About Madison
Madison is the state capital of Wisconsin and has some of the most unique topography and architecture of anywhere in the United States. Of note is the capitol building that is situated on an isthmus between two lakes. There’s plenty to see and do in Madison as well.
The weather is moderate during the spring and summer, although its extreme northern position means that the late fall and winter can become quite cold. Snow is almost a certainty, with it becoming severe in many cases.
Sidewalks filled with patios beckon diners, and museums call to history and science lovers. And no matter the type of Madison event space you seek, you’ll find it in this intriguing city.
Event Options in Madison
Planning any type of event has its ups and downs. Getting all the details just right can be tricky but once everything goes together your event can turn into a smashing success. The trouble is having to do everything yourself and account for everything that needs to happen at any given event. There are options out there to help you make the most of your event and Madison is no exception to having the accommodations you need.
- Event Planner
An event planner is the perfect choice to take a lot of the stress off of your shoulders while handling other details. A knowledgeable planner can provide design and setup advice, handle logistics, and even coordinate with your Madison event space to make sure every person will fit and all the particulars are accounted for. Event planners can plan as little or as much of the event as you want, from helping book the event space all the way to setting up the day of the function.
- Catering
One of the things that sometimes gets overlooked at an event is food. Sure, a dinner already has food included, but a retirement party, award ceremony or another type of event should include food too. After all, no one wants hungry guests. The event space you choose may offer some form of catering, but if you’re not sure or know that you’ll need other options, then hiring an outside caterer will cover all your bases and keep everyone well fed.
- Photographer
No matter the type of event, having a visual record of the awesome memories that were made is important. You might be able to rely on guests with cameras, but then you’re likely to get a bunch of selfies and not much else. The safer and more practical way to go is by hiring a professional photographer to capture the moment just right. They can take the shots that other people might miss and give you something to remember the event by.
Event Companies in Madison
To make food choices and to ensure you’ve got the tech equipment right, look to experts in the area.
- Spotlight Events
If you’re looking for an event planner that provides more than just the usual touches, then Spotlight Events may be the right choice for you. With over 25 years in the event planning business, a unique style all their own, and services unlike any you’ll find elsewhere, you can rest assured that your event will be one of a kind should you choose to use them. They specialize in bringing activities and entertainment to any event be it corporate, private or otherwise, making sure that everyone in attendance has a magical time.
- Blue Plate Catering
If you want an award-winning catering company with over a decade of service to its name, then you want Blue Plate Catering. Beyond all the fanfare is a company that does catering right. They provide chef-prepared menus, can even provide a bar menu, a personal chef for your event and more.
- Maureen Cassidy Photography
To really capture the special moments in any event you want to have a photographer with a keen eye and a passion for what makes life special. You’ll find exactly that with Maureen Cassidy Photography. With over 10 years of experience, they have the skills and the zest for life to bring out the best memories from your event and make sure to capture them for you to share for a lifetime to come.
Pros and Cons of Events in Madison
Madison is a beautiful city with a ton to offer both residents and visitors. The unique location and historical buildings offer a bit of charm and there’s plenty to do no matter what you’re into. This makes Madison a great place to host an event. With all it has to offer though, Madison has its share of negative points as well.
Advantages
- Friendly people
No matter where you are in Madison, you’re bound to run into someone willing to chat and make friends. This can make even the boring details of event planning more fun and who knows, you might find a new person to invite to your next event.
- Tons of options
No matter what type of event you’re throwing, you’ll find an event space that is right for you. From different styles of architecture to different cultural and historic backgrounds, the venues in Madison have something for everyone.
- Lots to do
When you’re done with your event and looking for your next adventure, Madison has plenty to see and do both indoors and outdoors. From parks and nature trails to museums and zoos, you’ll find a little something to pique everyone’s interest.
Disadvantages
- Extreme winter
The winters in Madison aren’t just cold, they’re downright frigid. A bad winter day or night can grind anything you might be doing to a halt. That’s why for whatever event you’re planning, you’d be wise to take mother nature into account before finalizing any plans
- Cost of living
From taxes to housing costs, Madison can be expensive. This will ultimately translate to the goods and services that you purchase as well as the cost of renting an event space. Make sure to leave a little room in your budget for the increased cost when planning an event in Madison.
- Hard to get around
Unfortunately, one thing you’ll have to deal with while planning your event is a city that’s difficult to get around in. We don’t mean traffic, we mean physically getting around. Because of its position between two lakes, the layout of downtown Madison can feel like a puzzle for some.
Famous Locations in Madison
- Taliesin Estate
If you’re a fan of mid-century modern architecture or just the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright himself, then you have to pay a visit to the impressive Taliesin Estate. Spanning 600 acres, you can enjoy the lush grounds or take a guided tour of the still unfinished structure that Wright worked on right up until his death. Afterward, why not take a look at and consider booking one of the many spacious lounges Madison has to offer for your next event?
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens
For a natural wonder that you can’t beat, you simply must visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Situated on the waterfront in Madison this garden has been around for nearly 70 years and features an amazing variety of plants growing in different seasons year-round. If you love nature, this is the place to see.
- Chazen Museum of Art
The great thing about the Chazen Museum of Art is that it features nearly every medium of art out there. From photography to sculpture to watercolors, there’s something to inspire and captivate everyone who visits. It’s also situated on the University of Wisconsin campus, which is home to some other attractions as well.