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Tips for Finding an Event Venue on a Budget

Do you have a wedding, graduation party or family reunion coming up in Central PA? The venue you choose can make all the difference, but you don’t need an unlimited budget to build memories that will last a lifetime — you just need to plan ahead.

Keep these tips in mind as you search for an affordable event venue that meets all your needs for the big day.

1. Create a Budget

Before you begin shopping event sites, you should establish how much you want to spend. Create a budget and provide some wiggle room for unforeseen circumstances.

The key to affordability is keeping expenses for the rest of the party in check. You may find that your overall budget balloons with party decor, favors, food and other extras, so make sure you avoid overpaying in other areas to maintain the funds you’ve allocated for the venue.

2. Research Venues Early

Start looking for event sites early to book a space on your desired day. The best place to begin your research is with locations you’ve learned about through friends and family. Word of mouth is a fantastic way to discover inexpensive event venues. You may have friends who recently had a wedding, blowout birthday party or another event. Ask them about other options they considered and why they decided to go with their final choice.

You can also explore local directories and use social media to ask people for venue recommendations.

Consider nontraditional areas to hold the event, such as an art gallery or an outdoor space. If you try to get a space in downtown Harrisburg, you will pay more than you would for somewhere outside the bustle of the city.

3. Understand Event Venue Costs

Talk to the managers of venues you’re interested in to get a realistic idea of typical pricing.  Here are essential questions to ask:

  • What else, if anything, do you get for the price on the big day?
  • Can the venue provide seating, place settings or a dance floor?
  • How many hours can you rent the venue for?
  • Will you need to handle any post-event cleaning?
  • How many people can the venue hold?
  • What’s the cancellation policy?
  • Should you pay a deposit, and by when?
  • What happens if fewer people attend than planned?
  • Will the venue provide a dedicated coordinator throughout the event?

Get multiple price quotes for comparison so you can choose the spot that best suits your needs and budget.

4. Book as Soon as Possible

Inexpensive event venues are always in demand, so you’ll have to book early to secure your spot. If your date is flexible, it can also help to book during less popular times, like weekdays and Sunday afternoons.

Once you’ve decided on the location, put down your deposit and breathe a sigh of relief.

Choose the Colonial Golf and Tennis Club

Plan Your Event at Colonial Golf & Tennis Club

Choose Colonial Golf & Tennis Club if you’re shopping for an affordable event venue in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We offer indoor and outdoor spaces for various occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, corporate events, anniversary parties and rehearsal dinners. Our team will work closely with you to find the space that reflects your desired ambience and environment.

Contact us now to learn more about our budget-friendly event spaces.

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