# Venue hire terms, explained.

The words venue teams use every day, in plain English.

**First option:** A provisional hold that gives a client first claim on a date until it expires or is confirmed.

**Second option:** A hold behind a first option. It moves up if the first option is released.

**Challenge:** Asking the client with a first option to confirm or release, because another client is ready to book.

**Hold expiry:** The date a provisional hold lapses if it is not confirmed.

**Day delegate rate (DDR):** A price per delegate per day for a meeting or conference, usually including room hire, refreshments and lunch.

**Minimum spend:** The least a client must spend on food and drink to book a private room or space.

**Deposit:** A payment that secures a booking, usually part of the total.

**Final numbers:** The confirmed guest count a venue needs by a cut-off before the event.

**Pre-order:** Guests choosing their menu before the event, by a close date.

**Function sheet (BEO):** The operational sheet for an event: timings, numbers, menus and set-up.

**Show-round:** A viewing of the venue with a member of the team. The one job inhand never does.

**Buy-out:** Hiring a whole restaurant, bar or venue exclusively.

---

Canonical page: https://useinhand.com/glossary
Last updated: 2026-10-11