When considering a banquet hall, check to see what services are included in the rental fee. In addition to providing the food and all the equipment, they might also provide party hats and favors, valet parking, and even coat-room and restroom attendants.

After you book your banquet hall, have the management send or fax you a copy of the booking agreement. You should keep this in a safe place, so that you're protected if something goes wrong on the management end of the deal, or if there's a dispute.

Even if you've booked your banquet hall well in advance, be sure you call several weeks before the event to confirm your booking. This way, if something has gone wrong on the management end, they have an opportunity to fix it before it's too late.