Rubbing elbows may well be the goal of many parties, but don’t take it literally. Overcrowded and difficult to navigate spaces are neither enjoyable nor safe. At the same time, a venue that’s too big relative to the number of guests makes your event feel sparsely attended. So, you can see why calculating event capacity is such a critical step in planning!

Always consider the usable space available, not just to the overall dimensions of the venue. Don’t include the area behind the bar, for example, and exclude any other space that’s unsuitable because of table shape or poor sight lines.