This is a guest by Beth Kruszynskyj, editor at HeadBox, a network for creative, inspiring and off-site meeting spaces. You can follow them @headbox.

We want you to see a venue that’s a blank canvas as an opportunity, not a terrifying prospect.

It can often be hard to see past the emptiness of a venue when visiting in the middle of the daytime. It can be hard to imagine it full of people and buzzing with energy, alive with noise and atmosphere.

But there are so many benefits in choosing somewhere that isn’t already fully prepped for your event. There’s a chance for you to put your own stamp on the venue and make sure it is a reflection of your brand or company; there are potential savings to be made, which can then be spent on making it look beautiful in exactly the way you want; and there’s the excitement and freedom of being able to do something creative. The flexibility and finances might well outweigh that top-of-the-range venue where you don’t have to lift a finger.

We’ve got some suggestions for how to make the most of the venue you choose, and some inspiring ideas that will help you look at and choose venues with more of an open-mind! Think creatively and take the credit for making your event one to remember.

Lighting 

[Cool and contemporary lighting at The Den, The Collective]

Lighting is the biggest contributor to atmosphere in a venue.

If it’s too brightly lit your space can feel stark and lacking in mood. If the venue itself doesn’t provide the lighting you want, think about buying or hiring strings of lights – this can be the easiest way to make the lighting your own.

Not only can lighting change the atmosphere in a venue, it can also cover up areas you’d rather not make visible, and distract and divert attention from functional areas, like storage areas.

We love curtains of lights and fairy lights that hang from a central point in a room and are then draped along the ceiling. They’re simple, but can be absolutely stunning in the effect they produce.

Related: The science of design: What makes great event design?

Props

Now – we don’t mean filling your event space with model dinosaurs, film props and Dr Who dalek replicas (unless, of course, that matches the theme of your event), but if your event does have a strong theme a prop or two can really take it to the next level.

It’s a talking point for guests and it can break up a big space, encouraging people to wander, mingle and chat to each other.

Table decoration

[A masterclass in beautiful table decoration at Bistrotheque]

With table decoration at a party, it’s the small touches that will be noticed and make a difference.

If you’re hosting a sit-down meal, people will be seated at the table for a couple of hours at least and they will have time to take note of, and admire, any small details in the decoration. Table runners are a cheap and easy option to make a plain table look more glamorous; we love the look when runners are laid down the length of a long communal wooden table – it feels rustic but cool.

Flowers are an easy way to spruce up the event space. Decide whether you need to splash out on paying someone to provide formal flower arrangements for the whole venue, or if you could approach it in a more relaxed way, putting two or three stems in mismatched jars and vases scattered across tables and surfaces.

Candles are also a cheap and effective way to create atmosphere. Again, they not only add to the look of the place, but also to the lighting effect, softening the mood. Tea lights in small holders along the length of the tables cost very little, but will look striking, or more elaborate candelabras make for perfect central table decorations.

Related: A Q&A with Bethany Winning, events manager at Design Council

Wall and ceiling drapery

[Heavy velvets on the walls can create a luxurious atmosphere, like here at the Victorian Bath House]

This is a bigger undertaking than just adding flowers and candles here and there, and you’ll need to hire in an expert to set this up for you. But, if you’ve got the budget, it can completely transform a venue, softening the whole feel of the place.

It’s the perfect idea for a bigger space where you don’t want to make the existing walls a feature.

Seating

[Bows on the chairs at the Grand Connaught Rooms are a great finishing touch]

If your venue allows it and you need seating, you can hire in chairs or chair coverings. This just adds an extra layer of smartness and a polished finish to the event.

Again, this isn’t the cheapest option, but budget allowing, it can take the event to the next level. For a more purse-friendly option, purchase ribbons yourself to decorate the chairs.

10 Extraordinary venues in London you never knew existed

Conclusion

There are so many ways you can make your venue more beautiful. Yes, some will cost you if you want to get the professionals in, but if you’re willing to put in the time and extra effort yourself, prettying up your event space can be done on a budget too. Just get creative and enjoy yourself!