Jacksonville, Florida, has the largest population in the state and is the largest city in the United States by area. This makes it a city with plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. You can expect the typical warm and sunny Florida weather combined with loads of nature trails, outdoor activities, and, of course, beaches. This makes it a fun place to visit or live and is perfect for hosting business meetings and private events.
The weather in Jacksonville is sunny and warm year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing. The one thing to look out for is those Florida summers. Not only can the heat be a bit intolerable, but Florida is prone to hurricanes, which can interrupt any plans you may have very quickly, no matter what type of Jacksonville events venue you have booked.
Putting on any type of private event can be a lot of work, from finding the right type of event space to managing all the different logistics. If you don’t have a plan when you begin, the whole process can feel like a nightmare. That’s why it’s important to look for the right companies to help make your event planning go a lot smoother.
Event Planner
Even if you’ve planned dozens of events before, each time is likely just as stressful as the last, and remembering all the little details that need to be taken care of can be panic-inducing. At times like this, it’s likely a good idea to turn to professional event planners for at least a little bit of help. Whether you just need help with the event venue decor or want full turnkey service, you can find an event planner in Jacksonville to meet your needs.
Catering
Food is a mainstay of pretty much any special event. However, since not all Jacksonville event venues offer in-house catering options, it’s always a good idea to have a plan prepared to feed the event guests. The simplest way to do this is by hiring professional event caterers in Jacksonville. This way, there’s no need to worry about hungry guests because hungry guests aren’t happy guests.
Photographer
The last thing to consider is how you’re going to preserve what happens at the event for later. Sure, you could rely on everyone taking selfies and posting to social media, but if you want true memories that will last, then hiring a professional photographer is a good way to go.
Once you’ve decided on a Jacksonville event space, you’ll want to think about the next steps.
J.R. Events
When you need to plan an event, it helps to have someone there who knows what to look out for so that things don’t go wrong. J.R. Events has solutions that range from concierge services to partial or full planning resources and even a la carte services so that you get just what you need for your next event.
Davoli’s Catering
Food can sometimes make or break an event, and keeping everyone fed should be your priority. Davoli’s Catering does just that with some of the freshest and best-tasting food around. They have a variety of menu options and catering styles to meet your needs and keep everyone fed.
Nixel Photography
When creatively documenting the moment matters, it’s always better to leave it to a professional. Nixel Photography has the background to deal with just about any type of event you can imagine, from a small wedding reception to large corporate events. The company has years of experience, so all you have to worry about is making the memories for them to capture.
Jacksonville is a premier entertainment destination with lots of people and lots to do. From the parks to the beaches, there’s something for everyone. With all that it has to offer though, some downsides accompany such a grand city as well.
Cost of living
Compared to other major cities, Jacksonville has a relatively low cost of living thanks to the average price of homes in the city. This can make finding unique event venues in Jacksonville a fair amount cheaper than elsewhere.
Nice weather
The weather is pretty much always sunny in Jacksonville, making it the perfect city to book an outdoor event space. Even if an outdoor event isn’t in the plans, the weather is something that everyone will enjoy, whether you're at a local park or in a neighboring Jacksonville Beach.
Friendly people
Despite being such a big city, Jacksonville still carries that neighborhood feel with residents willing to help and always trying to be friendly. If you’re new in town and hosting an event, this can make things a bit easier for you.
Traffic
Getting around in downtown Jacksonville can be something of a nightmare. If you’re planning out your event, it might be a good idea to make sure the event space is easily accessible to avoid problems.
Poor public transit
Unfortunately, if you’re hoping that buses or trains are available to make getting around a little easier, you might be out of luck. Just like with traffic, it’s best to pick an event space that is centrally located to make it easier for folks to find and get to.
Bugs
If there’s one thing to know about the Deep South, it’s that they have more than their share of bugs. Particularly, mosquitos can drive you insane without repellant of some kind. It’s best to plan for a bug invasion when planning an event in Jacksonville.
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Situated on a massive estate, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens houses one of the best collections of art from local, national, and international artists that can be found anywhere. If the art doesn’t strike your fancy, then perhaps the 2.5-acre gardens will.
The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Have you ever wanted to see real tigers? Then The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is where you need to go. As the name suggests, this animal refuge houses tons of big cats with the sole purpose of educating the populace on the dangers of trying to personally own big cats. It’s worth a look at least once.
The Florida Theatre
If you’re itching to see a show or just learn a bit about history, then The Florida Theatre is the place to go. Built in 1927, this theatre has seen some of the largest acts to ever play a show, including a somewhat famous gentleman by the name of Elvis Presley. The venue is not just for performances but also serves as a multi-use creative space for various events and can easily accommodate groups of all sizes.