How to Choose the Perfect Company Party Venue

The date has finally been set. Most of your colleagues are available, the invitations are almost ready and everyone is looking forward to the event. But when the party begins, the parking lot turns out to be too small, the music is barely audible or you're tied to an expensive in-house caterer. It's a shame, because the venue often determines whether a company party becomes a memorable success or a missed opportunity.

So, how do you choose a company party venue that suits your team, your budget and the atmosphere you want to create?

The answer starts with the basics. First determine the number of guests, the type of event and your available budget. Only then should you compare venues based on accessibility, facilities and whether an in-house or external venue is the best fit. That way, you'll create an event your colleagues will still be talking about long after it's over.

Start with the basics: guests, type of event and budget

Before you start searching for the perfect company party venue, it's important to answer three questions. How many guests are you inviting? What type of celebration are you organising? And how much budget is available?

The number of guests influences almost every decision. A venue that is too large can feel empty, while a space that is too small quickly becomes crowded and uncomfortable.

As a general guideline, you can use the following space requirements:

The type of celebration is equally important. A relaxed summer drinks event requires a completely different atmosphere than a gala dinner, anniversary celebration or end-of-year party. Let the style of the venue support the experience you want to create.

Budgeting also goes beyond the venue hire itself. Hidden costs can quickly add up. Think about mandatory catering, cleaning fees, security, audiovisual equipment and additional staff.

At Meet Tuesday, we regularly see how choosing the right-sized venue transforms an event. One company recently organised an anniversary reception for around 120 employees. Rather than booking a much larger space, they deliberately chose a lounge-style setting that encouraged conversation and created a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

When organising a company party, most employers focus on the atmosphere and the budget. However, there is also an important financial consideration.

In the Netherlands, organising a company party at your own workplace, such as your office or business premises, may have different tax consequences than holding the event at an external venue.

Events held at the workplace can, under certain conditions, fall outside the Dutch Work-Related Costs Scheme (Werkkostenregeling or WKR) through a nil valuation. This means the costs generally do not count towards the employer's discretionary tax allowance.

A party held at an external venue that is primarily intended for entertainment usually does count towards the available WKR budget.

For 2025, employers have a discretionary allowance of 2% of the first €400,000 of the payroll and 1.18% of the amount above that. If this allowance is exceeded, an 80% final tax levy applies to the excess. As these percentages may change annually, it's always advisable to verify the latest figures with the Dutch Tax Administration before making financial decisions.

For example, if an external company party costs €18,000 and only €15,000 of discretionary budget remains available, the employer pays the 80% levy on the remaining €3,000.

That doesn't necessarily mean an external venue is the wrong choice. A unique setting often creates a far more memorable experience than celebrating at the office. The key is to balance the financial implications with the value the experience brings to your employees.

The best corporate event venues are often fully booked months in advance, especially during the summer season and the busy end-of-year period. That's why it's wise to start your search at least three to six months before your event. If possible, keep an alternative date available in case your preferred venue is already reserved.

Always schedule a venue visit before making your final decision. Professional photographs are useful, but they don't tell the whole story. Walking through the venue allows you to experience the atmosphere, acoustics, lighting and layout for yourself.

Request a detailed quotation and compare venues based on the total cost rather than the venue hire alone. Ask whether audiovisual equipment, furniture, staff, catering and cleaning are included, or whether these services incur additional charges.

It's equally important to confirm practical arrangements in writing. Make sure you have clear agreements regarding:

• Setup and breakdown times.
• Event finish time.
• Cancellation policy.
• Additional charges.
• Catering, entertainment and technical facilities.

Taking the time to clarify these details beforehand helps prevent unexpected surprises and allows you to focus entirely on your guests on the day of the event.

Before you know it, the venue is filled with colleagues sharing memories, celebrating achievements and creating new stories together. That's why choosing the right company party venue is about much more than booking a beautiful space. It's about creating an experience that reflects your organisation and brings people together.

Whether you're planning an anniversary celebration, a staff party or a company event, the right venue sets the tone for the entire day. A welcoming atmosphere, excellent facilities and a convenient location all contribute to an event your team will remember for years to come.