When it comes to hosting an event, indoor party venues and outdoor party venues both come with their own set of pros and cons. The space and environment of your event can also drastically change the vibe and aesthetic of your event, so you will want to consider this carefully when choosing the right venue.

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor event spaces?

When it comes to indoor event venues versus outdoor event venues, you will want to consider different questions for each. For an indoor event space rental, ask questions about décor you are allowed to use, candles, capacity for seating and standing, etc. When it comes to an outdoor event space, you will want to consider noise ordinances, amplified music vs. acoustic, the venue’s rain plan, the venue’s backup space if weather is not good, electrical outside, bathrooms on-site, and so forth. You can see there are different things to consider depending on what space you book.

What are things to consider when looking for an outdoor event space?

There are several aspects other than the site itself to take into account when choosing an outdoor event venue location. Many of your alternatives may depend on the time of year, and not all outdoor sites are made equal. The openness of an outdoor event offers a carefree atmosphere for visitors that will ensure your party is one to remember, regardless of whether you're throwing a modest soirée on a restaurant patio or a large blowout celebration on wide farmland. The first thing to consider is the time of year your event is taking place. If it is during the colder winter months, will guests be comfortable outside? Would you be able to provide heaters and blankets to make the weather manageable? You will also want to see if the venue has a backup plan in case it rains. The worst thing that could happen is guests being stranded outside in the rain with nowhere to go. You will also want to consider the opposite scenario of it being too hot outside for your guests. Can you provide a tent for shade or air conditioners outside based on the budget? You also don’t want guests melting into a puddle. 

Weather aside, you will also want to consider budget and capacity. More often than not, outdoor event venues are more expensive based on all the amenities that need to be included such as tents, heaters, air conditioners, etc. You will also want to consider the capacity of the venue based on how many guests will be attending your event. It's better to have your event on a sunny, beautiful day so you don't outlast the daylight. The lighting of an outdoor event is something a vendor should handle for you. Compared to an indoor event where you might have a full kitchen, food preparation at an outdoor event is more limited. Make sure that your guests have easy-to-manage food and drinks available for them if you want them to be comfortable.

What are the things to consider when looking for an indoor event space?

One of the biggest things to consider while booking an indoor venue is the décor you would like to use. For example, if you want to use hanging fixtures and chandeliers for lighting, an indoor space would be ideal to have the walls and ceilings to hang things on. Now on the other hand, if you want a lot of candles at your event, sometimes indoor venues have policies on open flames and may require you to use battery-operated candles. This could affect the ambiance and vibe of your event.

Indoor event spaces allow you to have entire peace of mind when it comes to weather. You will never have to consider rain or shine, or hot and cold. You may also want to consider having an indoor event venue that has a smaller courtyard off the side. That way you get the best of both worlds having an indoor venue, with an outdoor option for guests. It is also important to consider transportation and parking availability when planning your event at an indoor event space. Your event type, attendees' demographics, and their likely transportation methods should all be considered when choosing the right location. There are numerous Los Angeles event venues that have this based on our weather year-round.

We hope these tips help as you plan your next event so you can choose the perfect indoor or outdoor venue. At Ovation Square, we are located in the heart of downtown Long Beach and are always happy to help you plan your next event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I want a tent in case of weather, how big of a tent will I need?
A: That will depend on the capacity of the venue and how many people are attending your event. As you begin planning, you can decide on the size of the tent after your guest list is accounted for.

Q: If a venue does not have a backup plan for rain, do you recommend I don’t book with them?
A: This depends on the region you live in. If you live in California or Arizona (states where it doesn’t rain frequently), the backup plan may not be as big of a deal. However, if you are in a very rainy state, this could be a deal-breaker.

Q: If I want candles at my event, is an indoor venue off the table automatically?
A: Not necessarily, you will have to check with the specific venue. They may have ordinances regarding open flame or they may not, it will vary depending on the venue.