Your Guide to Hiring Minimum Spend Venues in Sydney
Does free party venue hire in Sydney sound too good to be true? We get it — you want a party, but you don’t want to spend a fortune. Well, we’re here to tell you that there are plenty of ways to throw an epic party without breaking the bank.
The catch is that you have to spend a set amount of money on food and drinks, but you’re not paying a single dollar for hiring the space itself. Sounds fair, right? We think so! The restaurant, bar, or another kind of venue is earning at least the same amount of money as when they’re open to the public, while you’re getting an awesome private party space. What’s not to love?
However, there are some things to consider before choosing a minimum spend venue:
- Read the small print. Be sure to check if your minimum spend covers the entire menu, or applies to drinks only. This is crucial for calculating the event budget correctly. For example, if your minimum spend is $500 and the menu prices range from $10 to $40 per drink, you need to purchase at least 10 drinks. This is the case with many venues, but there are some that offer exclusive menus for large groups. These options make calculating the minimum spend easier and often have better deals than regular ones.
- Do the math. Calculate the cost per person to see if a particular minimum spend offer is the best deal for your needs. For instance, if you’re throwing a party for 50 people in a Sydney venue with a minimum spend of $1000, the cost per head is as little as $20, which is a great deal! However, if you’re only planning to serve beer and wine while the venue has a minimum spend of $1000, then it doesn’t make sense to spend so much money on alcohol when you can get drinks elsewhere for less.
- Check the time. Keep in mind that you need to meet the minimum spend within the venue hire hours! Some Sydney venues might end up charging you extra if you exceed the timings you previously agreed on. Avoid this by making sure you’re aware of the venue hire hours and calculating when you need to meet your minimum spend.
The minimum spend venue can be a tricky beast to conquer. There are so many options out there, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you search for the perfect minimum spend venue in Sydney:
- Find the perfect location. Sydney is a beautiful city with lots of great venues. You can find a venue in any part of the city, but you probably are going to start with the CBD. The district is full of vibrant and historical venues that are perfect for any event. However, if you want something more contemporary, there are plenty of options in the suburbs. For example, Chatswood and Newtown are popular for their indie vibe and authentic atmosphere. If you’re looking for something more traditional, check out the Centennial Parklands or Bondi Beach. Both have plenty of beautiful spaces that can accommodate large crowds as well as intimate gatherings. Don't just look at the big-name spots — you can find some great deals by going off the beaten path! Check out local restaurants and cafes that offer in-house catering and are available for private hire, as well as hotels that have event spaces.
- Make sure there's enough space. The main thing you need to look out for when choosing a venue is space. You want your guests to be able to move around comfortably. Some venues are better suited for larger events, while others are more intimate. You may also want to consider whether or not you want to have a space where guests can mingle and socialize. Some venues are more suited for this, while others are designed more for formal events with a sit-down dinner.
- Decide on the theme, decor and style of your venue. If you have a theme in mind for your event, it can help narrow down your venue options. If you're looking for an outdoor venue that's rustic and romantic, look for one with lots of greenery. If you want a more modern or industrial vibe, opt for something with concrete floors and exposed brick walls. You can also choose the style of decor based on what type of venue. If you want something elegant and classic, go with rich golden hues or black-and-white decor; if you want something modern and trendy, go with bright colours or geometric shapes. Look for venues that offer flexibility and versatility — this way, you can have the perfect event without having to compromise on any detail.
- Choose the right menu. Once you've decided on the venue, it's time to choose a menu. Be sure to look over the menu and make sure that it offers something for everyone. If they don't offer what you're looking for, they may be able to put together something special just for your event. If some of your guests have dietary restrictions, plan ahead and ask the venue to accommodate their needs. Also, make sure that you have a variety of options on the menu. This way, everyone will be able to find something they like. If you're serving appetisers, make sure that at least one of them is vegetarian or vegan. If you're planning on having a cocktail hour before dinner, consider having a few non-alcoholic drinks available too. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves at your event, regardless of their preferences.
- Find the right entertainment. Your guests are sure to have a good time if you plan ahead and find the right entertainment for your event. Look for performers who offer the kind of entertainment you want — whether it's live music, comedy, magic shows or something else entirely. If you're planning a children's party, look for performers who specialise in entertaining kids. If you want to have an adult-only affair, consider hiring someone who can keep everyone laughing and entertained throughout the evening.
FAQs about Minimum Spend Venues in Sydney
What is the minimum spend requirement for hiring a venue in Sydney?
The minimum spend can be a bit tricky to understand if you're new to hiring venues for events in Sydney. However, it's pretty simple: minimum spend is the total amount of money that needs to be spent on food and drinks at your event. If you don't end up spending the minimum set by the venue, then the difference will be taken off your bill. This is a common practice in the event industry, and it's something that many venues implement.
Is it possible to get a venue in Sydney for free?
While there are a number of venues that don't charge a hire fee, they do require you spend a set amount of money on food and drinks. Technically, the venue itself is free as long as you meet the minimum spend requirement.
How much does it cost to book a minimum spend venue in Sydney?
For a minimum spend venue in Sydney, the prices can be as low as $1000 to $1500 per session. This depends on the venue and how you want to set up your event. However, for a large event on the weekend, you can expect to pay around $2500-4000+ per session. (All data from Tagvenue.)
Which venues in Sydney are likely to work on a minimum spend basis?
There are a few different types of venues that require a minimum spend. The first type is a restaurant or a bar. These kinds of venues feature a variety of food and drink options, so it’s easy for you to find something that fits your budget and lets you meet the minimum spend requirements without breaking the bank. The second type is the event space. These venues are designed to host events like weddings and corporate functions; they have plenty of seating and may also offer bars with wait staff who can serve drinks to attendees at your event. The third type is a nightclub, which is designed to host large groups of people who want to enjoy the music and atmosphere together. Each type of venue is suitable for different kinds of events, but they are designed to help you meet your minimum spend requirements.