Hosting a small birthday party isn't always as easy as you might think. You'll need to find a small birthday party venue that ticks all the boxes, so keep reading for tips on planning successful private events and birthday celebrations.
What's the best venue for your small party? It really depends on the type of experience you and your guests want to enjoy, but here are a few venue ideas to get you started.
Private Dining Rooms
What could be better than sitting down to a gourmet three-course meal in a luxurious private dining room? Regardless of whether you're in a renowned dining destination like Las Vegas or just your favorite local spot, it's a special way to celebrate ticking off another year.
Gardens
Beautiful gardens suit corporate events or intimate private parties. They offer a relaxed setting and encourage you to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Rooftop Bars
Head for a rooftop bar to enjoy an intimate gathering in your own private party space. It's easy to enjoy yourself in a cozy open-air setting, while the views from such locations are often pretty spectacular too.
Cafes
Get together with a few friends in a cozy, private corner of a cafe. A warming brew, a slice of cake, and lots of laughs—doesn't that sound like a simple but satisfying way to celebrate?
Choosing event spaces can be quite an absorbing and confusing task, so look for these key features when choosing party venues.
Atmosphere
The right venue will provide an intimate atmosphere for your party. But the space you choose for your next special event will depend on whether you're hosting a formal celebration or something more relaxed.
Location
The best venues for social events are found in convenient, easily accessible locations. Consider driving time and public transport links to make sure everyone will be able to easily get to and from the party.
Size
The space should be perfectly suited to the size of your guest list. Grand banquet halls, for example, will be far too cavernous for a small gathering and better suited to a corporate event, so search for something a little more intimate.
Key Amenities
What essential facilities do you need for your birthday party? Does the venue provide off-street parking, private bathrooms, and on-site catering facilities? Is it accessible for people with disabilities?
Price
Your budget will always be a key consideration when planning a birthday party. Work out how much you can afford to spend on venue hire before you start comparing your options. And if you find the perfect space but it's well outside your price range, don't be tempted to blow your entire budget—there are plenty of other ways to make the event into something truly special.
Owner and Staff
You can usually get a good idea as to the professionalism of an event location from the moment you first get in touch with them. A space managed by a helpful host will offer helpful and prompt answers to your questions, and will be flexible enough to accommodate special requests. The best space to rent will also come with experienced staff who can help make your party a pleasurable experience from start to finish.
Once you've found the perfect place to host your birthday bash, there are lots of other simple things you can do to ensure that you and your guests enjoy a gathering to remember.
One simple way to crank the fun factor up to 11 is to choose a unique party theme. The possibilities to get creative here are just about endless—from Hawaiian luaus to old-school Hollywood parties, aquatic themes to a party all about Simpsons references. Search online to find the inspiration you need.
The right decorations will also help to transform the space into your ultimate party location. Keep the birthday girl or boy in mind when choosing a color palette and motif, and don't forget to lean heavily into your theme when prettying up the space.
And if you really want to give your guests an experience to remember, think about what sort of additional party equipment and supplies you can rent for the occasion. If you're hosting a children's birthday party, a bouncy castle and carnival games will keep all your pint-sized guests busy. For a more mature guest list, a photo booth or some arcade games make useful conversation starters.
Shop around to find out what's available and see if it's a good fit for your event.
Small gatherings can be surprisingly complicated to plan, so use this checklist to make sure you don't forget any key tasks.
Set a Date
Choose a date for your party well in advance. Make sure all key guests will be able to attend on that date.
Choose a Theme
Pick a party theme to increase the fun factor of your celebration. Make sure it's a theme the birthday boy or girl will love.
Create a Guest List
Who will make it onto the exclusive guest list? Once you know who makes the cut, get the invitations out early to ensure that no one misses out.
Book a Venue
Compare locations to find a party venue you love. Book the event space as early as possible to ensure that you can secure it for the date you want.
Book Catering
Compare caterers to find a provider that will customize a menu to suit your tastes, and consider organizing a bartending service to keep the drinks flowing all night long.
Organize Entertainment and Activities
Book any musicians, performers, party game hire, or other entertainment options you need for your event.
Here are some simple ideas if you're having trouble finding the perfect place to host a birthday party.
Garden Party
Hire a lush private garden to enjoy an outdoor birthday celebration. Gardens provide a private and relaxing setting where you can celebrate with a handful of close friends.
Art Gallery Soiree
For a touch of sophistication and glamor, host your private event in an art gallery space. Think beautiful artworks, glasses of champagne, mouthwatering appetizers, and sparkling conversation—and all of it taking place in an open and airy space.
Restaurant Dinner
Private dining rooms provide an intimate atmosphere—perfect for when you want to sit down to a nourishing birthday feast. They're also well suited to a holiday party or corporate event.
Pool Party
Hire a private house with a pool and patio area. Then you can dive or just lounge by the water with a cocktail—a chilled get-together before blowing out the candles on your cake.
You're often spoiled for choice when comparing party venues, so how do you find the space that's just right for your special event? When you find a venue that looks and sounds like it might fit the bill, ask these questions of the owner to work out if it's the right event space for you.
Is the venue available on my chosen date?
The best venues for private parties will usually book out months in advance, so you'll need to make sure the venue is available when you want. If it's not, you'll need to decide whether you'd be willing to change the date or just look for another venue.
How many hours does my booking cover?
Does making a booking mean you secure the space for an entire day or night, or do you just get it for a specific number of hours? If you need it for longer than the time limit, can you book it for additional hours by paying extra?
What is (and isn't) included in the price?
Does the price cover venue hire as well as all the facilities and amenities you need? Is there any optional equipment available for an extra fee, such as AV equipment or catering supplies?
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Some venue owners place restrictions on what you can do in a space. For example, there may be regulations you need to follow when decorating the venue, or noise limits may be in space during specific hours. Check with the host to find out if there's anything you should know about.
Unique venues can make events ranging from bridal showers to birthday parties of all sizes into truly memorable events. Compare small birthday party venues on Giggster today to find your ideal space.