How far in advance should I book my private Christmas party venue?
If you’re after prime dates (Wednesdays and Thursdays in London, or Thursdays and Fridays elsewhere), aim to book in the first quarter of the year for the best choice. For larger companies with hundreds or even thousands of guests, it’s wise to start searching as early as the previous Christmas season. Spring is a great time to lock in your venue, but by summer, choices begin to narrow. From September onwards, you’ll need flexibility, as peak dates will be few and far between! The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure special discounted rates and extra treats (though not guaranteed).
Is private Christmas party venue hire expensive?
The cost of private Christmas party venue hire varies depending on the venue, party package, and date. If you’re working with a budget of £40-70 per person then you can expect to have some fantastic party options at hotels and conference centres, as well as restaurants, bars and pubs, though expect essentials like a welcome drink, light theming, a meal, and a disco. We like to set expectations by saying with your proposed budget, what would you get at a decent restaurant? With a budget of £80-£150 per person, you’ll have more fancy options, including access to higher-end venues with extravagant theming and entertainment. For budgets above that, you can explore the most luxurious and exclusive venues. Private parties can either be priced on a minimum spend basis or a package price per person.
How do I book a private Christmas party venue for my company?
1) Speak to an expert and outline your private party brief - Start by talking to one of our dedicated Christmas Party Specialists who will help you craft a vision for your party celebrations. Be clear about your budget, number of guests, preferred dates, and any must-haves for the event.
2) Receive Christmas party proposals - Your party planner will gather proposals from various venues each tailored to your brief. These will outline costs, available dates, and what’s included in the party packages.
3) Review proposals, tweak, and shortlist your favourites - Go through the proposals, adjust any details as needed, and narrow down your top picks. Make sure they meet your essential criteria and offer the best experience for your team.
4) Arrange site visits or digital walkthroughs - Visit your shortlisted venues in person or schedule a digital walkthrough to get a feel for the space and see how it can be transformed for your Christmas event.
5) Hold or provisionally book while finalising details - Once you’ve chosen your favourite venue, you can place it on hold or provisionally book while you iron out the finer details, ensuring no one else snaps it up!
6) Confirm and go to contract - When you’re happy with the venue and details, it’s time to go to the contract stage. Review and sign the contract and officially secure the booking for your company’s Christmas party.
7) Finalise details like menu choices and guest list - Confirm the menu, any dietary requirements, and your final guest list.
8) Add extras like entertainment, drinks, or special features - Consider adding festive extras like live entertainment, an additional drinks package, or quirky touches like a candy floss machine or photo booth to make the party truly memorable.
9) Have a final call with your event planner one week before - One week out, have a final call with the venue's Event Planner to run through the last-minute details, confirm timings, and ensure everything is set for the big day.
10) Have a jolly good Christmas party! - With everything in place, it’s time to let your hair down, relax, and enjoy a fabulous Christmas celebration with your colleagues and friends!