How to Find a Banquet Hall
Finding an appropriate banquet hall for your celebration takes planning. It is not a decision that can wait until the last minute as they are in great demand, especially at certain times of the year. Locating a hall should be one of the first things on your to-do list to help you’re your event run smoothly.
Steps to find a Hall
The first thing to do is set the date and times for your fete. Once done, check the yellow pages and other listing services for convenient locations and begin calling and asking about availability. When you find places with openings at the time you need, ask for a tentative reservation and plan a visit to the location to discuss details.
Making a visit
It is important to visit the venue, even if you have been there a hundred times before as a guest. Hosting is a whole other ball game and different parameters apply. You need to go with a set of questions and every one of them needs answering. The list should include the following:
- What is the rate? Hourly, or is it a flat rate. If hourly, are there additional charges if the party goes beyond the contracted time?
- What is the deposit, and how much is refundable in the event of cancellation?
- What is the deadline for cancellation?
- Is there enough room for the size of your event? Can it accommodate a band or other form of entertainment? Is there room for dancing if needed?
- Are tables and chairs provided and are they included in the fee or are they extra?
- If you are serving food do they have serving set-ups, a kitchen or staging area (for caterers), table cloths, napkins, etc., and what is the fee for them.
- Can alcohol be served? Do bartenders have to meet any state or local licensing requirements?
- Are there enough restrooms for the size of your party?
- Does the banquet provide a facilities coordinator for the day of the event?
- Is security needed?
- How is clean-up and breaking down handled?
- Are required personnel included in the fee or are they extra (and who feeds them, if needed)?
When you have the answers to these questions, you will be in better position to decide which venue best meets your needs and plan your budget. As soon as you decide, notify the site and let them know you want to use them and make your deposit.
Finding a good banquet hall is important to the success of your celebration. Locating one and working closely with the manager requires careful planning and work. It cannot be left to the last minute.