Which boat for a 50-person birthday party? Think about space first

With 50 guests, a birthday can quickly take on the feel of a proper reception. You need to welcome guests, plan the meal, allow people to move around and sometimes set aside space for music or dancing. The boat should therefore be thought of as a reception venue in its own right.

What you need to check is the usable capacity for your format, not just the boat's maximum capacity.

For a birthday cocktail reception

A cocktail reception allows for a more flexible set-up: guests mingle, chat and can enjoy different areas. An open layout can work well here. Even so, you need to allow enough room for the buffet and for people to move around.

For a dinner for 50

A seated dinner requires more precise planning. Tables, chairs, service and staff moving around take up a significant share of the space. A barge suited to this format may be more appropriate than a boat designed for small groups.

For a party with dancing

If the dinner is to be followed by dancing, plan ahead for the change of layout. A dedicated dance floor or an area that can easily be cleared can make all the difference. Depending on the boat, the DJ and the available equipment may also need specific checks.

For 50 guests, draw up a brief

Before requesting a proposal, simply note down the number of guests, the meal format, whether you'd like a DJ or entertainment, the length of the event and whether you'd prefer to cruise or hold the event at the quayside. This gives you a clear starting point.