About Functions
A function is a great way to celebrate or acknowledge all manner of special occasions. It could be a milestone birthday party or quinceanera, a charity dinner, a corporate reception, a sporting club trophy presentation, or myriad other events.
But if you want your function to be a successful and enjoyable affair from start to finish, finding the best function venue is crucial. Just like functions themselves, event spaces come in all shapes and sizes, with each location boasting a unique atmosphere all its own. Choosing the right one is a matter of careful planning, and you’ll need to search for a venue that matches the type of event you want to create.
Keep reading for inspiration and tips on finding a function space that ticks all the right boxes for your event.
The Best Function Venues
Function venues are a whole lot more diverse than you might think. They range from the practical and versatile, like function rooms in hotels, through to a huge range of unique indoor and outdoor spaces, each with its own distinctive ambiance. Here’s a quick guide to some of the more popular options available.
- Bars and Nightclubs
Throwing a birthday bash, a bridal shower, or any sort of function where an informal, casual vibe is called for? Booking out a bar or nightclub is the perfect approach, giving your guests the chance to enjoy a cocktail or two while they party the night away. This chic Hollywood lounge will whet your appetite if you want your function to have a touch of glamor and sophistication.
- Restaurants and Cafes
Restaurant private dining rooms are ideal for those important occasions that call for a little refinement, like anniversary parties and milestone birthday parties. Cafes, meanwhile, make great function venues if you’re looking for something cozy and casual to suit a brunch with friends.
- Function Rooms and Banquet Halls
Sometimes the best function venues are a little more traditional. Check out what hotels near you have to offer for your function, from small and practical function spaces through to much grander and more spacious banquet halls. Whether you’re planning a small business reception or an opulent feast for all your friends and extended family, you’ll find something to suit.
- Outdoor Courtyards and Patios
Want to make the most of a beautiful climate? Head outside for a classy gathering in an outdoor courtyard or patio space. These function spaces can be formal in some settings, or offer all the fun and frivolity of a good old-fashioned pool party in others.
What to Look for in Function Spaces
No matter what the occasion, finding the best function venue is crucial to the success of your event. The right function space is one that’s easy to get to, that has all the facilities and equipment you need, and that will let you create the ideal atmosphere for your event. Here are the key factors you need to consider when choosing a space.
- Location and Ease of Access
First and foremost, the location of the function space is critical. The easier it is for the largest number of people to get to, the more guests will come to your event. So consider travel times and routes for those arriving by car, and proximity to public transport for those arriving by other means. Private parking is also a big plus, while you’ll also need to make sure the venue is accessible for people with disabilities.
- Facilities and Equipment
Next, it’s time to think about all those must-have inclusions you need in a function space. Questions to ask include how large is the space? How many people can it accommodate? Does the layout suit my needs? If not, is it flexible? Think about the furniture needed for your birthday party venue or meeting space. And remember AV equipment or tech gear, too.
- Atmosphere and Ambiance
It’s easy to focus on the practical aspects of a function venue and forget about the importance of how the space feels. But the location you choose will have a big bearing on the overall ambiance of your event, so make sure it matches the atmosphere you want to create. For example, a business brunch get-together will likely have a very different vibe to a 60th birthday party venue, so be sure you have a clear picture of exactly what you want in a space.
- Helpful Staff
Finally, the right staff can make hosting a function easy and stress-free. Look for a venue with experienced and helpful staff who are quick to respond to inquiries, happy to accommodate your requests, and willing to work with you to ensure everything is just right.
Function Inspiration
Need a little creative inspiration to help you choose the ideal venue and plan the perfect function? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Milestone Birthday Celebration in Restaurant Private Dining Room
Whether it’s a 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, or 90th birthday party, few venues match the importance of the occasion quite as well as a restaurant private dining room. Think good food and wine, good company, and a private space to help the guest of honor celebrate in style.
- Murder Mystery Party in Haunted Mansion
Throwing a fun (and maybe a little spooky) murder mystery party? Look for a function venue that can help you create a haunted, creepy atmosphere. This old-world Victorian space nails the haunted mansion vibe perfectly.
- Corporate Cocktail Reception in Stylish Lounge Bar
Hosting a big awards gala, a company party, or a corporate mixer? Find yourself a chic and sophisticated lounge bar where your stylishly attired guests can mingle, enjoy sparkling conversation, and treat themselves to a house-made cocktail.
- Business Meet and Greet in Hotel Function Room
Sometimes practicality is at the top of your list of requirements for places like a reception venue or team building space. That’s particularly the case for business networking events, so look for a hotel function room that offers a practical space with all the essential furniture and equipment, plus experienced venue staff willing to go the extra mile to make your event a success.