How to plan the perfect Perth christmas function

It’s just eight weeks until Christmas (cue panic). We are in what I like to call “the Christmas crunch time”, where Perth starts buzzing with credit card swipes, food stockpiling and tinsel aplenty. Christmas decorations are beginning to appear, carols are being played on repeat, and thousands of busy shoppers are starting to swarm local shopping centres. Now if you’ve made your list of pre-Christmas jobs, make sure you’ve checked off “organise Christmas party”.

Venue dates are filling up fast but if you haven’t picked the perfect place to hold this year’s festive do, don’t worry -  we’ve got you covered. We chatted to Venuemob, a leading venue hire website that connects you with more than 4000 venues across Australia. Whether you’re looking for small and unique, or large and prestigious, Venuemob’s filtered search options help you find exactly what you are looking for at the best price. We chatted to Venuemob to find out the best tips for planning a Perth Christmas function.

Keeping things simple

Quick Tip: Go bar tab instead of a per person drinks package

Venue Suggestions: The Terrace Hotel, The Old Brewery, Strange Company

Finding a venue to hold a small Christmas function can be deceptively difficult. The main issue being cost. Venuemob suggest getting your elves in a row first by determining the size and budget of your group. This makes things far easier when it comes to choosing a space.

“First things first, consider - and decide - whether you want an exclusive space, sectioned off area, or a casual spot like a booth or a table.”

For smaller groups, venue hire fees can be a real budget killer. Venuemob suggest opting for minimum spend over drink packages as your group will only need to hit the minimum spend as a group with booze and food. Challenge accepted!

Throwing a big do

Quick Tip: Be flexible with your date, and never be afraid to ask for a better deal.

Venue Suggestion: The Dominion League, Niche Bar, The Aviary, Flour Factory

If you’re looking to lock in a Friday Christmas function, you’ll need to book it in early, especially if you have a non-negotiable date. However, the best way to cut costs for larger functions is to host your Christmas do during the week (Sunday to Thursday).

“Day events are also way easier on the wallet than evenings, as most venues will have a lower minimum spend during the day - or none at all!”

Going costume crazy

Quick Tip: Make it immersive, make sure EVERYONE gets into it.

Venue Suggestions: Hula Bula, Wolf Lane or gallery spaces if you want a blank space to create your theme in.

Looking to move away from the traditional end-of-year cocktail party? Add a little extra cheer this year by throwing a themed Christmas function. If you’re concerned your guests may not all get into the spirit of things, choosing a venue that is already themed is a great place to start if you have a small budget. However, if you’re planning on going all out this Christmas function, the sky's the limit when it comes to themed parties.  

“Think outside the box. Make sure the event is an immersive one, with actors or performers in the crowd. We’ve seen a ‘music festival’ themed event complete with a ferris wheel, multiple stages, a ‘chill zone’, silent disco and glitter girls.”

If you’re worried about decorations, best practice is always to run your ideas past the venue first. Whilst restriction will vary between venues, as a general rule anything that doesn’t damage the space (streamers, balloons, table dressings) will be fine.

The Black Tie Affair

Quick Tip:  People remember more than just food and beverage! Think about the entire flow of the event from beginning to end – arrival, reveals, gifts.

Venue Suggestion: Crown Perth, Pan Pacific Perth, Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydes

Black tie functions are growing in popularity in Perth. Whilst casual options are more popular (probably due to the warm summer weather), here are some options to consider if you’re willing to wear a suit in 30+ degree heat

“Large spaces, and spaces that immediately have a more luxurious and urbane feel than your run of the mill watering holes”

If you’ve got the budget, go all out. Think ballrooms, dedicated function venues and country clubs as they’ll give you the private space and formal atmosphere you’re looking for.

Fuss free fun

Quick Tip: Even if your plans are super casual, ALWAYS make a booking or call ahead.

Venue Suggestions: Mechanic’s Institute, The Aviary

This can be the best option if you have left things too late and cannot find a venue to host your end of year party. With the countdown to Christmas fast approaching and workloads picking up both in the office and at home, a simple get-together could be just what Santa Claus ordered.

“A venue with little to no minimum spend. That’s broad, but so are the venues! Outdoor spaces are great, as are casual beer gardens and pubs”

With the weather warming up, a casual venue with an outdoor area is a great way to enjoy the sunshine. If you still wish to treat your staff to a meal, make a reservation at a local Perth restaurant to ensure they can accommodate your group size, and you may need to consider a set menu. Venuemob suggest always making a booking in advance to avoid turning up to a busy bar. It can be stressful looking for an alternative venue when your pals are hankering for a bev.

If you’re looking for venue suggestions for your office function, Christmas party or more, jump onto the Venuemob website for an extensive directory of local pubs, restaurants and venue hire spaces. The website acts as a booking platform, where event planners can communicate directly with venues in one spot.