About Gatherings
Gatherings are all about people coming together to share good company, good conversation, and good times. But no two gatherings are the same — they can be for three or 300 people, and they can range from casual and relaxed to much more formal affairs.
Finding the right gathering venue for your needs is essential. The space you choose needs to match the atmosphere you want, plus be the right size and have all the critical facilities you need for a successful social event.
But the good news is that if you get your choice of gathering space right, you’re already well on the way to arranging a great get-together.
The Best Gathering Venues
The ancient Greeks and Romans knew the importance of finding the right gathering space. If you want people to come together, you need to find a venue that’s easy to get to and perfectly practical, but that also has the right atmosphere to encourage discussion and the sharing of ideas. Here are just a few of the venue options you might like to consider.
- Bars
What could be more convivial than getting together with friends for laid-back drinks, chat, and maybe a tasty snack? If that’s the sort of gathering you want, a bar is the ideal setting — and the different themes and styles of bars out there mean there’s a venue to suit every occasion. This understated but welcoming bar backroom is ideal if you want a casual and relaxed space.
- Restaurants and Cafes
Food always brings people together, so restaurants and cafes are an obvious choice if you’re searching for the best gathering venues. For example, maybe you’d like to sit down to a gourmet meal in the private dining room of your favorite restaurant. Alternatively, a casual Sunday brunch at your local cafe is a no-stress option when you want to catch up with friends.
- Function Rooms
The great thing about function rooms is that they give you a (relatively) blank canvas to work with. These versatile spaces can suit gatherings of just about any type, from bridal showers and birthdays to corporate meet-and-greets and even memorial services. They also usually come with experienced venue staff to help make running your event as simple and stress-free as possible.
- Outdoor Patios and Courtyards
If the weather allows, getting outdoors could be a wonderful idea for your next social gathering. If you can find an outdoor patio or courtyard with the right inviting and intimate atmosphere, you’ll encourage your guests to socialize and enjoy good conversation without even realizing it.
What to Look for in Gathering Spaces
Planning any sort of social event is a big undertaking. And while there’s a lot to consider, it all starts with your choice of venue. These are the key factors to consider when comparing gathering spaces.
- Ambiance
First and foremost, think about the atmosphere you want at your gathering. Will it be casual and laid-back, formal, and sophisticated, or something else entirely? Once you know what you want, you can start looking for a gathering space that offers the right ambiance for the occasion.
- Location
When you’re choosing a gathering space, just like when you’re choosing real estate, location is crucial. Look for a gathering venue that’s centrally located and easy to get to by road and public transport. And if some of your guests are flying in from interstate or overseas, look for something easily accessed from the airport and close to accommodation options.
- Helpful Staff
Experienced and helpful venue staff can take much of the stress out of planning a social gathering. Look for a venue with staff who are happy to accommodate your requests and know what it takes to run a successful event.
- Practical Inclusions
Now it’s time to cast your eye over the venues you’re comparing from a purely practical point of view. Some of the factors to consider include if there is enough parking, if it has mobility access, whether the layout suits your needs if it has all the equipment you need like AV and furniture, and if there are enough bathrooms. Put together a list of the features your venue must have and then keep it close at hand when comparing your options.
- The Right Price
Finally, your budget will always play a part in your final venue decision. Work out how much you want to spend before you start looking — this will prevent you from becoming attached to a space that’s simply out of your price range.
Gathering Inspiration
Need a little help finding a gathering venue that’ll put smiles on the faces of all your guests? Here’s some inspo to motivate you to find the perfect space.
- Take it to the Top in a Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are private and exclusive, but they also manage to be intimate and welcoming at the same time. So, if you want to get together with some of the important people in your life somewhere away from the rest of the world, a rooftop bar is your go-to venue.
- Coffee Confab in a Cozy Cafe
Some of us can’t get through the day without it, but coffee is also perfect for bringing people together. What could be easier than getting a few friends together for caffeine, conversation, and maybe a slice or two of cake?
- Big Birthday Bash in a Beautiful Ballroom
Milestone birthday parties are important gatherings, so they often deserve a special celebration. Treat the guest of honor to a big party with all their closest friends and family in a gorgeous hotel ballroom. This will give their birthday the sense of occasion it deserves.
- Perfect Pool Parties
Hosting a summertime social gathering? Pool parties are the ideal choice for hot-weather fun, providing a relaxed and convivial atmosphere that encourages everyone to let their hair down. This pretty pool area with a custom-made tiki bar is perfect for a pool party.