You’ve selected San Diego as the backdrop for your next event. Its sunny skies and vibrant culture make it a prime location for gatherings of all kinds. But now you’re faced with the great Herculean task of deciding on a venue size. After all, how can you start your venue search without knowing what size you’re searching for? Lucky you found this article! From intimate elopements to large corporate conferences, we’ll review everything you should consider when deciding on a venue size. With our diverse venue offering and services, we’re confident you’ll find your ideal venue.

Know Your Event

Before we discuss the various types of venues in San Diego, it is essential to have a clear vision of your event. Different events require different things from their venues, so a quick brainstorm with these bullet points in mind will help streamline the booking process.

Number of Attendees 

Every venue has a maximum number of occupants allowed in a given space, but there’s more to consider than whether your expected guest list is lower than that max capacity. We, of course, know that a venue that’s too small can leave guests feeling like sardines, but it’s also essential to consider the opposite scenario. A venue that is too large can make even the most well-decorated of gatherings feel empty and less intimate. So, before you set out to find your theme, decor, and food, first, you need to know the number of attendees.

What If I Don’t Have A Head Count?

It’s not uncommon to only have a general idea of how many guests you’ll have at your event. That’s perfectly okay. In event planning, sometimes you will only know a range. Our advice is to choose the biggest possible number and plan around that. So, your business is throwing a corporate event for 250 employees, and everyone can bring a guest? Plan to find a venue that can fit up to 500. Chances are, 100% turnout would not happen, but if it does, you don’t want to have to turn people away at the door for capacity issues.

The Reality Of Max Capacity

The other thing new planners and those navigating a new venue need to know is that there are typically two maximum capacities: one for sitting and one for standing. Since larger numbers usually look better, you will often find that venues only include standing capacity on their websites. So, before you plan a day viewing your venues to see which is the right fit, be sure to call and get the details on the max capacity for both scenarios. You don’t want to plan a dinner event for 600 attendees only to find out they can only fit 400 with tables and chairs. You also don’t want to spend a whole day touring venues that never would have worked in the first place (believe us, we’ve been there). Luckily, some sites (like ours) show both max capacities. That’s a little love note from us to planners to let them know we value their time.

Amenities and Services

Venues provide so much more than a backdrop for your event. Consider if you’ll need your venue to provide Wi-Fi, catering, a dance floor, entertainment, decoration upgrades, and more. Venues may provide different services and amenities depending on your group’s size and desired space. Some venues might even surprise you with what they can offer. For instance, The Centre Escondido has shops and vendors right inside our doors that can take your event to the next level. Hello, Vintana Wine + Dine.

Vintana has many perks, like the ability to make your creative ideas come true. Want to have a cocktail-making class as an interactive part of your event? Tell their catering team, and they will help you create the perfect experience. Plus, their stunning restaurant on our properties has everything you need right in our four walls. What’s more? Our coffee shop can serve up some joe for you and your guests before your business meetings, or as you’re setting up your early event. Just ask our event team about the possibilities, and we are happy to walk you through them!

Event Activities

Are you planning to dance the night away? Do you need a projector for that presentation? What about the photo booth you were thinking of adding? It’s essential to account for any additional space needed to comfortably perform all your event’s activities.

You might be surprised by what your venue already offers. On your site tour, ask to view some of its entertainment options. At The Centre, you can view our golf simulator or even take a look at our resident artists’ gallery to view options for live painting or classes. There are so many options at The Centre that we are tempted to call them limitless. 

Functionality and Flow

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to searching for the right venue for your event. Depending on what you are planning, you might want a cozier, more intimate space. Events like baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, and the like typically fare better in more intimate spaces. And, if you have a conference or an event with hundreds of people, sometimes it’s better to plan an event that flows through a few event spaces to control the intimacy within specific settings. Tell your event tour guide your goals, and they will be able to piece together options for you perfectly.

Consider Your Budget

While small event venues aren’t always more cost-effective than larger ones, your budget may limit your options when it comes to venue size. 

Too much to think about? Consider reaching out to us. At The Centre, our expert planners will take the stress out of planning and help guide you through the planning process. 

According to Wedding Report, the average 100-person wedding in San Diego will cost around $40,000. While that price can vary greatly depending on the type of event, food and beverage needs, and location, it is a good number to keep in mind as you plan in Southern California. 

Know the Kind of Space You Need

Now that you have a clear picture of what you need from your venue, it’s time to consider the types of spaces available to you. 

Panorama Point

You may want to consider a space like Panorama Point for small events. With a maximum standing capacity of 50 (or seated for up to 30), it’s perfectly sized for cocktail hours, baby showers, breakout events, birthdays, or small reunions. Despite this being one of The Centre’s smaller event spaces, you’ll still have the option to rent a variety of EV equipment to suit your needs. Plus, the vast scenic views this outdoor patio space offers make the smaller space feel more open and spacious. 

Space: 1,106 sq. ft.

Max Capacity: 50

Seated Capacity: 30

Crystal Ridge

Looking for something a little bit bigger? What about Crystal Ridge? With its floor-to-ceiling windows and idyllic mountain views, this 2,472 square foot space is the perfect venue for events timed for sunset viewing. Whether for a wedding or corporate event, this sleek venue is ideal for a mid-size to large event.

Space: 2,742 sq. ft.

Max Capacity: 200

Seated Capacity: 164

Starlight Terrace

Still not satisfied? Check out Starlight Terrace. This third‑level outdoor terrace spans 6,375 sq ft and can accommodate up to 615 guests standing (or 300 seated), making it ideal for various events, from weddings and fundraisers to corporate mixers, gala evenings, or large social celebrations. While large, it’s built with amenities such as a fire table, market lighting, and stunning features that add to its cozy and inviting ambiance. 

Space: 6,375 sq. ft.

Max Capacity: 615

Seated Capacity: 300

Combine Spaces

You can always consider combining venues if you have more than the listed number of max guests per space. Add the Diamond Ridge onto your Crystal Ridge booking for a total maximum capacity of 700 (or seated up to 464).

Sunset Heights Diamond Ridge Crystal Ridge

Schedule a Walkthrough 

A venue may seem perfect on paper, but something must be said about seeing it in person. Standing in a venue will allow you to visualize your event in a way you can’t through floor plans and photos. Be sure to schedule a walk-through before signing off on a particular space. 

Are you ready to start planning your event? Contact our team today to book your event in North County San Diego. We can’t wait to meet you.