Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a wedding, a religious occasion or a corporate party, acknowledging such special moments in life is important. Even our ancestors embraced the custom — with formal marriage ceremonies beginning in Mesopotamia around 2350 B.C., ancient Babylonians toasting the New Year as early as 2000 BCE and the Romans hosting lavish feasts to commemorate their birth.
“The key to hosting an amazing event is to find a unique venue that reflects the feel of the occasion,” said Joan LaRosa, catering sales manager at Atlantis Banquets & Events. “You also want a space appropriate for the size of your guest list. What makes AB&E perfect for so many celebrations are the diverse settings we can offer with 11 different spaces — we even hold events at the Long Island Aquarium.”
Here are four simple steps to use when choosing an event space:
1. Create a guest list and set a budget.
Understanding how many attendees will come to the event helps guide your budget and location decisions. Plus, knowing the set amount you have to spend allows you to compare venues and menu options so you can make a more informed choice on which space fits all of your needs best.
At Atlantis Banquets & Events, we can accommodate any party size or budget. We happily provide custom quotes for your event whether it’s a Sweet 16, Bar or Bat Mitzvah or celebrations like bridal/baby showers, or retirement, engagement or holiday parties.
2. See if the location works for your event.
- Does the Space Fit Your Needs?
You want to ensure that your venue can seat your attendees comfortably. It’s a good idea to visit the location to get a sense of the size and ambience of the space. Assess, too, that any guests with accessibility issues can be accommodated — for example, is there an elevator for those who can’t use stairs?
- Does the Venue Have the Right Atmosphere?
Consider the room layout and that is works for the flow of your event. Is there room for your dance floor, stage or other required areas? Atlantis Banquets + Events, for instance, offers 11 possibilities for hosting your celebration including the 5,310 square-foot elegant Sea Star Ballroom, with its spectacular view of the marina. Whether you want to hold a celebration at the Long Island Aquarium, host an outdoor cocktail hour or a more traditional occasion, there are so many options for whatever you are celebrating. For example, Atlantis Banquets + Events has several wedding packages and overnight accommodations for the happy couple and their guests.
- Is the Place Centrally Located and Are Accommodations Nearby?
Be sure to find a venue that’s conveniently located as well — and that offers public parking. If you have out-of-town guests, a space close to accommodations is ideal. “At Atlantis Banquets & Events, you can have fun all night and then simply take the elevator to your accommodations,” said Rose DiLiello, catering corporate sales manager. “We offer several options, including the Hyatt Place Long Island East End, which is adjacent to us, or The Preston Hotel across the street. Options like these make the celebration even better since guests avoid a late-night drive home.”
Once you find the perfect space, choose a date and time that works for the majority of guests you intend to invite.
3. Look at menu and decoration options.
Each venue provides its own look but there are ways to interject an original feel to your event. Find out before choosing your space what the hall provides — for instance, can you choose the color of the linens? Are flowers or décor provided, can you hire an outside vendor to decorate or DYI it yourself?
Examine the food selections. Does the venue provide catering or will you need to bring the meal in? What meal accommodations do you need to make for your guests (such as allergy-free foods) and can the venue meet those needs?
At Atlantis Banquets & Events, we feature gourmet culinary options prepared by our classically trained chef. Our packages aim to please all palates, and we offer gluten-free, kosher or vegetarian meals when required. We also believe in conservation, and as members of Seafood Watch we offer sustainable seafood options. Whether you want a sit-down dinner, a buffet or add-on enhancements like a taco station, mashed potato martini bar or hot-dog cart, Atlantis Banquets & Events offers many catering possibilities to choose from.
4. What entertainment and activity possibilities does the venue provide?
A party requires more than a room and food. You need to keep the guests engaged. When choosing a venue, ask what services it offers? Look at the party rooms and assess whether the space will work for a live band, DJ or specialized lighting.
- Ask What Unique Experiences a Venue Can Provide
Atlantis Banquets & Events is a crowd pleaser and offers unique spaces for family parties, corporate events and more. For example, Atlantis Banquets & Events makes an excellent site for a fundraiser, with its sea life photo encounters, “Behind the Scenes” aquarium tours or swim with the shark opportunities. Atlantis Banquets & Events can create an out-of-the-box experience that ensures successful fundraisers.
Such fun animal interactions can happen at almost any event. Imagine your party guests posing with African penguins or sea lions. Couples can even have a Shark Dive Wedding in a 120,000-gallon tank. They don formal white and black wet suits and a scuba-certified minister conducts the ceremony as sharks and brightly colored fish circle them. Guests watch the wedding with sharks safely from the shark tunnel and later join the newlyweds at a traditional wedding reception.
Atlantis Banquets & Events offers everything needed for a company retreat, corporate outing, reception, banquet, trade show and more. Our location on the Peconic River makes a beautiful backdrop for any occasion. Plus, if you want to extend the party our surrounding area features an assortment of beaches, museums, vineyards, u-pick farms and shopping. Contact Atlantis Banquets & Events to learn more about how we can make your event special.
To schedule an appointment with one of our Sales Professionals, please click HERE.