City vs. Suburb?

Start by answering this question and save yourself time and energy. Which do you value more: The convenience and cost efficiency of a suburban venue? Or the excitement of celebrating with your guests downtown?

Hotel vs. Non-Hotel?

Hotels make excellent venues, but there are other options to explore as well. Would you appreciate the guidance and oversight from an experienced hotel hospitality team? Or would you like to venture out and explore the less frequented settings for your celebration?

Venue Class

City

Clients who select city venues are usually prepared to pay a premium in the form of increased venue costs and/or higher transit costs. Those who select a city venue benefit (in some cases) from elevated customer services, improved dining, and additional options made available by hosting at a unique location.

Suburb

While the suburbs have fewer options to choose from, clients benefit from convenience and in some cases lower costs. Suburbs provide cost effective options such as halls and rec centers but also beautiful country clubs and unique estates. Those who select a suburban venues often do so to preserve funds, improve convenience, or enjoy a more serene setting.

Hotel

Clients who select Hotel venues are usually prepared to pay a premium in the form of higher rentals and higher food/beverage minimums. Those who select a Hotel venue benefit (in some cases) from elevated customer services, streamlined planning, and a proven hospitality record.

Non-Hotel

Clients who select Non-Hotel venues do so for one main reason: they don't want to host their event in a hotel. Sometimes this decision is made to avoid high food and beverage minimums and sometimes it is made to simply to break from the norm. It should be known that some non-hotel venues will lead to higher costs due to their limited services and unique layouts. Those who select a Non-Hotel venues benefit primarily by avoiding the prescribed Hotel packages and spaces.

Examples: Temples, Country Clubs, Restaurants, Bars, Mansions/Estates, Halls/Rec Centers, Night-Clubs, Homes, Blank Slate Venues*

Traditional

Clients who select traditional venues are usually prepared to sacrifice some novelty for convenience and planning ease. Those who select a traditional venue benefit (in some cases) from elevated customer services, simpler planning, and piece of mind knowing that they are not "re-inventing the wheel".
Examples: Standard Hotel Ballrooms, Temples, Most Country Clubs

Novel

Clients who select Novel venues are usually prepared to pay a premium to cover the unique challenges presented by unique spaces and destinations. Oftentimes these challenges are also opportunities for creativity and for providing a special guest experience. Those who select a Novel venue benefit (in some cases) by having the freedom to design outside of the traditional.

Examples: Unique Hotel Ballrooms, Restaurants, Bars, Mansions/Estates, Halls/Rec Centers, Night Clubs, Homes, Blank Slate Venues*

Venue Type

We have all been here! This is a benefit and also a drawback. Hotels know how to work seamless events in their spaces. All you need to do is fill in the event planning "blanks" going as small, or as big as you want to. Food quality and prices vary drastically in this category.
Some suburban but mostly urban hotels do offer a twist on the norm. Whether it's chic furniture, a swanky bar area, a beautiful outdoor space, or a special theme, these hotels have distinguished features that can make your event even more special. Watch out for limited guest capacity, additional event planning needs, and multi-room guest flow.
Parties hosted in Restaurants & Bars can be fun and unique! If you find the right spot, your guests will enjoy an upbeat/unique party atmosphere and hopefully some really great food. While some restaurant managers are well versed in hosting private events, you should proceed with caution because many are not (this is especially true with Bar/Bat Mitzvahs). Do not expect hotel-like hospitality here because you may find it hard to come by. Better to proceed with relaxed expectations for a fun celebration or with a pro event planner in tow!
Harness your inner Gatsby and get ready for a lovely affair. These historical behemoths usually offer great hospitality in the form of an experienced banquet manager, good food, and an outstanding venue. The biggest challenge you will find here is achieving a cohesive event flow that achieves your goals. More often than not, your large party will overflow into several rooms which can make certain event types challenging. It can be difficult for entertainers to bring everyone together while cozy/charming nooks tempt away exploratory guests of all ages. Multi-room functions are fantastic but check with your planner before expecting guests to be herded seamlessly from room to room. Unlike many Mansions & Estates, Farms and other rustic venues often have space to keep your guests together in one space. Some have structures and some have tents so make sure you have a solid plan for inclement weather at these venues.
A home can be a very special place to have an event. They offer comfort and intimacy that you cannot find at any other venue. Benefits include flexibility to create your vision and a unique ability to control costs. Downsides include damage to the home, mess, LIMITED POWER SOURCES, limited space, catering service difficulties, and limited weather contingency options.
Blank slate venues appear to be the coolest event locations. These open spaces are used almost exclusively for special gatherings, so they ooze potential and make you want to throw an event just to have it there. The library, penthouse, warehouse, garage, theater, or studio ambiance exuded by these raw spaces appears to need little as far as decor is concerned. The reality is you will probably need to spend more on these spaces than you would anywhere else. Even with a minimalist approach, everything needs to be brought in from the outside, which can be a heavy burden for the planner-less and inexperienced. When done professionally, these spaces host some of the most spectacular event planning displays the city has to offer.
Some venues have really cool features because of their theme, location, or purpose. Sports stadiums, theme parks, and arcades are great places to have nontraditional events. When exploring these spaces for your celebration, keep in mind that there are usually lots of exciting distractions for your guests. Its best to go with the flow and allow your people to enjoy the place to which you brought them. If that is going to be difficult for you to stomach on the day of, look to other venue types.
Halls & Rec. centers offer a ton of flexibility to bring in exciting decor and food. Lower costs mean you can spend more on entertainment, which we love here at Siagel! Our clients enjoy the convenience and savings, but don't understand that they will need to become event planners for these spaces. More often than not, there is someone in charge who is not a planner and they are just your point of access. If you have high expectations and little time, you may want to consider an event planner as these spaces are not always natural beauties and don't offer outstanding hospitality. If you are laid back and excited to get your hands dirty as a part-time event planner, these could be the spots for you.
Country clubs offer an elegant venue for a special event. Outstanding service, great food, and beautiful suburban views make them an excellent choice. Costs and membership requirements may be prohibitive.
Night clubs are incredibly fun, easy to plan, and high energy. Because these nocturnal establishments are so incredibly profitable from the hours of 11:00 p.m. on, you should expect to host your event there at an odd time or with a slightly early ending. You benefit from outstanding audio, a ridiculous light show, and the luxury of not having to bring in many vendors. Hospitality is their specialty so they actually do offer excellent service. Downsides would be limited customization, food options, early endings, and city headaches like transportation and parking.