How to choose a luxury party venue

At Henry Bonas, we work with some incredible party venues in London, as well as glamorous party venues in Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and beyond. We have the experience, expertise and knowledge that comes with putting on luxury parties over the last two decades, so we know the best party venues to match our client’s brief. Here’s what we recommend when choosing your luxury party venue:

1. Define the theme of your party

If you have a clear vision about your party’s theme, it can help to narrow down your list of party venues. For example, if you are wanting to host a masked ball for your 50th birthday, you’ll need to be thinking of somewhere grand and stately that has capacity for larger numbers of people to dance. The Kensington Palaces, for example, are very grand and perfect for large banquets. Claridges also has incredible events spaces – the beautifully restored Art Deco Ballroom can host up to 500 people, perfect for a Great Gatsby-esque themed party! If you’re going for an outdoor summer theme, the Century Club in London’s West-End can accommodate up to 650 guests on three open-air terraces. With a modern and funky vibe, it’s a great space for a summer cocktail party. For more ideas about how to throw a luxury themed party take a look at our recent blog. 

2. It’s a numbers game

Sometimes, finding a luxury party venue comes down to who you want to invite. Depending on what kind of party you want, you may be limited on how many guests you can have. Lots of party venues have different room options where you can accommodate different numbers of guests. Marks Club in Mayfair is the ideal London party venue as it has a selection of exquisite private dining rooms, as well as a covered terrace, which can be used to host an intimate dinner for 12-40 guests. However, if you’re after something on a bigger scale, Marks Club becomes the ultimate luxury London party venue – take over the whole club and party the night away with up to 200 guests! 

3. Location is everything

Hosting a party in the city is a great idea as it is accessible for everyone. However, there is something rather special about hosting a luxury party in the countryside too. After all, when else do you get to gather your friends and family together in a grand manor house, a stately home or even a royal palace? We work with several luxury party venues in the Cotswolds, such as Blenheim Palace, which boasts four palace rooms, each accommodating up to 250 guests, or 1000 guests in marquees in the Parkland.

4. Find somewhere that sets the scene

Many of the UK’s best luxury party venues are in buildings that have a wealth of history. Exquisite architecture, period features, interior design, landscaped gardens – all of these elements can help to set the scene for your party. It is difficult not to be impressed by the sweeping driveway and ‘Capability Brown’ gardens of Cotswold luxury party venue, Badminton House, for example. And that’s before you catch sight of the estate itself, with its architecturally significant pediments, pavilions and cupolas. Or how about Sezincote House, a country estate with a 200-year-old Mogul India palace, known as ‘India in the Cotswolds’?

Just as impressive are the city venues – the new NoMad Hotel is a fabulous London party venue in a grade-II listed building, famously known as The Bow Street Magistrates Court and Police Station. It offers a choice of five private dining rooms, each beautifully interior designed, with tailored menus by the award-winning food and beverage team. 

5. Think about the little extras

As fun as it is to get caught up in the aesthetics of planning a great party, there are practical considerations to take into account as well. This is where some party venues excel. For example, how good are the lighting and sound systems? If your heart is set on a pumping disco, then you’ll need entertainment systems that deliver. If your party is all about the food, how good are the chefs? Are they Michelin-starred and will they be willing to create bespoke menus for you? What about drinks? A great cocktail bar is a fantastic way to get any party started.

There are also more prosaic details to think about, especially if people are travelling some distance to attend your party. What are the parking facilities, transport links and accommodation options? Do the restrooms match the luxury vibe of your event? Think about the venue as a whole package to give your guests the best experience.