Type of Events
banquets
The purpose of a banquet is most commonly to recognize achievement. The banquet may honor one individual (as in a retirement banquet) or a group of individuals (such as volunteers).
Once the date and venue have been chosen, many other details need to be addressed. How many of these details are included in the facility rental? Catering, setup, and cleanup may be included, or you may need to arrange your own.
If you are taking care of the arrangements you need to develop a menu and decide whether you want to serve buffet style to cut back on the number of servers needed. You will also need to arrange for servers and a cleanup crew.
A banquet usually includes one or more guest speakers. You will need to book the speakers, and make sure that A/V needs are met. If the speaker requires an honorarium, you should have it ready for the speaker. If awarding trophies, plaques, or certificates you need to order them well in advance of the banquet.
If the venue doesn’t set up the tables, you will need to do that. The most common banquet setup is the long table at one end of the room, facing three or more rows of round tables. You may need to designate one or more tables in the most accessible location for disabled attendees, and make sure there is sufficient space for a wheelchair to get from the tables to the restroom..
Once tables are setup, decorations and centerpieces may by done. While other events may reduce or eliminate decorations, tradition for banquets includes tablecloths, centerpieces, and ample decoration.
Once tables are setup, decorations and centerpieces may by done. While other events may reduce or eliminate decorations, tradition for banquets includes tablecloths, centerpieces, and ample decoration.
Printed programs are customary. You can either place them at each table setting or have a stack of them near each entrance. There may be a refreshment table for socializing before the actual banquet begins.
There are many details involved in planning a banquet. A professional event planner has the knowledge and resources to help you coordinate your next banquet.