This all depends on your guest list. Many venues can be adjusted to create the space that you need. The venue should be able to show you the configurations for multiple ranges.

Depending on your event, having an outdoor option may be ideal. Ample seating, sunshine, food and bar service, and other types of entertainment can be great for a variety of parties and gatherings. The Backyard at BRQ Seafood and Barbeque is the perfect venue for your next event.

Location is an important factor in venue selection. Will your guests be arriving from another place like a church or school? Will everything be held at this venue? Access to major thoroughfares, ample lighting, parking, and adjacent businesses like hotels and restaurants can help you determine the ideal location for your event.

Knowing the plan for the event will help you determine what other services you’ll need. Do you need a dance floor? DJ equipment? Video screens? These variables need to be addressed when looking at the design and logistics of the venue. 

Parking is a critical consideration. Will be people be using public transportation or ride-sharing? Will they be driving their own cars? There should be convenient and ample parking as well as safe and easy access.

Many spaces can be organized and laid out to be optimized for several activities. Whether you need seating for an audience, room to dance, or designated areas for different things, be sure that the venue can accommodate your plans.

No matter what type of event, you’ll need access to common utilities. The more robust and easily accessible these resources are, the easier it will be to organize and operate during your event.

Having a caterer that is familiar with the venue that you’ve selected can be a great benefit. They will know the ins and outs and be able to navigate any challenges. While this isn’t a requirement, it is an added bonus when selecting both your venue and your caterer.  

A plated dinner service is traditionally used for formal events. It’s a seated, multi-course meal.  

Buffet tables provide more options and require less staff than a plated-dinner service. This is a more casual, serve yourself type of meal.

Food stations, like buffet tables, offer a variety of options. These tables are arranged around the venue, each with a different type of food. This option can keep lines shorter but requires more space to accommodate.

Cocktail style can be appropriate for both casual and formal settings. Spaces with limited seating can benefit from a cocktail style catering service. Passed and buffet-style hors d’oeuvres are the featured foods.

Once you select the type of food and menu items you’d like, it’s essential to address the flexibility of the menu. Whether you need to account for potential food allergies, children's options, or any other variable, verify with your caterer what their options are and how that will impact your budget.

There are a lot of things that go into catering a meal for any type or size of the event. From linens and plates to utensils and centerpieces, it’s essential to know where these items will be coming from. Most of the time, your caterer will provide things like drinkware, linens, and the essentials for hosting a meal. Your venue may provide some of the other details like centerpieces and other decorations. Be sure to verify that everything is accounted for; otherwise, you may need to purchase or rent from a third-party.