A restaurant can be a good place for hosting an event. It just needs to have enough space, good ambiance and tasty food. Many restaurants offer a private party hall and the best Indian catering in NYC too.
But you need to take a few steps before the party to make it a hit. The party may be intimate and casual or corporate and formal. Some pre-planning is always necessary to prevent hiccups.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when hosting a party at a restaurant to make it successful:
Budget And Pricing
Budget is usually the deciding factor for most things related to a party from venue to food. See how much you can afford to spend before searching for an Indian restaurant in New York. Review their pricing plans including booking, food, equipment, etc.
If you want your guests to chip in, then tell them beforehand. Don’t surprise them with entry fees and such.
Dates And Timings
Being flexible with dates can help you negotiate better deals. But sometimes flexibility is not an option. Check whether the venue has free slots during the event date. Choose convenient times when guests can arrive.
Theme
Setting a theme helps you plan the party better. Guests also get an idea of how they should dress and stuff. You can choose the venue based on the theme or the theme based on the venue.
Amenities
Clean toilets are a must for any event venue because someone always needs to use them. Sound equipment, projector, wifi, etc. are also good to have.
Location
You want a location that’s convenient for most of the people on your guest list. Look for places close to public transport and access to highways. Make sure it’s within the range of most if not all your guests. Inform your guests about the location and nearby landmarks so that they can find it with ease.
Capacity
You want a space that can accommodate your guests. Check the venue’s capacity before booking it.
Layout
The party hall should have enough space for people to move around with ease. If you have some activities planned, then you may need free space or a stage for them.
Menu
A good party menu should be able to satisfy all the guests. Consider the needs of guests following dietary restrictions when planning the menu. Keep in mind that restaurants have separate menus for events and normal dining. So your favorite dishes might not be available on the party menu.
Do check whether the restaurant allows people to bring food from outside, especially those with dietary restrictions. If the venue doesn’t cater to certain dietary restrictions, do let your guests know so that they can plan accordingly.
Parking
Just because a place has enough guest capacity doesn’t mean that it has enough parking capacity. Check the parking area to see whether there’s enough space for guests or not. You may need to reserve parking slots for your guests in some cases.
Decoration
Decorations can help set the party mood. You may need to arrive early to get the venue ready before the guests arrive.
Music
Music sets the ambiance for the party. You may need permissions to play music in the locality and avoid copyright issues.
Accessibility
Guests with disabilities shouldn’t face issues entering and moving through the building. Check for accessibility features like ramps, rails, etc.
Pandemic Safety Rules
Many states and cities continue to observe precautions against Covid-19 to control the second wave. These rules differ based on which state or city you live in. They usually include wearing masks, limiting the number of people gathered, hosting events outdoor, etc.
You should ensure that the restaurant you choose follows these guidelines for everyone’s safety. Encourage your guests to do the same.
Cancellation Policy
There’s always a chance that you may need to cancel or postpone an event. Some restaurants have a no refund policy while others charge cancellation fees. Check their policy before booking the place to avoid such hassles.