
School, college, an internship, or anything else—no matter what you're graduating from, your achievement deserves to be acknowledged. And the best way to do that is to hold a big celebration with all your fellow graduates, giving you all a chance to toast your success and make grand plans for the future.
When you're ready to start searching for the perfect private event space for your graduation party, the Giggster app is a very handy weapon to have at your disposal. With a curated selection of event venue options that offer a unique experience for rehearsal dinners, corporate events, birthday parties, baby showers, retirement parties, holiday parties, and of course graduation parties, there's a whole world of possibilities to explore when planning private parties.
When celebrating in Madison, terrific culture, miles of trails and parkland, and numerous free museums add to the fun. Here's how to make your special event one to remember.
From the Madison Club to Hilton Madison Monona Terrace and a host of other popular venues, you're spoiled for choice when selecting a private event space in Madison. And if you're looking for an event venue that can offer a touch of something special to everything from engagement parties to business meetings, the Giggster app has got you covered.
Is your special event going to be an intimate gathering? Your fellow graduates are sure to appreciate an intimate evening of refined wining and dining in your own private dining space.
If you want chilled vibes and good times at your graduation party, maybe a smooth and sophisticated jazz club and cafe in Madison will offer the perfect backdrop.
From private homes to versatile event spaces, Giggster's selection of private event venue options is full of Wisconsin classics. It's simply up to you to decide on the right space for your event, and a special spot like Live Music Jazz Club and Cafe in Madison is sure to be high on your list of options.
Karaoke nights, golf outings, gastronomic experiences, pub crawls—the list of experiences on offer for your special occasion goes on and on, so think about the event experience you want to offer before you start planning your next event.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: With a diverse and eclectic selection of 4 locations to choose from in Madison, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store when choosing a private event space. And with each space offering its own completely bespoke look and feel, it's easy to find a unique event venue.
Hassle-Free Booking: Booking great locations for private parties doesn't have to be stressful and time-consuming. With transparent prices, detailed venue info, and direct communication with property owners, you can find your perfect venue on the Giggster app in a matter of minutes.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: If you book at least 48 hours before your planned event date, you can take advantage of free cancellations within the first 24 hours after confirming your booking—perfect for busy event planners.
Platform Protections: With optional damage, liability, and cancellation insurance all available, you can protect yourself against the unexpected and the unfortunate when you book a space.
Baby showers, business meetings, retirement parties, birthday parties, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners—there's a wide range of private parties that are well suited to Madison event venues, but is this Wisconsin city the right place to host a graduation party? Check out the pros and cons first.
Advantages
Formal, casual, quirky, creative, intimate, grand—you'll find event venue settings to suit all types of occasions in Madison.
Madison's strong dining scene means it's easy to find great catering options for your special event. Don't miss Madison specialties like cheese-topped fried plantains!
There's no shortage of entertainment and nightlife options to explore and enjoy in the Madison area once your party wraps up. Areas like State and Atwood streets are party-centric and near popular party venues.
Disadvantages
Despite not being a huge city, traffic congestion is common. You'll find this especially true in the winter months.
Madison has permit requirements for the selling of alcohol and for gatherings of certain types. Be sure you know the permit rules for your grad event.
If you've got a long guest list, you may need to expand your budget to cover hire costs for a large space.
What is the perfect event space for your graduation party? With homes, estates, warehouses, and more entirely suited to a huge range of social and corporate events, we can quickly connect you to terrific locations in this Midwestern state.
Pubs or Clubs – Choose Your Perfect Space. The beauty of choosing a pub or club as the location for your graduation party is that you can find a site that matches the ambiance you want for your special occasion—family-friendly, formal, laid-back, or anything else.
Restaurants – Public or Private. Hosting a large gathering? Book out the entire restaurant and sit down to a feast. But if you're planning an intimate get-together, a private dining room is the perfect choice.
Warehouses – Industrial Chic. Industrial settings combine interesting architecture and fixtures with spacious, versatile areas that can be tailored to suit your event needs. A warehouse also gives you an open canvas to decorate, allowing you to use your imagination and create a theme.
Poolside Patios – Pool Party. Hosting a chilled summer graduation party? Make a splash or chill by the water's edge at a sizzling summer pool party. Have a caterer provide delicious poolside eats.
Rooftop Bars – Sky-High. Take your party to the next level and enjoy stunning city views, cozy vibes, and plenty of good times in a rooftop bar.
There's a long list of jobs you'll need to complete to be sure of planning a memorable and successful graduation party. Use the outline below as a general guide to the main tasks you need to tackle to ensure that your event goes off without a hitch.
Choose a Date – Start by deciding on a date for the big event. You'll likely need to get in touch with as many members of your graduating class as possible to check their availability.
Set a Budget – Next, work out how much money you have to spend on this special occasion. You can then make a list of all your predicted event expenses to get a better idea of whether you're likely to hit your budget target. What is your expense allocation for the venue, food, and decor, for example?
Book a Venue – Compare Madison graduation party locations to find your ideal private event space. Whatever features you want in a venue, from a dance floor to a semi-private setting, a Main St location, a private room, or anything else, shop around to find your perfect match.
Send out Invites – With the venue locked in, send out invitations as far in advance as possible to maximize the chances of everyone being able to attend.
Organize Catering – Does the venue come with a food and beverage minimum, or can you bring in outside food from your own catering company? You can stick to a set menu or customize it to suit the event, while you'll also need to make sure there are plenty of beverage options (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for guests to enjoy.
Entertainment and Extras – The final step is to take care of all the final details that come together to create a successful event. That includes booking a live band or DJ, renting party games, and hiring any extra furniture or AV equipment you may need.
The last thing you want to do is blow your budget on your special event, so use the tips below to help keep costs down.
Plan in advance.
Start planning your special occasion as far in advance of the scheduled event date as possible. Starting early means you get a full range of venues and vendors to choose from, allowing you to compare prices and shop around for the best deals.
Look beyond downtown.
Downtown Madison might be your number-one pick as the site for your big event. But if you're willing to look a little further afield into other neighborhoods and suburbs, you might be surprised by just how much cheaper venues can be.
Know what's essential.
It's important to have a clear idea of what party expenses are essential—booking a great band, for example, or sourcing quality catering—and which ones are less important. This will help you identify where you can cut costs if needed.
Once you graduate, it's time to celebrate—download the Giggster app now and start comparing the best Madison graduation party venues. From a jazz club to a restaurant, Giggster can connect you to exceptional spaces for events of all types.