How much does venue hire cost? Are package deals always the better option? What are the best ways to save money on venue hire? If you’d like to make your budget go further at your next event, then knowing how venues price their space is essential. Perhaps you’re tossing up between a minimum spend and a price per person, or maybe you’d like to know if a wedding package or daily delegate rate will save you money. Whether you’re planning low-key engagement drinks or a large corporate fundraiser, our ultimate guide to venue pricing will give you peace of mind when signing the dotted line.
VENUE HIRE FEE
What is a venue hire fee?
This fee covers the cost of the venue hire. It doesn’t typically include extras, like catering and drinks. While some venues can provide these options as well, others are happy for you to take care of them yourself.
What does a venue hire fee include?
Usually, just the venue hire cost. Depending on the venue, the venue hire fee may also include a whiteboard, projector or tea and coffee – be sure to check what is and isn’t on offer before booking a space.
London venues with fantastic venue hire fees:
No Such Place
This Mad Men-style space in Covent Garden is popular for bridal showers and parties with a retro theme. From £50 per hour.
Dalston Cosy&Stylish Loft
Located in the heart of trendy Dalston, this unique loft is perfect for private and corporate events. From £20 per hour.
Located in a 19th-century deconsecrated church, Camden Park Studios is ideal for film shoots. From £250 per session.
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MINIMUM SPEND
What is a minimum spend?
Minimum spend venues are a great option if you have a tight budget. With a minimum spend, you avoid paying a venue hire fee and just spend a minimum amount on food and/or drink during your event. For example, if you throw a party for 100 and the minimum spend is £1000, each guest only has to spend £10 at the bar.
What does a minimum spend include?
Depending on the venue, a minimum spend can be for drinks or it may include food as well.
Best minimum spend venues in London:
Dead Dolls House
Popular for baby showers and candlelit dinner parties, this playful venue is known for its hand-illustrated walls and Roald Dahl-esque charm. From £300 minimum spend.
Blondies
With the vibe of an NYC dive bar, Blondies serves up classic cocktails, DJs and a hell of a good time. From £800 minimum spend.
Cigalon Private Dining Room at Baranis
Located close to the Strand, this intimate private dining room is the place to savour authentic provencal cuisine inspired by the flavours of southern France. £500 minimum spend.
WEDDING PACKAGE
What is a wedding package?
A wedding package covers the venue hire as well as the basic costs of a wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception. Many wedding packages also include upgrades, allowing you to personalise your big day by adding more flowers to the aisle, more tiers to your cake or more hours to your venue hire, for example. A package deal will save you a lot of time and money, so long as you choose one that you don’t need to make many changes to.
What does a wedding package include?
Wedding packages come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on the venue, they may also include extras, like champagne on arrival, table decorations or a DJ. All-inclusive wedding packages cover the venue hire plus all the vendors needed to supply and coordinate your event (florist, celebrant, live band, videographer, etc.). With a complete wedding package, you’ll get the best vendors at steep discounts, as well as full event coordination on the day.
Best wedding package deals in London:
The Foundling Museum
This Grade II listed Georgian-style building in the heart of Bloomsbury is an elegant place to say ‘I do’. Wedding packages from £95 + VAT per person.
Tanner Warehouse
Tanner Warehouse events team is serious about every detail. Their unique reception packages are sure to make your wedding a once in a lifetime experience. Wedding packages from £120 per person + VAT.
West Reservoir Centre
Boasting lake views and art deco styling, the West Reservoir Centre is one of London’s most unique wedding venues. Wedding packages from £3150 + VAT where applicable.
DAILY DELEGATE RATE (DDR)
What is a daily delegate rate (DDR)?
A daily delegate rate is often the most budget-friendly option when booking a conference or business meeting. These complete meeting packages allow you to pay a fixed price per person, making it easy to calculate the cost of your meeting and avoid extra expense. Many venues offer both half-day and full-day packages.
What does a daily delegate rate include?
A daily delegate rate covers the basic costs of a conference or business meeting. These package deals usually include the venue hire, coffee breaks, a sit-down meal and basic technical equipment, like a screen, projector and flipchart. Some venues also offer upgrades, like champagne, a dedicated A/V technician or afternoon tea and cakes.
London venues with great daily delegate rates:
Altitude London
With its impressive views across the capital, Altitude London is one of the city’s most popular conference venues. Daily delegate rate from £70 per person + VAT.
Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
Boasting a rich history and modern facilities, this central London venue is ideal for conferences, meetings and corporate events. Daily delegate rate from £49 per person + VAT.
Baden-Powell House
With its modern facilities, dedicated events team and award-winning caterers, Baden-Powell House is one of London’s best value meeting spaces. Daily delegate rate from £50 per person.
