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When you ask us to find you a venue, you’ll always get five options that match your brief. And then you’ll get one more — the wildcard.
It might be something you haven’t seen before. It might be somewhere you’d never think to look. It might push the budget slightly, or sit outside your usual style. But it will always have something interesting to offer — and more often than not, it’s the one you end up booking.
This isn’t just a gimmick. The wildcard is a crucial part of how we work at Match My Venue — and here’s why.
Most Venue Finders Just Filter.
Let’s be honest: most venue search platforms are glorified filters. You enter your date, capacity, location, and maybe a vague idea of style — and it throws back every space that technically fits. It’s a race to the bottom of what’s “suitable.”
But events aren’t built on checkboxes. They’re built on feeling. On flow. On what the space brings out in your guests. And that’s why we don’t just give you the obvious choices — we look at what could work even better.
The wildcard is where we get to be consultants, not just coordinators.
What Makes a Venue a Wildcard?
A wildcard venue isn’t random — it’s chosen on purpose.
It might be:
A space in a location you hadn’t considered, but offers better value or a better vibe
A new opening that hasn’t hit the mainstream yet
A venue that speaks to the purpose of the event — not just the one you thought you were looking for
A venue that works brilliantly logistically, even if it’s not your usual style
A bigger space that offers more flexibility (and often better AV, green rooms, or breakout options)
A smaller space with exceptional catering, atmosphere, or sustainability credentials
Or just something a bit… different. In a good way.
We’re not here to shock you. We’re here to surprise you — with something that actually makes you stop and think.
Why the Wildcard Works
In almost every search we do, the wildcard gets a reaction. Sometimes it’s a quick “not for us,” and that’s fine. But often, it starts a conversation: “Could we make that work?” or “That’s not what we asked for, but now I kind of love it.”
Here’s why it works so well:
1. You don’t know what you don’t know
No matter how experienced you are, you’ve got a mental list of “go-to venues.” Everyone does. But that list often misses the hidden gems — the places that aren’t spending on ads or sitting at the top of every directory.
We’re in this industry every day, walking spaces, talking to teams, seeing what’s working and what’s new. The wildcard lets us bring that to the table.
2. Sometimes the brief is too safe
“I need a central London venue for 150 people with catering and a screen.”Sure. We can give you that. But is that what the event needs? Or is that just what’s easy?
The wildcard is our way of showing you what else is possible — without you having to commit to it. It expands the brief without complicating it.
3. You’re not always the one deciding
Often, you're showing your shortlist to a boss, a client, a wider team. Having a wildcard helps you look broader, gives you a curveball, and can help your stakeholder say “wow” instead of “yeah, fine.”
It gives you options. And options = power.
But What If It’s a Waste of Time?
It won’t be. Here’s the thing — the wildcard doesn’t replace your brief. It’s an extra. A value-add. It’s us doing that little bit more, because you’re trusting us to get it right — and we take that seriously.
If it’s not right, you skip it. But you might just fall in love with something you never would have found alone.
Why It Matters
We’re not trying to be different for the sake of it. We’re doing this because we know what it feels like to search for a venue and see the same 10 options come up over and over again.
The wildcard is how we keep things fresh. It’s how we bring value. And it’s how we help clients find spaces that don’t just “work” — they elevate the whole event.
Because the right venue doesn’t just hold your event. It sets the tone for everything else.
Looking for Your Next Venue? Ask Us for the Wildcard.
If you're planning an event and want the usual suspects plus something unexpected, get in touch. We’ll send you options that hit the brief — and one that might just make it better.
Because the wildcard isn’t risky. It’s smart.
