Best Cocktail Party Venues Sydney for Hire

Sydney is a vibrant city known for its stunning harbour, iconic landmarks, and lively social scene, making it an ideal location for hosting unforgettable cocktail parties. Whether you're planning a corporate event, a birthday celebration, or a chic get-together with friends, finding the perfect venue is key to ensuring your event is a success. Here's your quick guide to choosing the right cocktail party venue in Sydney.

Cocktail Party Venue Costs

A lot of factors could influence the overall cost of hiring a venue, including location, size, the day of the week, and amenities offered by the venue.

You can expect to pay around $95 to $100 per person for a premium venue. Budget-friendly options are available starting from $65 per person. Take note that if you want a venue in the Sydney CBD, it often comes with a premium price tag due to its central location.

For food and drinks, expect to budget based on the menu and beverage options you choose. Many venues offer package deals that include a selection of canapés and a drink per person, which can range from $30 to $70 per person.

Entertainment like DJs and live bands can also add to the overall cost. Hiring a local DJ in Sydney might cost you $500 to $1,500, depending on the duration of the set and his or her level of experience. If you prefer live music, booking a band could cost between $800 and $3,000.

To help you stay within budget, here are some tips to consider:

• Book early: Early reservations could save you some money, so book at least 6 months before your event. Early booking not only helps lock in lower rates but also ensures a wider range of dates and venues to choose from.
• Choose Off-Peak Times: Weekend evenings are prime slots and come with a premium. Instead, consider a weekday gathering or a brunch-style cocktail party to take advantage of lower rates.
• Be Flexible with Location: Being open to venue options outside Sydney CBD can save you money. While the city centre offers convenience and prestige, suburban locations can also provide equally stunning settings at a fraction of the price.

Check out these 8 Cost-Cutting Hacks to Host an Amazing Event.

Best Types of Venues for Cocktail Parties in Sydney

Sydney offers a diverse range of venues that can cater to various styles and themes. Here are some of the best types of venues to consider:

Rooftop Bars

Rooftop bars are a popular choice for hosting cocktail parties in Sydney. These venues typically provide a stunning backdrop of Sydney's iconic skyline, harbour, or even picturesque beaches, which can enhance the overall experience for your guests.

Boats

Hosting a cocktail party on a boat offers an unforgettable experience, combining the allure of Sydney's stunning waterways with a unique, dynamic setting. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Sydney Opera House while celebrating onboard.

Hotel Function Rooms

Hotels are a versatile option for hosting cocktail parties. They can accommodate parties of all sizes, from intimate parties to grand corporate gatherings. There's state-of-the-art AV technology, catering, and flexibility in the layout. Plus, guest accommodation comes in handy for out-of-towners.

Restaurants and Private Dining Rooms

Restaurants and private dining rooms in Sydney are another fantastic choice for hosting cocktail parties. You can enjoy gourmet food and drinks while partying all night. Many restaurants even provide exclusive use of private dining spaces, ensuring your event feels both special and secluded.

Waterfront Venues

From the tranquil shores of Sydney Harbour to the bustling views overlooking Darling Harbour, these venues add something special to any cocktail party. Party like no other!

Cocktail Party Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cocktail Party Food and Drinks 101

Food and drinks are the heart of any cocktail party. Here's a guide to help you select the perfect menu that will surely impress anyone:

1. Signature Cocktails

Creating signature cocktails for your event adds a unique and personalised touch to any party experience. You can include seasonal ingredients and local spirits and even align your party drinks with the theme or colour scheme of your event. You can also work with a professional mixologist who can craft cocktails for your gathering.

2. Gourmet Canapés and Finger Foods

No cocktail party is complete without a selection of gourmet canapés and finger foods. These small dishes should be easy to eat while mingling, allowing guests to try different flavours throughout the event. Popular options include mini tartlets, skewers, and sliders. Also, to ensure variety and creativity, consider incorporating a mix of hot and cold options, vegetarian delights, and seafood specialties.

3. Cheese and Charcuterie Boards

These boards provide a selection of textures and flavours, showcasing an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits, and accompaniments. Consider offering a balanced mix of soft and hard cheeses, such as a creamy Brie alongside an aged cheddar or a tangy goat cheese. Include a variety of charcuterie options, like spicy soppressata, prosciutto, and salami.

Here is a guide to choosing the right catering option.

Looking for cocktail party venues in Sydney, NSW?

Let us help you find the perfect venue for your next cocktail party. We have a wide selection of restaurants, bars, hotels and function spaces that are ideal for all kinds of events, big or small. Get in touch with us today to explore some of Sydney's premier cocktail party venues!

How much do Sydney cocktail party venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Sydney cocktail party venues cost between 60 per person and 90 per person. For example, a 100 person cocktail party would cost approximately 6000-9000. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top Sydney cocktail party venues?

Here are some of our favourite Sydney cocktail party venues:

1. Verandah Bar
2. Cabana Bar
3. Centennial Homestead
4. Hyde Hacienda
5. Kittyhawk
6. Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf
7. Rydges Sydney Central
8. Cafe Del Mar
9. Arthouse Hotel
10. ivy Sydney

How do I find and book Sydney cocktail party venues?

Finding and booking a Sydney cocktail party venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Sydney as your location and cocktail party as your event type into VenueNow's search engine.2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a Sydney cocktail party venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Sydney venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a Sydney cocktail party venue?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.