SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
venue guIde
GETTING STARTED
WHAT TYPE OF OCCASION DO YOU ENVISION? IT ALL STARTS WITH YOUR vENUE. In a city like Atlanta, the options are limitless. There are appropriate facilities for parties of all sizes, but when you’re choosing the perfect spot for your next event, all of those options can be overwhelming. The size of the crowd will narrow down your choices, but then there are still numerous types of venues to consider. Whatever your particular tastes, when the time comes to throw your special occasion, make sure you know what to look for in a venue before you book.
CONFERENCE CENTERS & FUNCTION FACILITIES What makes them so special? A banquet hall, conference center or function facility is often an excellent choice for an event because this venue type offers cost-efficient and hassle-free packages. They were designed with big occasions in mind, so they will have workable layouts, which will translate into easy food and beverage flow. They are also likely to already have tons of wedding and special event experience, making their site coordinators invaluable resources at your disposal.
COBB GALLERIA CENTRE
Things to remember: Function facilities may host multiple events per day, affecting your starting and ending times. Make sure you and your planner work out your timeline and don’t feel crunched. Often you can book a large block of time (say 10 hours) to avoid feeling squeezed in by another event. Another thing to think about is that a function facility’s ambiance may allow for more accoutrements/florals/imagination to make it your own. Consider it a blank canvas that you can mold into your own personal masterpiece.
plus :: These type of venues are designed with big occasions in mind, so they will have workable layouts.
FUNCTION FACILITY
COUNTRY CLUBS What makes them so special? Country clubs can be excellent venues because of the extra activities they may offer, like golf and tennis. Country clubs also host events frequently and have experienced staff members who are accustomed to dealing with large groups. The interiors of country clubs will vary, but the grounds will be beautiful and may include lakes, golf courses, gardens or marinas. ST IVES COUNTRY CLUB
plus :: These type of venues can be excellent venues because of the extra activities they may offer.
58 | THE MAGAZINE FOR CELEBRATING IN STYLE
Things to remember: Facilities at a country club are not completely private for your event (members will most likely still be on site), and your food options may be more limited than at a restaurant. That said, the food that is offered will be of high quality. Because country clubs regularly accommodate small to large events, they are adept at catering to a crowd. Also keep in mind that you may have to be sponsored by a member to host your event at a country club.