Whether you are planning a wedding reception, a charity fund raiser, or a business networking event, the choice of venue is crucial. Banquet halls and event venues may be multipurpose, but that doesn’t mean that they are all created equal.
If you want your event to be truly successful, you need to hire the best venue possible. To do that, you need to know what makes a great hired venue. If you are looking to book a banquet hall or hired venue, you need to consider the ‘rule of 5’.
These five key factors are essential to finding the perfect venue for your event.
1. Capacity
The first thing to consider when auditioning a banquet hall or event venue is its overall capacity. How many guests can it comfortably accommodate?
The size of the venue you choose will have a definite impact on the success of your event. If you choose a room that is too small, your guests are going to feel cramped and uncomfortable.
Alternatively, if you book a hall that is so large that it dwarfs your party, your guests will feel ill at ease.
Consider your guest list, and the number of people who will be attending the event. Choose the hall that best suits the size of your party.
Remember, larger halls can always be scaled down to accommodate smaller groups with a judicious use of furnishings and decorations. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and go with a larger banquet hall.
2. Location
The second thing to consider is the venue’s location. Now, you may find a few venues located on the outskirts of town. They may be well appointed, and available at a great price. But before you jump on that booking, think about your guests.
Is the venue so far out of the way that it may deter your guests from attending the event? Is the hall too difficult to find, or is it in a neighborhood your guests might prefer to avoid?
Even when the price is right, an out of the way banquet hall isn’t necessarily a good deal. Look for a venue that is centrally located, with plenty of access from the interstate.
3. Interiors
The interiors of the venue you choose should be clean, modern, and well cared for. Now, you are probably planning to decorate the hall to suit your event, but if the venue itself is dilapidated or run down you won’t have much to work with.
Remember, the venue you choose will leave a definite impression on your guests, and if you are planning a high profile business event you don’t want that kind of negative publicity.
4. Amenities
Most venues provide basic amenities for their clients. These typically include tables and chairs, and basic decorations. Depending on the nature of your event, you should also check to see that the venue you choose can supply audio/visual equipment, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi.
You should also check to ensure that the venue offers ample parking, and that the rest rooms are clean and handicap accessible.
Many venues offer on site catering for their clients, and this can be a real boon when you are booking a hall.
That being said, you will want to sample the caterers wares before agreeing to use the on premise services. If they do not meet your expectations, you may have to book an outside cater.
5. Costs
Finally, there is the cost to consider. The key here is to strike a happy balance between the price of the booking and what the venue has to offer. Again, a low cost venue on the outskirts of town offering little in the way of amenities is no bargain. Consider your needs, and the comfort of your guests, and balance that against the cost of booking the venue.
In Summary
Of course, the ‘rule of 5’ is only a basic guide for hiring a banquet hall or professional events venue. Before you agree to any booking, you should take the time to visit the venue in question, and talk over your plans with the staff and management. You should also check online for customer reviews and testimonials to ensure that the venue you choose is reputable and reliable.
