How Far in Advance to Book a Venue in NJ

Looking to host a big event in New Jersey and wondering "when should I book my event venue?" You're not the only one. This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get for milestone events including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, Sweet 16s, and Quinceañeras.

In Bergen County alone, households with children aged 12–18 make up a significant portion of the population (U.S. Census Bureau), which explains why Sweet 16 and other teen milestone birthday venues book out months earlier than people expect.

On average, people book Avenue Event Space one year to 14 months in advance of the event to ensure that they can secure their preferred dates.

Here are some things to consider when researching a date and planning ahead to book your celebration:

• How much notice do your guests need in order to book travel and plan accommodations?

• Is your event tied to a particular date aligned with a milestone birthday such as a Bar Mitzvah or 50th birthday?

• Are any of your preferred vendors or entertainment options only available seasonally?

• Does your event fall within peak seasons for event bookings?

The size of your guest list can also impact venue availability as it narrows down the list of spaces to rent. The Wedding Report notes that "the average number of guests at a wedding in New Jersey in 2025 is between 163 and 173 people." Larger venues, such as Avenue Event Space, that can comfortably support this number of guests are in higher demand throughout the wedding season.

Let's take a look at the busiest times of the year for hosting large personal and professional events in New Jersey.

Event Seasonality

Late March through early June is the peak season for fundraisers, galas, prom, and weddings. Aside from corporate functions, most celebrations are scheduled for the weekend, resulting in limited venue availability during this time. There's less demand for venues during holiday and vacation periods, although the back to school period is popular with non-profits and corporate events looking for high-attendance. These seasonal trends are helpful in guiding your booking timeline.

If you want to secure your preferred space and dates, think about booking 12-18 months from your event date. This also allows sufficient time for securing in-demand and seasonal vendors in the NJ and NYC metro area.

Booking a venue is one of the most time-sensitive decisions when planning a milestone celebration, gala, or corporate event. To make it easier, we created a free Milestone Event Planning Timeline that walks you through every phase, from 18 months out to event day.

Download Planning Timeline

As a venue that hosts milestone celebrations year-round, we see firsthand how quickly popular dates fill up, often earlier than expected. If you’re exploring venues in Bergen County or the NYC metro area, we’d love to help you determine availability, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps. At Avenue Event Space, we work closely with families and planners to make milestone celebrations and corporate events seamless from the very beginning. To learn more about Avenue Event Space, book a tour, or inquire about availability, we invite you to contact our team.