetary needs? Flora, with its already-charming, botanical aesthetic, is also outfitted with custom furnishings. Think: mobile and expandable bars, tables and chairs and moving partitions that can be transformed into your dream setting – with just a little sprinkling of magic dust. Other details to consider: vendors, cleaning, security and valet. And yes, Flora helps with those, too.
You might not realize it at first, but orchestrating the whole affair yourself – from start to finish – is a huge undertaking. It often helps to have some hand-holding when navigating some of the thorniest logistics of event-planning. A knowledgeable, well-versed event coordinator can help you dodge potential disasters, tackle the minutiae of your gathering, and take some (no, a lot!) of pressure off your shoulders. Don’t want to go all out on an event planner? Opt for a day-of coordinator, someone who’ll help you get your ducks in a row before the guests arrive. Flora offers that – plus, an event-day site manager, private security and a door person to keep everyone safe and sound, and having a good time.
Don’t like the venue’s roster of vendors? That should be an easy fix. Find an establishment that understands the value of flexibility. Having the option to bring in your vendor of choice is a convenience not a lot of companies offer. That’s why it helps to do your research. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when it comes to big-ticket items like decor, food and entertainment. And of course, don’t neglect the small stuff that can often balloon into giant pains. Like, what are the venue’s rules and guidelines? How rigid is the date? If the past few years taught us anything, it’s that things can turn on a dime. Finding a venue that values convenience and puts the customer first will always be key, now and into the future.
Have your guest list locked in? That will help you narrow down your venue search. After all, you’ll want to pin down a space that can accommodate your friends and family and everyone else you want to share your fairytale-worthy occasion with. But your guests aren’t the only ones who’ll be making it to your party. Your vendors need some space, too – which adds another layer to this decision. And because today, plans pivot all the time, make sure that whatever option you choose can accommodate a fluctuating guest count.