Business

Events

Weddings

What are the capacity limits for different event types at RSA House?

The Great Room accommodates up to 200 for receptions, 180 standing buffet, 130 dining with round tables, or 180 theatre style. The Vaults can host up to 220 for receptions, 200 standing buffet, or 80 dining with round tables. For weddings, the maximum is 150 for civil ceremonies, 130 for seated meals, and 220 for evening receptions.

What are the room hire costs and minimum catering requirements?

Room hire varies by space and timing - for example, the Queen Elizabeth II room costs £1,150 + VAT for 8:30am-5pm with a £600 + VAT minimum catering spend. The Prince Philip room costs £1,400 + VAT for 6pm-11pm with a £1,100 + VAT minimum catering spend. Weekend events require approximately £12,000 + VAT to open the house.

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

RSA House can 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. Weekend wedding bookings require exclusive hire of the venue.

What catering restrictions apply and can external caterers be used?

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. They offer various packages including Christmas menus, delegate packages, and custom catering options.

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

The Great Room includes built-in stage, customizable uplighters, and basic AV equipment. Additional items cost extra: handheld or lapel microphones from £68-£75 + VAT each, wireless uplighters from £22-£25 + VAT each (maximum 16), flipcharts from £15 + VAT each, and TV screens from £200 + VAT each.

What are the Christmas party package options and pricing?

Christmas packages range from £143 + VAT per person (basic package with Great Room and Benjamin Franklin) to £239 + VAT per person (Vaults package with exclusive hire 6:30pm-midnight). Packages include welcome drinks, three-course Christmas menu, half bottle wine, unlimited drinks for specified hours, DJ, dance floor, and dedicated event coordination.

What spaces work together and how are they typically used for events?

The Great Room and Benjamin Franklin room work hand-in-hand, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the catering space beneath the Great Room. The Queen Elizabeth II room adjoins the Prince Philip room on the first floor. The Vaults offer four interconnecting spaces with their own Strand entrance, manned cloakroom, and reception desk.

What event approval process and restrictions apply for bookings?

RSA House requires detailed information about your organization, event purpose, speakers, attendees, and promotional plans. Events must align with RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. They ask about political figures, controversial attendees, press coverage, security requirements, and whether the event will be recorded or broadcast.

What are the timing restrictions and access hours?

Standard daytime events typically run 8:30am-5pm. Evening events can extend until 11pm-midnight depending on the space. Weekend openings require significant additional costs (approximately £12,000 + VAT). Music must end by 11:45pm, though DJ extensions are available until 1:45am latest at £195 + VAT per hour.

What additional services and optional extras are available?

Optional services include venue hire extensions (£2,250 + VAT for 12am-1am, £4,500 + VAT for 12am-2am), unlimited spirits add-on (£10 + VAT per person per hour), cocktails from £12 + VAT each, armchair hire from £50-£55 + VAT per chair, and a complimentary 10-minute RSA welcome talk about the charity's history and mission.