Selecting the perfect venue is not easy as there are so many elements to consider depending on the nature of your event. However, get them right and you are on your way to success. Here are VenueSeeker's top tips of what to consider when choosing a venue:

• Location, location, location isn't just the domain of Kirsty and Phil. Where to host your event is incredibly important, particularly if you have guests coming from far and wide. You don't want to put people off by choosing a great venue that's too far out of the way. On the other hand, sometimes people are prepared to travel great distance for a particularly trendy venue, or one that isn't open to the public very often. It's important to weigh up the pros and cons and we are happy to help you do that.
  
  
• You must consider how easy it is to access and find the venue. Is it well sign- posted? Do disabled guests need to park outside? If you are planning to install lighting and other equipment, find out if contractors can park outside and get access to the function room easily.
  
  
• A great venue needs top class catering. Some venues have contracts with particular suppliers, or insist that you use their own facilities. So if you want to use a specially selected caterer you should inform the venue of this in advance of confirming a booking.
  
  
• You should check out the range of facilities available. If you are arranging a large business conference, you may need to check if there is WiFi, or a business centre for guests to check email and charge their mobile phones. If you are organising a multi-day conference, check to see if there are enough rooms at the venue, or if there are plenty of hotels nearby.
  
  
• We think the best venues are like a fabulous little black dress. You should be able to dress it up or down, or simply leave it alone and let the ambience do the talking. But if you're arranging a launch party or corporate function that requires branding, lighting, exhibits and room dressing, you should run this by the venue manager before proceeding with a booking. Some venues are very particular about what is hung on their walls. They may also ask you to ‘make good' the walls and ceilings where nails and screws have been used, so you may need to factor this into your overall budget.
  
  
• If you are arranging a function or event where children and families are attending, you might want to consider how safe the venue is. Is there a busy road right outside? Can you close off access to stairways? Health and safety is very important these days, especially where members of the public are concerned.
  
  
• If public transport isn't an option you may need to estimate how many guests will drive and consider if there is enough parking either at the venue or nearby. Find out if your guests will have to pay to park as you may need to communicate this in advance.
  
  
• Some venues have rules and guidelines that you need to be aware of, so check the small print through thoroughly before signing anything, and ask lots of questions.

VenueSeekers are of course happy to offer advice on all of the above and more. We can also manage the venue negotiation and seek answers to any other questions you might have. By thinking about yours and your guests' special requirements in advance, means that your event will be more organised and successful.