A Summer Tradition

Four Things To Think About When Evaluating Reception Halls

by Miro Hanka

Booking a reception hall can be handy for a wide range of upcoming events, from a wedding to a memorial service and practically any other gathering in between. To be sure that you book the right venue for your needs, it's ideal to visit a few facilities and evaluate not only the look of the space, but also the services that are offered — and, of course, get a price estimate. When it comes to selecting the right reception hall, there are many things to bear in mind and carefully evaluate before you make your decision. Here are some things that you might not immediately think about but that you should consider.

Other Events In The Venue

Larger reception halls will often have multiple rooms, which means that there's a chance of another gathering taking place at the same time. Think about the nature of your event and whether it could be impacted by something noisy next door. This won't likely be a concern if you're having a family reunion, for example, but it could be a challenge if you're having a more sedate gathering, such as a memorial service.

Proximity To Public Transportation

It's a good idea to think about how many of your guests will be traveling to the reception hall. If the guests are all local and have their own vehicles, a reception hall slightly outside of town can be beneficial. If some of your guests rely on public transportation, it's ideal to think about picking a venue close to a bus, train or subway line so that people can reach the venue with ease.

Indoor/Outdoor Capabilities

Depending on the time of year, you might be thinking about having the event outside — but also be concerned that inclement weather could dampen the occasion. In this case, look for a reception hall at which you can book a room, but also have access to a patio or garden area. For example, some reception rooms have double doors that open into a picturesque area that serves as an extension of the room.

Cost By Day

At some reception halls, the rate for booking a room drops during off-peak times. This means that having your event outside of the busy season — typically, spring through summer — or even on a weekday can save you money. While you'll need to consider whether the event date will be suitable to your guests, this can be an ideal topic to explore if you're on a budget.

Contact a local reception hall, like McHale's Events & Catering or a similar location, for more information.

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