Planning The Perfect Party: How Your Venue Choice Means Everything For Your Music Choices
Whether you’re planning the wedding of the century, a landmark 50th birthday celebration, or a corporate summer party, your venue is more than just a backdrop to your event - it’s the "instrument" your entertainment plays.
At DL Entertainments, we’ve staged events in every type of venue you can imagine, from super-modern glass-walled hotels to remote muddy fields! In our decades of playing live music, we’ve learned that the space you choose doesn't just dictate the vibe of your event; it can have a huge impact on your music logistics and choices too.
Before you sign on the dotted line with your chosen venue, here are our top considerations to bear in mind, to ensure the soundtrack to your event hits just the right notes.
1. The Classic Hotel vs. The Stately Home
Venues like these are designed for events, which usually means they have the basics (like power and flat floors) covered. However, they often come with Sound Limiters.
The Impact: If your heart is set on a 10-piece brass-heavy funk band, a strict sound limiter might be a dealbreaker.
The DLE Solution: We know our way around a Venue Manager, so we can suggest "volume-friendly" setups—like electric drum kits or soulful acoustic bands—that keep the energy high without tripping the power.
2. The Marquee: Great For Sound
Marquees are fantastic for a really personalised, intimate celebration because they are a total blank slate. Plus, marquees are great for sound as reflections are very low.
The Impact: Drum kits need a solid floor for stability as they lots of components that all need to sit level to each other. In an ideal world, the whole band would have a small stage to keep everything away from potential rising moisture. And don’t forget to think about setting aside space for the band to change and eat!
The DLE Solution: We are old hats as at a marquee set up, so we can provide just the right technical production to suit the space. We even have a stage so we can create just the right setup for a duo, trio or even a band!
3. Festival-Style: The Field Celebration
Planning a "Wed-Fest" or a private festival in a field for a big anniversary? This is the ultimate "Niche Nuptial," but we won’t lie, it can be a logistical beast!
The Impact: Power is everything. You’ll likely need a generator. You also need to consider a "Plan B" for dodgy weather. If it rains, does your band have a dry, safe place to plug in expensive electrical gear, for example?
The DLE Solution: This is where our "end-to-end" approach comes into its own. We coordinate with your generator and marquee suppliers to ensure the voltage is stable and the cables are safely out of the way. We handle the tech, so you can focus on the festival vibes!
4. Indoor vs. Outdoor: The Transition
Many big birthday parties or summer weddings start with an outdoor drinks reception and move indoors for the "main stage" reception.
The Impact: Moving gear takes time. If you want a seamless transition, you need a plan.
The DLE Solution: We often suggest a "split system." A roaming acoustic act or sax player for the lawn, and a pre-set party band or DJ waiting inside. This keeps the music flowing without your guests ending up watching someone haul a giant speaker across the lawn!
5. Curfews and Neighbourhoods
Whether it’s an urban hotel or a rural farm, every venue has a "shut down" time.
The Impact: We’ll take a guess that you don't want the party to end abruptly at 11 PM.
The DLE Solution: We can help you plan for every beat of your event. If there's an early curfew for live music, we can transition into a "Silent Disco" or a lower-volume DJ set to keep the party going, without upsetting the neighbours.
Expert-Led. Stress-Free. Perfectly Timed.
Planning a big celebration is a juggling act, but you don't have to be the one catching all the balls. As your backstage crew, we take the time to understand your venue’s quirks long before the first note is played. Choosing a venue that understands live music makes everything easier - and we work with some of the best in the business.
Looking for the perfect spot for your next milestone?
Check out our curated list of the venues where we are proud to be a Recommended Supplier.
Bury Manor Barn, Pulborough, Sussex
Royal Southern Yacht Club, Southampton, Hampshire
The Square Tower, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Fallow Meadow Events, West Hoathly, West Sussex
