The last-minute christmas party

The festive season is officially upon us and Christmas parties are here.

If you haven’t booked a venue for your festivities yet do not fear, Georgina Coleman, Head of Events for the UK’s largest nightlife group Late Night London has listed her best tips to get a great venue and last minute price.

‘’We have our early bookers and our last minute bookers every year. The early bookers are usually companies with large numbers and a set date and they start booking from January onwards but there are always last minute bookers who can be flexible,’’ Coleman comments.

Here are her top five tips for getting a last minute deal:

1. TOOLS

Use a venue searching site to do the work for you. They will list all the venues that have the capacity and requirements you need for your celebrations. Once you’ve got a shortlist of no more than 5 or 6 call them all and ask them for their best price. At Late Night London our events team can search all of our venues and tell you the dates and spaces we have left.

2. VIEW BEFORE YOU BUY

Although you’re shopping for a venue last minute still make sure you take the time to view the venue before you sign on the dotted line. It’s easy to get swept up in the getting it done mindset but get down there, understand the layout, check the toilets and ask how many bar staff will be working the party.

3. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

If you’re organising food for your guests make sure you book a food tasting, it doesn’t have to be anything grand, pop down in your lunch break or after work and sample the dishes you want to serve. Make sure you ask the venue what food options are available. If you’re looking for something quick and casual maybe opt for the canapes or bowl food option, if you want something a little more substantial look at the buffet or sit-down option.

4. LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE

Most venues will organise your entertainment for you, but if they don’t there are a range of entertainment bookers across the UK who can organise you a DJ through to band through to fire breathers. At this late stage make sure you negotiate a deal, whilst you need entertainment they would equally need to be booked.

5. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Don’t forget to check transport routes home for you and your colleagues. Try and pick a venue within walking distance of the tube or night bus stops. Provide the company and your colleagues with a local taxi company number for those that want to be dropped right to their door.

Late Night London operate 40+ venues across the UK, visit them here to find out more latenightlondon.co.uk.