Five surefire ways to hack the clubbing scene
Yazan Daas is Co-founder and Product Manager at NoQue, a startup focused on nightlife and entertainment. NoQue opens up possibilities for endless fun and amazing nights out.
Remember back in college, when every night turned into a scene from âThe Hangoverâ with absolutely no planning? As we get older, have jobs, partners and even families, having a good night out takes a lot more preparation.
Heading out without a plan can be a recipe for disaster. At 11 p.m., the bouncer at the first club didnât like Johnâs shirt, so turned the group away. The next club you try an hour later is full. And the next one has a line snaking down the block. Finally the clock strikes 2 a.m., and youâre in a late-night restaurant lamenting about the ânon-eventâ of a night, shoes shined and all.
Going clubbing can be a lot of fun. Until, well, suddenly itâs not. On top of being fairly expensive–the average event-goer spends $81 USD on a night out— clubbing can also get complicated if you donât play your cards right. So, make sure you do. Hereâs five surefire ways to hack the clubbing scene and have a great night.
Plan for transportation and parking
Do your best not to drive to the club. This way everyone can enjoy a few drinks, and parking logistics donât become a nightmare. Take a taxi or an Uber, and make sure to arrange a car to pick you up later on. You donât want to be stuck waiting around for a car at the end of the night, when all the fun is over. If you use Uber, may even be lucky enough to have a Rolls-Royce show up to escort your group.
If you must drive, plan where youâll park. Parking in some areas can be stressful and expensive. Valet parking services can charge up to $20 USD, and thatâs not overnight. And if you opt for street parking, you may need to leave the club multiple times to pay for additional parking. To lessen the stress, try out some driveway sharing apps. ParkAmigo, Park Circa and Gravel let drivers park in other peopleâs unused parking spaces around a city. It ensures you arenât circling around trying to find a parking space, and then arenât preoccupied about your parked car once you do.
Get on a guestlist
If youâre on the guestlist or reserve a table, you wonât have to waste precious time with the gang waiting in long lines full of rowdy, tipsy college kids. And considering the ticket usually accounts for biggest expense on a night out, getting on the guestlist is a sure way to save money. On it, you likely wonât have to pay cover or the bar minimum. And if you arrive late at night without enough time to utilize the bar minimum, being part of the guest list will ensure you donât have to commit to extra costs.
So, how do you get on a guestlist? For some clubs, simply calling the venue early to request your name be put on the list will get you on, and so will pre-ordering bottle service–this will not only let you skip the line, but once youâre in youâll be greeted with your own table stocked with alcohol, and sometimes even your own restrooms and personal bar. Other clubs require you go through a promoter. Youâll find one through the clubâs Instagram page, and can direct message or Whatsapp message to ask to be put on the guestlist. Depending on the number of people in your group, promoters can charge up to $600 USD.
Wear something that will make you stand out, in a positive way.
Just try to look elegant and trendy. For men, a collared shirt and sharp shoes, or a dress-downed suit is a good look. And oftentimes, high heels are mandatory for women. Try coordinating with your friends to really stand out–wearing the same colours, dresses or shirts could make you the most exciting group at the party. Although, itâs best to research a clubâs dress code before heading out, or check out the clubâs Instagram or Snapchat to see what people have worn on previous nights. By wearing something impressive, the host may even notice your group and offer you perks throughout the night–like free shorts, better services, or lots of photos of yourself posted on the clubâs social media accounts.
Order the same type of drinks as your friends
When you reserve a table and order bottles, make sure everyone at the table orders the same type of liquor. Bottles vary in price from place to place, but can be cost anywhere between $300-$1000 USD depending on the brand and size of the table. So if half the table wants whiskey and the other wants vodka, you could see how the price skyrockets. Itâs better to agree on one type of liquor together, and split the cost. But remember, just because you order the same liquor doesnât mean you have to all have the same drink. You can ask for fruit and sodas to make your own flashy cocktails, different from the rest of the groupâs.
Be friendly when you leave, and when you return
Being friendly when you leave a club, and when you return a second time are the keys to getting yourself âinâ with the staff. Make these moment pleasant by shaking hands with the door staff and greeting them by name. Be warm and personable and spend a few moments chatting with them, even after youâre behind the velvet rope. That said, be conscious of the mood and the establishment. These guys are very busy and donât always have time to chat. If theyâre stressed or dealing with a capacity crowd, hanging around to make conversation might have a negative effect. Acting in a respectful manner will give you a good rep at your favorite club, and youâll likely be welcomed with a smile when you return.
A night out should never be tarnished by denied entry, long lines, or having to shovel over a weekâs worth of grocery money just to enjoy time with friends. These simple hacks will help you to plan your evening correctly to ensure your group has a great night out in each otherâs company.