As an event manager I have a love/hate relationship with ballrooms. On the one hand they provide a large purpose built space, suitable for so many event types and on the other hand they can be overly large and soulless.
Ballrooms are very popular in the UAE as an event space, so here are some of my top tips to choosing the right ballrooms for your event.
1. Size does matter!
Choosing the correct ballroom size can really effect your event. Don’t be convinced that bigger is better! The bigger the space the more you need to fill it either with guests, furniture or activities. There is nothing worse than attending an event when guests are floating around a space that is obviously too big; it either looks like your guests haven’t turned up or that you poorly planned your floor plan.
To combat this problem, look for ballrooms that have dividing partitions so you can only take the size of space you need.
2. Ballroom aesthetics
Ballrooms can be luxurious and glamorously decorated spaces, including ornate carpets and huge feature ceiling lights or much more simplistic and modern.
Make sure the ballroom you choose suits the event you are arranging. If you are having an elegant 1920s style party a glamorous chandelier lit space may be perfect but this space might not suit a shabby chic style wedding.
Don’t be afraid to arrange to see ballrooms across a range of venues so you can see what works for your event.
3. Lighting
Ballrooms are notorious for not having any natural light and is one of the reasons they can be so difficult to use, especially for day events. Those chandeliers might look nice but how much light do they actually give?
Investing in lighting can change the whole event, from hanging fairy lights around the walls, light up features or table arrangements which include lighting. Don’t forgot this key aspect when considering your ballroom choice.
4. Table layouts
Don’t get stuck with round tables if that’s not what you want! There is so much more you can do in a ballroom than the classic round tables with white table cloth set up.
Long square tables with hessian table runners can really change the look of the space or consider large oval tables for a unique dining table layout.
5. Sound systems and AV
It might seem like a small consideration compared to the others but sound system problems are the most prolific problem at events and ones that guests most often notice.
Some ballrooms have inbuilt systems in the walls and some don’t. Don’t be afraid to ask what is included in the package and then consider this versus your sound system requirements for live music, speeches or a DJ.
Still overwhelmed with all the choices and don’t know what will be best for your event? Send us an email at hello@inthedetaileventsuae.com and we are happy to help you with this important choice.
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