A Guide to Planning the Perfect Event in a Flexible Venue
Adaptable. Flexible. Unique. Modern. Finding the perfect venue for your event means discovering a space that reflects your vision. But with endless possibilities, how do you turn that blank canvas into the experience you’ve imagined?
We pride ourselves on being top of our class when it comes to understanding the unique demands of each event. Whether it’s a corporate gala, a high-end wedding, a product launch, or an intimate celebration, our team excels in crafting experiences that exceed expectations. Our flexibility is one of our greatest strengths—no matter what type of event you have in mind, we tailor every detail to match your needs, preferences, and goals.
1. Posess a clear vision
Photo Credit: Darling Darlene Photography
Before you can navigate the stages of event planning in a blank slate venue, sitting down and outlining your vision is paramount. While we may not have been there for the initial event brainstorming, our team is available for you to bounce ideas off of and talk through your event needs and wants from the moment you inquire or book a tour. Our team members guarantee quick and transparent communication from the very beginning!
In order to execute your event successfully, outlining your goals and objectives before stepping into the venue-sourcing or budget-planning is key. Mike Fletcher, a blog author for Cvent, dives into every step of the planning process from the initial vision to the successful execution. A great place to start the planning process is with a checklist (we LOVE a good checklist.) Checklists are your best friends when event planning - whether you’re planning a corporate event to discuss strategy or a wedding ceremony and reception. For instance, creating a checklist with actionable items for a corporate event helps manage your team, task delegation, and budget.
Fortunately, our team has a proper Venue Guide that we offer all of our clients from the start of booking so they are prepared with a timeline, deadlines, and policies.
2. Work with the Event experts
At the heart of every unforgettable event is a team that truly understands what it takes to create an experience that is both flawless and memorable. Our events team is made up of seasoned professionals who are experts in every aspect of event planning and execution. From conceptualization to the final flourish, we are your trusted partners in bringing any vision to life.
Above: Dayna putting the final touches on the sweetheart table at Building 177. Below: The Operations duo, Eva and Dayna, celebrating after a long weekend of events in Liberty Station!
“I’ve learned so much about the world of venue management + live events - from high level details like liability insurance to the logistics of scheduling staff, facilities maintenance, and cleaning; and the more fun and creative side of dreaming up vision boards, candlelit dinners, floral-scapes, and signature cocktails that really embody the vibe of the gathering. Getting to know each side of what brings an event together has really strengthened my ability to plan a well rounded event.”
Our lead salesperson, Dayna, joined the team in 2021 after interning with Moniker Events the previous 2 summers. Because Moniker Events aims for each team member to work within their strengths and skills, Dayna pursued a position within every department of our company- sales, operations, and coordination. She strives to offer each client her full attention from the initial inquiry email all the way through checking for their post-event feedback.
We are equipped with cutting-edge technology and a wide range of resources to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our team has a deep knowledge of logistical planning, vendor management, and on-the-day coordination. We’re experts in overcoming the challenges that can arise and managing every detail, from the smallest to the most complex.
Every Moniker Events client receives access to an online floor plan tool through Prismm, allowing them to design their unique event layout with precise measurements and specifications. Additionally, we provide example floor plans—like the one of Building 177 above—that illustrate various guest counts, event styles, inventory needs, and more!
3. Trusted Vendors
When you’ve spent hours and hours planning your event, you shouldn’t leave the day of execution to just anyone. That’s why it is paramount to hire trusted vendors who have stellar online reviews, history with the venue, and a matched vision.
San Diego Running Co hosts their America’s Finest Corporate Dash 5k throughout Liberty Station ending in Ingram Plaza. Featuring tents and other specialty rentals by Bright Event Rentals, a highly recommended vendor on our list. Photo Credit: 3PIXstudios
Moniker Events works alongside trusted vendors every day. Since creating our company in 2014, we’ve seen it all - the good, the bad, and the (dare we say) ugly. We craft our vendor list based on experience, communication, pricing, and professionalism. Our team works tirelessly to be as transparent with our clients from day one and we expect our vendors to do the same. You deserve people who are on your team throughout the entire planning process - from quick and timely communication to swift execution of your ideas.
We’ve always said that a planner or coordinator is one of the most priceless vendors you can hire for your event. Coordinators, such as Rachael, owner of RBCO Events, have coordinated many different events and weddings at our venues over the years. Rachael is incredibly kind, understanding, professional, and encouraging- both to our mutual clients and our team members. Rachael exemplifies our Moniker Events value of “people people” to the utmost as she is on your team from the start, ready to hear your unique dreams and share how she can bring them to life.
“It's reassuring when you know you're working with vendors who are experienced, communicate thoroughly, work together as a team, and are good energy all around. It's always an honor when I get to work with them.”
- Rachael, Owner of RBCO Events
Bride, Jess, & groom, Vadim, worked with Rachael on full design and planning for their wedding at Building 177 on December 11th, 2024.
Vendors:
Drapery + Rentals: Bright Event Rentals
Videography: MJP Cinema
Venue: Building 177
Florals: the bride (impressive, right??)
Coordination: RBCO Events
Photography: Sophia Savage Photo
Reach out to our team to learn more about our Catalog, which includes our vendor list, venue details, FAQs, and more!
4. Less is more
Walking into an empty venue for the first time can feel overwhelming. The open space is a blank canvas, ready to be filled with your favorite colors, décor, and people. But creating the perfect atmosphere isn’t about filling every inch—it’s about intentionally curating a space that reflects your vision.
An intimate outdoor wedding ceremony in North Promenade featuring simple bistro chairs, a boho backdrop and a few aisle floral arrangements to round out the space.
We created and designed our venues to be modern, minimalist, timeless, and chic. That way, you, as the event planner, don’t have to worry about the backdrop of your event needing too much to occupy the eye.
For instance, we renovated and designed Building 177, originally the Naval Training Center Library from 1923-1997, with neutral hardwood floors, creamy white walls, sleek black accents like the windows and iron sliding door, and simple strands of market lights hanging from the ceiling. These minimalist venue features offer each client the perfect setting for their event vision and execution.
“My biggest piece of advice to couples planning their wedding is to choose their top 1-3 most important things and always come back to those as well as being okay compromising on the other things.”
Sticking to your event budget is absolutely key to planning a successful and stress-free event. Whether you're organizing a wedding, corporate conference, or anniversary party, knowing your budget inside and out ensures that every dollar you spend contributes to what matters most.
PRO TIP: We highly recommend starting with your favorite and most important aspect or two, such as food, florals, or table-settings, and work from there.
When choosing their dream wedding venue, Bridget and Dom “wanted to find a place that was customizable in every sense. [They'] didn’t want to be tied to a small vendor list or bogged down by rules. Being able to customize [their] vendors helped [them] spend more money on important categories and less on the parts of [their] wedding that [they] didn’t want as much focus on.”
Check out more of Bridget & Dom’s wedding at Building 177 on their blog post.
Vendor Info:
Catering: Buona Forchetta
Bar: Moniker Cocktail Co
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Paper Goods: No Detail Spared
Venue: Building 177
Tabletop Rentals: SD Linens + Catalog Atelier
Florals: Wallflower Inspiration
Photography: Wendy G Photo
5. Know your audience/guests
This tip is especially important for corporate or social events. Think about the best party you’ve ever attended…what were the elements that stood out to you the most? Was is the food, attention to detail, maybe the general flow of the event? The best planned events cater to their audience and take everything into consideration when laying out the details.
Rylee + Cru, the artistic and imaginative clothing line for children, hosted their 10th Anniversary party at the South Promenade last October. When searching for the perfect venue that could accommodate children of all ages, their parents, and family-friendly activities, they landed on this park-like setting in central Liberty Station.
Founder and creator, Kelli Larson, and her team created an environment of play for their family, friends, and devoted customers among this expansive greenbelt. Because the South Promenade is a full 75,000 sqft of open park-like space, the Rylee + Cru team designed different zones throughout the venue. Kid-friendly zones included bounce houses and an inflatable “bubble house” by Inflate San Diego as well as temporary tattoo and coloring stations at child-height tables. Adults could enjoy a snack and soda on the wooden farmhouse tables by Wonder Event Rentals.
The Rylee + Cru team did not leave a stone unturned when it came to entertainment for all at the South Promenade! They utilized the area that they needed instead of feeling the pressure to fill the entire outdoor venue.
Vendor Info:
Marquee Letters: Alpha Lit San Diego
Desserts: Swoonful Cotton Candy + Ice Cream
Photography: Rylee & Cru
Venue: South Promenade, Liberty Station
Planning/Coordination: Rylee & Cru, Boho Babes
Florist: Darlin’ Floral Co
Specialty Rentals: East West Bounce Co, Inflate San Diego, and Wonder Event Rentals
Planning an event in a blank slate venue can be tough work but when you’re working alongside the best event planners and trusted vendors, you have the strong foundation for an incredible event. Moniker Events knows the in’s and out’s of event planning in San Diego. We’re here to help you plan your perfect event within budget and scope!
Reach out to tour our spaces or chat through your vision for your upcoming event.