Back in the day, choosing a prom venue was a no brainer. In fact, there was typically no choice to be made as most high school proms were held in school gyms, auditoriums or cafeterias. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for a major school event like prom to be held offsite. Common prom venues include hotels, banquet halls and event venues.

Even if you’ve found what seems like the perfect venue for your school’s prom, factors like size, amenities, availability and location can get your great idea dismissed by administrators or other planners.

Are you a member of the prom committee looking to create an unforgettable experience for fellow schoolmates? Before you can focus on the intricate details of the event like the theme or decorations, you’ll need to find a venue that aligns with your overarching vision.

Not sure where to start? There are several things to consider when looking for the perfect prom venue.

Location

No matter how ideal your prospective prom venue is, make sure it’s located within close proximity of your school. Keep in mind, many students will have to rely on their parents or rideshares to get to the event. Choosing a venue that’s close to home should be one of your top considerations.

Venue Size

You’ll want to look for a venue that is large enough to accommodate everyone attending prom. You can do this by counting the number of students eligible to participate in the event. Assuming each person will bring a date, some of whom may not be on the original guestlist, you’ll want to increase the final headcount by a realistic percentage. While the number may seem exaggerated, you don’t want to risk booking a venue that’s too small to hold the event.

At CrystalView, we offer our guests four different configurations to choose from in terms of size and capacity. Whether you’re looking for a large space that can hold 500 attendees or a smaller and more intimate setting, we’ll help you choose the best room for your school’s special event.

Amenities

Before booking a venue, make sure it has all the necessary amenities for the event to be successful. What’s the most important aspect of every prom? A sturdy dance floor. This is the one amenity your venue must have.

While dinner isn’t typically served at prom, you may still want to look into the possibility of having a soft drinks and coffee station. Other amenities you may want to consider include:

• A high-end sound system and speakers
• HD projector
• Tables, chairs and linens
• DJ stage setup
• Easy access to restrooms
• Glassware
• On-site parking
• Security guards

Price

One of the crucial aspects of event planning is creating a budget. You and other members of the prom committee will have to decide how much you’re able to spend on a prom venue and look for options that fit that budget. Many venues require an upfront deposit in order to secure your reservation, which is something you must keep in mind when looking to book your desired locale.

If you find a venue that’s perfect for your school’s prom but outside of your budget, consider starting a fundraiser. You can do this by recruiting fellow classmates and tasking them with brainstorming and executing fun and creative ways to raise more money for prom expenses.

Availability

During prom season (April through June), many venues get booked fast, so you’ll likely need to work around your desired venue’s availability before you can set an official prom date. It’s not uncommon for a few different schools to be competing for the same venue. Your best bet is to start looking for places as soon as possible to secure your desired date before it’s snatched by others.

Are You Looking for a Prom Venue in Fairfax? Schedule a Tour at CrystalView

At CrystalView, we are committed to creating the most exquisite experiences for our guests. Whether you’re planning a high school prom, a wedding or a corporate event, we offer the perfect space and comprehensive amenities to make your event vision a reality.

To learn more, call (703) 218-4444 or send us a message.