Your Guide to Renting Cheap Party Venues in Seattle, WA
You don’t really need a huge budget to throw a memorable party! We mean it! Even though Seattle is Washington State’s biggest city, the venue rental prices vary a lot so you will be able to host an unforgettable celebration in one of its thrilling spots without breaking the bank. What are you waiting for?! Read our curated guide to budget-friendly parties or jump straight to our search engine and browse places tailored to your requirements. Whatever event you’re planning, we’re certain you’ll find somewhere perfect for your party in Seattle!
Guide to budget-friendly parties
- Budget - Before you finalize any booking, you should first think how much you are able to spend and what should be included in the budget. Also consider the rental, food, drinks, and decorations. Decide whether you’d like any additional activities to be part of the event. We recommend doing research and calculating the most affordable options! Will renting a space that offers catering be easier on your budget than hiring an outside caterer? Are you willing to give up on a central location and rent somewhere further from Downtown but still easily accessible? Think about it! And we’ve got one more tip: don’t be afraid to negotiate! Maybe you’ll be able to score a great deal once you’ve talked to the venue manager.
- Guest list - When throwing a party with a limited budget, you probably won’t be able to invite a circus. This is why we suggest you carefully consider who will go on your guest list. When putting one together, make sure to only include those whom you really care about.
- Venue - Have you already created a guest list? Great! You are already well on your way to finding a perfect-sized venue. But remember: the bigger the venue, the higher the cost! That’s why we suggest booking a place that will comfortably accommodate your guests but won’t leave too much empty space. What does that mean? In short: don’t hire a venue for 60 people when hosting a party for 30 guests.
- Location - Get off the beaten path and choose one of the less popular areas in the city. Don’t knock this idea until you’ve tried it! Explore various neighborhoods, and, who knows, perhaps you’ll be able to find a hidden gem for a competitive price that’ll be ideal for your celebration. Trust us, it can save you a lot of money you can spend instead on catering or decorations.
- Food - In-house catering can be a huge part of the venue’s rental fee, so if you’re working with a limited budget, we suggest you consider renting a space that will allow you to supply food for the party on your own. You can look for affordable caterers or ask each of your guests to bring something with them. To avoid multiple people bringing the same things, create a shared file where each attendee can put what they’re planning to prepare. Sounds like a plan? But before you make any decisions, check the venue’s policy and find out if they allow external catering without charging extra fees.
- Beverages - It comes as no surprise that alcohol is expensive. We’re sure that you’d love to avoid spending too much money as you’re working with a limited budget. And we’ve got a few solutions for you! Either choose your own trusted supplier or ask your guests to bring their favorite beverages. But under no circumstances can you forget about preparing non-alcoholic options for the non-drinkers! And one more thing: when booking a venue, remember to look for one with a BYOB policy and ask in advance whether there are any corkage fees.
- Package deals - When searching for a party venue, you’ll often see places charging “per person”. It usually means that the venue offers all-inclusive package deals that include the rental fee, and the cost of food, drinks, and perhaps other services. What it means for you is that you’ll only have to pay for each attendee and not worry about anything else, so the final quota will solely depend on the number of your guests.
- The simpler, the better - A party can be successful even without a huge budget! That’s why you don’t have to focus only on high-end venues when searching for the perfect spot for your event. Have a look at local bars or cozy restaurants in your favorite neighborhoods as some of them can be true hidden gems. What else could help you cut the costs? Music! Don’t hire a live band or a DJ. Instead, become a DJ yourself and prepare a long playlist that you’ll be able to play via Bluetooth speakers during the party. And finally: decorations! Stick to things that will make the biggest impression but at the same time, won’t be used just once. Go through the party things you already have at home and see if you have anything that could be used to pump up the space once again.
FAQs about Cheap Party Venues in Seattle, WA
What are some cheap party venue options in Seattle?
No matter what kind of party you’re planning, you can find somewhere fantastic and affordable in Seattle. Dance studios, art studios, community halls, libraries and other public spaces are usually blank canvas spaces that you’ll be able to decorate however you wish to. And in case privacy is very important for you, check out the private rooms that are part of the city’s restaurants. But that’s not all! You can also find great BYOB event spaces in the whole Seattle, so don’t hesitate to have a look at them as well.
How much does it cost to rent a cheap party venue in Seattle?
Prices for renting a party venue in Seattle vary depending on the place’s location, type, and size. A lot of places offer special packages in which prices range between $16 and $70 per person. In case you need a venue for just a few hours, prices start at $20 and can get up to $60 per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.)
What services does the rental include?
Rental services might include different types of amenities depending on the place you’re interested in. Some places might offer in-house catering or staff service, while others will require you to organize that on your own. If you’re unsure about the services that your chosen venue provides, contact the venue manager to resolve your doubts.
Which Seattle neighborhoods have the best cheap party venues?
It doesn’t matter where you go, you can find affordable gems in each corner of the city. Find cheap event spaces in Downtown, Capitol Hill, or Belltown. But in case you can’t find anything you like, we recommend you have a look around West Seattle - we can assure you that the area boasts plenty of charming restaurants and vibrant bars that won’t break the bank.