Party Planning: Choosing a Venue

These are the "Angels" I had at my last party in the Rainbow Room

Choosing a venue, for me, is a very crucial moment. The choice of venue needs to complement and create the feeling of your event. In prior years I chose a beloved space in New York, The Rainbow Room, for all three of my book launches. Being from Panama originally, this space always represented the ultimate New York experience with incredible views of the city in Rockefeller Plaza. (Unfortunately this most cherished venue was closed because of our economy.)

Jennifer Holliday performing in the Rainbow Room

It's been a challenge choosing a space this year. I wanted to find a space that fit at least 500 people, more rustic than I’ve chosen in the past but equally as charming. I found the perfect space in the 69th Regiment Armory—a national historic landmark. Victoria's Secret recently used this space for their last fashion show.

I love this venue because it is open to the decor I have in mind. I don’t want to reveal too many details before the big day, but one idea I have is to set up an Art Exhibit of events I’ve designed, small vignettes created to walk you through multiple experiences. But we’ll talk more about that in a later post...

Jennifer Holliday and me dancing the night away

What are your favorite venues in your city and why? I'd love to know for when I am working in your area.