Before you go
Bring
- Your date, two backup dates and a realistic guest count.
- Your budget range and your must-haves.
- A phone for photos and video of the empty room.
- A tape measure if you have a big entrance, a stage or a long head table in mind.
- The person who will decide with you. Second tours cost everyone time.
Book the tour at the time of day your event will happen if you can. Light, traffic and parking change between 11 in the morning and 7 at night.
In the room
- Where the dance floor, DJ, head table, cake table and buffet go for your guest count. Ask for a floor plan.
- Columns or corners that block sight lines to the head table or the dance floor.
- The entrance path. Is it straight and wide enough for a court or wedding party?
- Ceiling height and rigging points if you want draping or hanging décor.
- Lighting controls: can the room be dimmed, and is there uplighting?
- Power outlets near the DJ and the photo booth.
- Temperature control, and how the room handles a full dance floor.
- The posted maximum occupancy sign near the main exit.
Behind the scenes
- The kitchen or catering prep area, if you are bringing a caterer.
- A private room for the bride, the quinceañera or the family to change and rest.
- The load-in door and how far vendors carry equipment.
- Restrooms: how many, how clean, and accessible.
- A step-free route from the parking lot to the room.
- Parking: number of spaces, lighting, overflow and valet.
Questions to ask
Dates and hours
- Is my date open? How long can you hold it, and what does it take to confirm?
- How many hours are included, and do they include setup and cleanup?
- What does an extra hour cost? What time must music stop?
- Is the venue ours alone, or is there another event the same day?
Food, drink and vendors
- Is catering included? Can we bring our own caterer or cake, and is there a fee?
- Who serves alcohol, and what are the rules for events with guests under 21?
- Do you have a list of vendors you work with? Are outside vendors allowed?
- What do vendors need: insurance certificates, arrival times, a contact?
Money and contract
- Can I get a written quote with every fee, the service charge and tax?
- What is the deposit, is it refundable, and when is the balance due?
- When is the final guest count due?
- What happens if we change the date or cancel?
- Is security required, and who provides it?
Right after the tour
Write your impressions down in the car, before the next hall blurs them. Score each hall on the same five things: the room, the food, the people, the location and the total price. Then compare the written quotes using our guide to banquet hall costs.
Treasure gives tours during office hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11:30am to 6:30pm, and Saturday, 10am to 2pm. Request a tour or call.
