Every event you host is an opportunity to present a message. Whether you’re hosting a formal corporate event or a relaxed birthday party, the entire affair says something about your company or you personally. Before you even begin choosing the elements that are critical to your event, consider the personality you want your event to have.

One of the most important aspects of your event’s personality is the function venue you choose. No amount of funky or whimsical decorating can turn a stuffy old gentlemen’s club into a 70’s disco theme. Choosing a venue whose architecture, décor and style are compatible with the idea you’re trying to convey not only makes your event look more polished and cohesive, but it saves you a lot of work, too! Following are some things we recommend you consider when choosing a function venue to suit your event.

1. Size – Of course, it’s always important to consider the size of your venue to ensure that it will accommodate the number of attendees. But, the nature of your event also dictates size. If you’re throwing a holiday cocktail party, for example, you may want the affair to feel cozy and intimate. If you choose a venue with too much space for such an event, it will feel cold and fail to encourage socializing. However, this can sometimes be overcome through the use of curtains, screens or movable walls to make the space feel more intimate.

On the other hand, if you are hosting a corporate team building event, your attendees may need enough space to spread out and create their own close knit teams for certain events. In this case, you want a venue with space and with an energetic feel.

2. Architecture – Keep in mind the first impression that your venue makes to your guests as they arrive. A grand building with Roman columns at the entrance sets a decidedly different tone from a Victorian house with a charming front porch. Choosing a function venue whose entire presence complements the look and feel of your event is certain to wow your guests.

3. Décor – Like the architecture outside, the design and décor of the interior should mirror the feel of the event. Choose function venues with warm colors and low lighting for intimate events and cool colors in open spaces for more modern and high energy gatherings. Themeing and accessories like table linens, glassware and dinnerware should also complement the overall feel of the room. If your event will have a theme, consider this when choosing a venue, too. You may also find a venue that compliments your theme, thus saving on your themeing costs.

4. Staff Personality – Check out the staff that will be tending your event. Let the venue coordinator know if your event’s feel and theme lend itself to a wait staff that interacts with guests or if you would prefer that staff simply be courteous and professional.

5. Practical matters – It’s also important to consider the practical matters. Does the event have ample parking? Is there a bar? Is there disabled access? How about an ample number of powder rooms?

Once you’ve looked at each prospective venue with these caveats in mind, you’ll be able to quickly narrow your choices to one or two suitable venues. And, with a perfect venue as your palette, you can easily choose flowers, decorations and a menu that will create an overall ambience for your event. It’s certain that your event will send exactly the message you’ve chosen and that your guests will be impressed with their wonderful evening.