Organising a celebration or a milestone event involves a lot of moving parts. At Bishop Auckland RUFC, we have hosted everything from 21st birthdays to quiet memorial services, and we have seen what makes an event run smoothly.
If you are looking at hiring the clubhouse for a private function, here are five practical things to keep in mind during the planning stages.
The Main Suite is a flexible space, but it helps to have a clear plan for how you want to use it. If you have a loud band, you might want the seating for older guests at the opposite end of the room. For christenings or family parties, consider leaving a bit of floor space clear for children to move around. Getting the floor plan right early on means our team can have the furniture exactly where you want it when you arrive.
2. Make Use of the Outdoor Space
The clubhouse sits right by the river at West Mills, which is a great spot for photos. You don't need to spend a fortune on backdrops when you have the playing fields and the riverside right outside. If you are planning a summer event, it is worth thinking about how you might want to use the grounds for fresh air or even a marquee for larger groups.
3. Keep the Catering Straightforward
Planning a menu can be one of the most stressful parts of an event. We find that the most successful functions often stick to a simple, high-quality buffet or a traditional carvery that people recognise and enjoy. When you are sending out invitations, ask your guests to let you know about any specific dietary needs like gluten-free or vegetarian options. If you give our kitchen team those details early, we can make sure everyone is fed without any fuss on the day.
4. Coordinate with Your Decorators and DJs
If you are hiring external people for balloons, flowers, or music, let us know. The clubhouse has a permanent dance floor and a dedicated stage with plenty of power points, but your setup will be much easier if your suppliers know the layout. We can usually arrange a time for them to come in and get sorted before your guests arrive, which saves a lot of stress during the actual party.
One of the best things about the club is that it is away from the town centre traffic. We have plenty of private parking and everything is on the ground floor. This is particularly important for events like funeral wakes or christenings where you might have guests with prams or limited mobility. Knowing that everyone can park easily and get into the building without stairs makes the day much more relaxed for everyone involved.
If you have a date in mind or just want to see the space, come down to the club and have a chat with us. We’re here to help you get the details right so you can enjoy the day.
Need more information? Get in touch!
