What to Look for in a Banquet Hall for Your Next Event

Whether you’re planning a wedding, a star-studded business conference or the ultimate family reunion, planning your next event all starts with finding the right banquet space. You need room for your loved ones or colleagues to gather and commemorate this occasion. The venue or banquet facility will set the tone for your entire event, greeting your guests as soon as they walk through the door. There are dozens of factors to consider when choosing a banquet hall for your next event, including the size, location, and price, but that’s just scratching the surface. Use these tips to home in on the right venue for your next event.

Filling Out the Space

You always have to consider the size of your party before choosing a venue, but size is about more than a building’s maximum capacity. Remember that some of your guests may bring plus-ones, surprise guests, or other folks you weren’t expecting, so be flexible with your guest list. Make sure the venue has enough tables and chairs for everyone on your RSVP list with a few extra just in case.

Your party also needs space to move around. Some venues may hike their maximum capacity to attract more events, so spend some time walking through the space and try to imagine where everyone will be seated. Consider how your guests may behave in the space. If you’re serving a lot of alcohol, be weary of narrow walkways and aisles that could lead to trips and falls. If some of your guests are disabled or need to use a wheelchair, make sure they have plenty of room to get where they need to go.

Do You Need Privacy?

Consider whether your guests will need privacy during the event. The person of honor, such as the bride, guest speaker, or the birthday honoree, may want a room of their own to get ready for the big event. Wedding receptions often have strict privacy rules. For example, the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other until the time of the reception.

You may need privacy for other reasons as well. Some of your guests may be more comfortable using private restrooms as opposed to communal ones.If you plan on making deals during a corporate event, your guests may wish to speak behind closed doors. Regardless of what type of event you’re throwing, make sure the banquet facility offers separate rooms that guarantee privacy.

Check the Venue’s Reputation

Even if the banquet space looks great, the company that owns it may not be up to your standards. Check the venue’s reputation online before signing on the dotted line. The venue should have a long history of hosting all kinds of events. You’re bound to have plenty of questions leading up to the big day, so make sure you can easily get ahold of someone that can help. The venue should have excellent customer service and be able to honor special requests. If you’re having trouble getting someone on the phone, it’s best to look somewhere else.

Convenient for Family and Friends

Social events are all about location, location, location. Your guests shouldn’t have to go too far out of their way to attend the event. Ideally, the venue will be in a central location. It’s best to find a venue with onsite accommodations, so your guests don’t have to drive home. If not, make sure there are plenty of hotels nearby, so your guests won’t have to travel as far after a long night.

Focus on Lighting 

Lighting is key when it comes to setting the mood. If the lighting is too low, your guests might have trouble seeing each other or their surroundings, especially if some of your guests are older. If the lighting is too bright, your guests may feel like they’re attending a lecture instead of a party. Visit the venue at different times of the day to get a feel for the ambience. If there are large windows in the venue, see how the lighting changes over the course of the day.

 

The perfect banquet hall is right around the corner. Keep these tips in mind to organize an event your guests will never forget.