Affordable Venues for Hire in Sydney

When it comes to event venues for people on a budget, there are more options in Sydney than you would think! You’ve got bars, restaurants, art galleries, rooftop venues, waterfront venues and more. And what’s the best part? You can find them all on Tagvenue. We’ve found some incredible venues and compiled them all on one list so you can find the ideal one for your function in a flash. Sounds too good to be true? Hop on our platform and start browsing our list now! You’ll quickly change your mind. 

How to find the ideal cheap venue in Sydney?

Don’t know how exactly you should nail down your search for a fantastic cheap venue in Sydney? Don’t fret. Use the tips we’ve provided below and you’re bound to find an ideal affordable venue!

• Take advantage of a minimum spend - AKA free venue hire in Sydney - that’s right! This is a popular option for bars and restaurants all over the city. It means that you only spend your money on food and drink and you don’t have to worry about additional venue charges. Here’s our top minimum spend tip: calculate how much the minimum spend will cost per person. This way, you can ensure you are getting the best rate per head on your minimum spend. 
• BYO Sydney venues - Sydney offers some fantastic dry hire venues which give you the option of bringing your own food and drinks. Essentially, you get an empty venue which you can then decorate and provide catering for. If you are looking for a cheap venue for birthday celebrations, BYO might be a good option.
• Size matters - These two factors can make a difference to your venue hire budget. If your guest list is small, choose an intimate venue appropriate for the number of guests. Sydney definitely has many incredible small venues to choose from. If you have a larger guest list in mind, don’t worry. For instance, warehouse venues in Sydney are very popular for large events. These large venues give you the space to design your own custom space for your event. However, keep in mind warehouses need a lot of decor and infrastructure. While a warehouse might seem cheap, most often it’s just a shell you have to fill yourself. You can also take a look at community halls in Sydney. They come in various sizes and are extremely cheap to hire. With any blank canvas venue, like a warehouse or a hall, you will need to calculate your costs for any things you may need to hire for your party such as tables, chairs, decorations and external vendors such as caterers.

How much do cheap venues in Sydney cost?

Costs for these venues will vary and different venues offer different rate options. Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

• Per person charge - the average starts at $30 per head for a sit-down meal. This does not include any drinks. You can save a lot if you go for a cocktail-style event with canapes.
• If you’re looking at just a hire fee, then budget for a minimum of $500 per session for a small venue. Prices quickly go up into the thousands of dollars for larger, more expensive venues. Make sure to confirm the session limit vs full-day hire. You don’t want to pay $500 for a 2-hour session when you could be paying $1000 for the full day instead!
• The average minimum spend is between $1000-$1500.

Where can I find the best affordable venues in Sydney?

Still not set on a location for your event? Here are the three most popular locations for cheap spaces available for hire in Sydney:

• Darlinghurst - This funky suburb oozes creative vibes and culture. You’ll find plenty of vibrant cafes, multicultural restaurants and intimate cocktail bars here. 
• Sydney CBD - The Central Business District is a popular location full of restaurants, bars, banquet halls, and private function rooms that suit any budget. The lively city atmosphere will make any party come alive! 
• Surry Hills - Lovely and stylish, this area offers an eclectic mix of soulful cafes, hip bars, pubs and cosy restaurants. 

• Darlinghurst - This LGBTQ-friendly neighbourhood will be the perfect match for those who love being surrounded by art in all its forms. You’ll find plenty of galleries here that are in line with some of the best cheap venues, like bars, restaurants, cafes, and more. 

• Newtown - The most fashionable part of the city boasts offbeat eateries, cafes and pubs that don’t break the bank. Many students of Sydney University call it home and flock to the top venues in between studying and working. Why does that matter? If students go there, then they have to be cheap!

You’re almost ready to go and start your quest to find the perfect and cheap venue. Why almost? Because we have another great tip for you! Remember to set your budget and draw up a guestlist before you book anything. Your budget will give you a hint of what price range you should look for in venues, while a guestlist will help you decide if the space that you like will accommodate everyone. Now you can kick off your preparations! Good luck and don’t forget to check what Tagvenue has to offer!

Affordable Venues in Sydney FAQ

Do cheap venues provide catering?

It all depends on the venue. Bars and restaurants provide catering, of course, while blank canvas venues usually don’t. It’s best to thoroughly check the offer and ask the venue manager directly as they will dispel any of your doubts on this matter.

How early should I book an affordable venue for my event?

We suggest booking a space around 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This will give you the time to find offers that are a steal, as well as carefully plan your function from the beginning till the end.

Is hiring on a minimum spend basis better than a dry hire?

Each one has its own perks! The price of dry hire usually doesn’t include catering, while choosing the minimum spend spares you a fee for hiring a space - you only pay for the food and drinks. It’s best to take some time to thoroughly calculate and compare which option will be cheaper as in some cases, it’s better to pick a venue with the minimum spend, while in others, a dry-hire and hiring an outside caterer. 

Can I decorate a cheap venue on my own?

It will depend on what type of venue you will choose for your function. Restaurants and bars usually have a fixed setting, which means you won’t be able to change much to match your vision. However, they usually allow balloons, banners and flowers. Consult with the venue manager at the beginning of your enquiry, as it will give you a chance to find another venue in case the one that you like won’t allow it.