Banquet Rooms

Transforming a Banquet Room

Usually the first obstacle to overcome with a banquet room is figuring out how to transform the impersonal, often institutional setting into a welcoming environment. Below, we'll walk through some ideas for how to take a regular room and turn it into something that looks and feels like a whole new space. Instead of a standard banquet room reception, let's look at some ways to liven up your event by turning it into a theme party.

Four Ideas for a Theme Party

Okay, let's admit it. Sometimes theme parties can get a little corny. We've all been to a dreaded event where we're expected to wear something ridiculous or take on a certain personality at the door. While there are definitely those tragic theme party moments some of us have come to dread, isn't it true we fear a dull banquet room reception even more? Even if I look ridiculous, I'd rather be dressed in bell bottoms and dancing around like a nut than be expected to sit and listen to some long lost relative or a former unknown classmate for hours.

Disco Dance

Wouldn't a class reunion from the seventies be more fun as a disco dance party than a buffet at a hotel conference room? Music is definitely the key here. Check out online lists of disco music for ideas of hit songs from that era. Your guests will be singing along to "Funky Town" in no time. Purchase a mini disco ball at a party store or get the real thing from a local rental store and you'll be good to go.

Wild West

The round banquet room tables are perfect for this setting. Set up each table with a stack of poker chips and a deck of cards to get things rolling. Bottled beer, whisky shots and bowls full of peanuts set the saloon theme. For added fun, bring in a projector and show old cowboy movies. Better yet, play some silent movies on the screen and have someone play bar music on the piano if there's one available. If there's not, pipe in some old ragtime. For this party, a sheriff's badge would be in order for the guest of honor.

Luau

Break out the beach music and crank up the heat for this party! Consider bringing in food from a Hawaiian restaurant or having the neighborhood barbecue joint bring a whole roasted pig for the traditional meal. Because they're intended to feed large crowds of people, banquet rooms are perfect for a luau feast. Be sure to pick up party favors like leis and grass skirts for your guests. If cocktails are in your plans, pina coladas and mai tais garnished with fruit and paper umbrellas will definitely help transform the banquet room into a beach party. On your invitation, let your guests know Hawaiian shirts and sarongs are welcome and expected!

The Big Game

The Super Bowl, the World Series, NHL play-offs. Whatever your sport of choice there's a big game of the season and likely if you're a sports fan you've got some fellow enthusiasts who would be willing to join you to see the big game. Rent a projector or large screen TV, load the place up with snacks and beer and let the shouting begin. Hang team posters on the banquet room walls and bring the theme alive with other fan paraphernalia: banners, pennants, oversized foam #1 fingers. You get the idea. Instead of bringing your friends to the game, bring the game to your friends.

Use Your Imagination

Get over the fact that banquet rooms are only for traditional events. If you're interested in throwing a blow out party and don’t have the desire or room to do it at your home, consider renting a gathering space. With a few decorations, attention to lighting and music, you can transform any banquet room into a fun party atmosphere.