Not sure where to start when it comes to figuring out how to host an event? If you’re thinking a bar is the perfect backdrop to your next get together, whether it’s a bachelor or bachelorette party, corporate social, or private VIP celebration, you’re right.

Bars are the social butterflies of the venue world. They come with an ambiance that’s hard to replicate, not to mention a world of entertainment options that can take any event from “meh” to “let’s get another round!”

But how do you transform your go-to hangout spot into a destination perfect for any type of event? Simple—you follow these steps and event hosting tips!

Step 1: Know Your Tribe, Know Your Vibe

Before you dive headfirst into keg negotiations, consider why you’re hosting an event and who’s invited. Learning how to host an event at a bar (or any other private event venue, really) starts with the “Why?” and the “Who?”

Are you hosting an event for your college buddies with questionable dance moves? Or are you trying to be a perfect host for a charity event or corporate event? Your guestlist and the vibe you’re looking for should dictate the following party elements:

• ✓ Event theme and venue
• ✓ Drink and food menu
• ✓ Decorations
• ✓ Entertainment

🥂 Bonus Event Hosting Tip: Plan ahead to give yourself leeway for booking vendors and inviting attendees.

 

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Step 2: Scout the Scene

Once you’ve brainstormed the general event details, it’s time to scout the scene. One of the most crucial tips for hosting an event in a bar or pub is to find the perfect one. 

Take some time to search online, but don’t forget to visit your top picks in person! This tip for hosting events will help you visualize how your guests will move around the space and how it will accommodate the other elements of the night. You can use this time to meet the team and check out the food and drink menu, facilities, and amenities.

🍾 Bonus Event Hosting Tip: Try to visit the event venue at the same time you’d be hosting. This will give you a realistic feel for the atmosphere, including noise level, crowd size, and overall vibe!

Step 3: Spread the Word

Learning how to host an event also means learning how to promote one. Even if you’re just planning a gathering of 50 close friends and family, you still want to ensure you get the word out to your guests early. After all, no party is complete without people! You can:

• ✓ Post or create an event page on social media 
• ✓ Call up your guests one by one
• ✓ Send a mass text or email
• ✓ Prepare a written invitation
• ✓ Make a dedicated website for the event

Just ensure you send invitations at least a month before the event to give your guests time to prepare and clear their schedules!

Step 4: Prepare the Munchies

Arguably, the most critical part of learning how to host an event at a bar is planning the food and drinks. Whether for a corporate event or a themed bash, you can’t be a good host without serving good food. 

Don’t come at us, we don’t make the rules. But we do know a thing or two when it comes to the party menu, here are some key things to keep in mind: 

• Many bars offer extensive food menus, so you can simply choose a variety of dishes that complement your event’s vibe and fit your budget.
• Be mindful of any dietary restrictions your guests might have and present options so everyone has something to enjoy.
• If you’re considering catering, make sure to double-check with the venue if they allow outside catering or if they have a panel of approved caterers.

🍻 Bonus Event Hosting Tip: Bars usually offer drink packages for private events and buyouts, which can be a cost-effective and convenient way to keep track of the event budget.

Step 5: Set the Stage

If you’re hosting at a bar, your event venue might call on you to take care of decoration duty. Before you go all out, work with the bar’s event contact to see if they allow for some personalized touches to make the space your own. 

A little bit of event planning flair can make all the difference in transforming a regular night out into a memorable event!

🥂 Bonus Event Hosting Tip: Book a bar with complete amenities like AV equipment, speakers, projectors, and other entertainment options to save yourself money and time.

Step 6: Party All Night!

Now that everything’s set up, all that’s left is to have fun and keep the party flowing. Live in the moment, play a game of pool, dance to your favourite song, and mingle away, dear host. It’s game time!

 

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Host Your Next Event at Everyone’s Favourite Toronto Bar

Learning how to host an event at a bar and execute it flawlessly is no small feat, but with the right attitude and a team of event experts guiding you along the way, you’re sure to throw a bash that’ll go down in history. 

Of course, you need the right partner to get the party going. Nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto is Petty Cash, a unique event space with a classy bar ambiance and room to sit, stand, socialize, eat, drink, and play—perfect for any event.

Our 360 bar area can accommodate up to 150 standing guests or 300 for a total buyout, accommodating both business events and private gatherings. We provide not just an event space, but an event experience.

You can find us at 487 Adelaide Street W. or contact our team to learn how we can help you host your next event. We look forward to bringing your party to life!