Banquet halls tend to be used for birthday celebrations,
anniversaries, receptions, and marriage parties. Your banquet hall can be used
to host a party or to organise meetings, seminars, and the like.
A banquet hall is a convenient solution for all of your
wedding needs. Your needs should be served under one roof, from tables, chairs,
and catering to staff and a dance floor.
Here, our focus will be on how to choose the perfect banquet
hall for your wedding.
What Different Types of Banquet Hall Services Should be Available?
A buffet can help. Guests can get up and eat whenever they
are hungry. No pressure and an ample food supply will ensure that your guests
are happy and satiated instead of hungry and cranky.
A reception is also very important, and food stations can
help keep things nice and organised while allowing guests to mingle and serve
themselves. A cafeteria-style service may help cut down on costs.
Having staff serve guests who wait in line guarantees
portion control. Even less expensive is a plated service. Here, waiters will
deliver pre-portioned food directly to guests' tables during lunch or dinner.
Pre-set also works if you want to offer your guests some
appetisers before the main course. Snacks and beverages will already be placed
on each table before the guests arrive at the hall. Family-style is yet another
option.
Here, a large bowl or plate of food is brought from the
kitchen to the guests' table, whereby the guests will be expected to share the
food amongst themselves.
What Do You Need to Look For Before Choosing a Banquet Hall For Your Wedding?
You need first to define your budget. Be realistic and
reasonable. Evaluate the location. Ensure that it is in a safe neighbourhood.
Ensure that there is ample parking and that guests do not have to walk a great
distance to reach the hall.
A centralised, prime location is best. You need to conduct
proper research. Does the hall have a great record? What are its safety
ratings? Does it serve vegan, Kosher, Halal, and gluten-free meals?
You may want to ask an expert for their opinion if you have
any doubts. They will perform the necessary due diligence to narrow the search
down to help you make the right decision for you and your loved ones.
You also need to decide on the theme of the wedding. Will
you be going with a traditional motif or a modern or contemporary theme?
Sci-fi, fantasy, country, eclectic, avant-garde, religious, etc.
You should also check for backup plans. While not ideal, a
backup plan serves as a contingency plan for a possible worst-case scenario, so
you won't have to panic in the event of an emergency or cancellation.
You also need to know your guests' profiles. What are their
likes and dislikes? Do they have any food allergies, religious food
restrictions, or other dietary limitations due to health or ethical issues? Are
they mentally or physically disabled or elderly?
The availability of the services also needs to be given some
thought. Will they offer the chairs and tables you need to house your guests?
What about parking and bathrooms?
Do they also offer Wi-Fi, audio-visual equipment, Bluetooth,
and catering under one roof? As can be seen, choosing a banquet hall should not be taken lightly. A lot of work and effort will
need to be factored into the equation.
How to Conduct a Final Assessment of the Hall?
You need to ask them about all of the services that they
offer. What are the basics or essentials, and what services will be considered
extras for which there will be a surcharge? Look into discounts.
If you need to book multiple halls at once or hold various
celebrations over several days, you may be able to obtain a sizable discount.
You also need to take into account that accidents may occur.
While not ideal, Acts of God, fires, health emergencies and
even violent attacks are all possibilities you need to be prepared for. You may
want to look into hiring security guards.
Mobile patrols can patrol the perimeter, and security
cameras can also help reduce the risk of theft and other crimes. Emergency
exits should be easily accessible and ensure sufficient fire extinguishers and
first aid kits.
Also, ensure that the sprinkler system and fire and smoke
alarms are all up to code. Backup facilities may also prove beneficial if extra
guests may be arriving on short notice. There should be more than enough food
and accommodations so that all of your guests will have a night that they will
remember forever.
All In
A wedding is no laughing matter. Plenty of planning and
effort needs to be expended to ensure that the wedding of your dreams takes
place without a hitch.
Choosing the perfect venue and banquet hall will take
careful consideration and planning, but the effort will pay great dividends.
You should choose a banquet hall that provides the greatest value for your
hard-earned money.
Work with an expert, as they may have access to services and
discounts that you would not have access to otherwise. Create a sound and
realistic budget and ensure that you do not exceed it.
The last thing you want to worry about while on your honeymoon is how much debt you will need to pay off.
You should also choose a facility that provides all the services and amenities you will need for your special day under one roof to maximise convenience. By thinking smart and going the extra mile, you should be able to host the wedding of a lifetime.
Sean Carr is a blogger in Toronto. He graduated with honors
from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business
Administration and Creative Writing. Sean Carr is a community manager for small
businesses across Canada. When not working, he eagerly shares her wealth
of knowledge about Events, Signs/Posters, Mailing, Cars, & Vacations.
Sean's unique insight and expertise makes for powerful content.
