Business

Events

Weddings

What are the exact hire costs and minimum spend requirements for events?

Room hire varies by space and timing - for example, the Great Room costs £3,000+VAT for 6pm-10pm or £7,140+VAT for 8:30am-5pm. All bookings require a minimum catering spend that must be met or exceeded with food and beverage items, ranging from £600+VAT for smaller rooms to higher amounts for larger spaces. Weekend events incur approximately £12,000+VAT to open the house as RSA House is normally closed weekends.

What are the capacity limits for different event setups?

The Great Room accommodates up to 200 reception guests, 180 standing buffet, 130 dining with round tables, or 180 theatre style. The Benjamin Franklin room holds up to 150 reception guests, 130 standing buffet, or 90 dining with round tables. The Vaults can host up to 220 reception guests or 200 standing buffet, making it ideal for larger parties and celebrations.

How long can you hold dates and what are the booking requirements?

RSA House will hold dates for up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, they provide 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. All confirmations require a signed contract to secure your booking.

What audio-visual equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

The Great Room includes a built-in stage, customizable uplighters, and basic AV equipment. A full AV package costs £940-£1,182+VAT and includes data projector, screen, lectern with microphone, handheld microphone, surround sound, and AV technician support for up to 8 hours. Additional handheld or lapel microphones cost £68-£75+VAT each, and wireless uplighters are £22-£25+VAT each (maximum 16 available).

Is external catering allowed and what are the catering requirements?

RSA House does not offer dry hire and does not permit any external catering. All food and beverage must be provided through their in-house catering services. This policy applies to all events regardless of size or type, and there are no exceptions mentioned for any event categories.

What are the standard event timings and access arrangements?

Most events run from 8:30am-5pm for daytime bookings or 6pm-11pm for evening events. Access times for setup are typically included in the hire period. The venue has its own entrance from the Strand for the Vaults, while main house events use the John Adam Street entrance with manned cloakroom service available.

Are there restrictions on event content or organizations that can book?

RSA House requires detailed information about your organization, event purpose, speakers, and attendees before confirming bookings. They ask about controversial speakers, political figures, press coverage, and require that events align with RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. Events may be declined if they don't meet these criteria.

What wedding-specific services and restrictions apply?

RSA House offers exclusive weekend hire for weddings with maximum capacities of 150 for civil ceremonies, 130 for seated meals, and 220 for evening receptions. They provide comprehensive wedding packages and have won awards including 'Best Historic Wedding Venue' at the Wedding Industry Regional Awards 2023. Wedding ceremonies require their licensed spaces and specific coordination with their weddings manager.

What Christmas party packages are available and what do they include?

Christmas packages start from £143+VAT per person and include exclusive hire of spaces from 6:30pm-11pm, sparkling wine reception, three-course Christmas menu, half bottle of house wine with meal, poseur tables with linen and tea lights, and dedicated event coordination. Unlimited drinks packages cost an additional £173+VAT per person, and venue extensions until 2am cost £4,500+VAT.

Can you bring your own entertainment and what are the restrictions?

The venue can accommodate bands up to six pieces in the Vaults spaces and provides space for DJ equipment. Music must end by 11:45pm unless extended for additional fees of £195+VAT per hour. The spaces include dance floors and can be configured for entertainment, but all arrangements must be coordinated through the venue's event team.