First, have in mind how many guests approximately you'll have at your reception. The room should comfortably accommodate all your guests. You don't want to rent a huge banquet hall that can hold 200 to 300 and only have 70 guests. Likewise, you don't want to pack in a 100 people in a room that can hold only 80.

Here are a few tips:
Ask the hall manager what is the seating capacity in the largest hall that they have, and what is the seating capacity in the smallest room they have. If the reception room is bigger than what you need, consider renting statues, shrubs or large potted plants to help fill up the space. You may also ask the Banquet Hall Manager if they can set-up the tables evenly or spread them out a bit to fill up the space. Adding small lights or dimming the lights can create the illusion of making a larger room smaller, intimate and cozy.

Acoustics are very important if you are having a band or D.J. The best sound equipment in the world will not compensate for a room or hall with poor acoustics. See if you can slip into an event that is being held at this venue or you even might want to ask your D.J. if he has worked this venue in the past. Ask them where the D.J. or band will be set-up? Is there enough amps on their breakers to handle the power output of the equipment, instruments or lights being used that night. What about a podium for speeches? P.A. system and microphone? If they have all this that's great. If it makes you feel better, ask if you can test their microphone and P.A. system. I've been to magnificent banquet halls only to find that the sound quality of their system ruined the speeches. If the banquet hall does not have a microphone and p.a system make sure you are set-up close to the D.J. booth so you can use his/hers.

If the venue has more than one room with smoking designated areas find out where the smoking is allowed and what type of ventilation is there. Usually this is not a problem, but you should always find out.

You should find out if you can sample some of the cuisine offered by the banquet hall. This way you can taste first hand food quality. This is no guarantee, but chances are that the food your sampling will be of the same quality the night of your event. If you are spending $50 to $150 per plate you owe yourself the right to test your taste buds. Don't sample the food by yourself. Make sure you bring your friend, brother/sister, parent and/or the person you are marrying. This way you have more than one opinion in case you start to second guess yourself.

Make sure you get a tour of their kitchen. The kitchen can say a lot of the banquet hall's food preparation area. Everything must appear clean, organized and layed out. Don't be afraid to open a fridge or two. It's your money, you deserve to spend it well.

Check out their bathrooms. A bathroom speaks volumes. Is their soap and paper towels in both the men's and women's washroom. Do the washrooms look and smell clean?

Ask for references of previous events catered by this hall.

Lastly do you feel the price will be worth the service, food quality and ambiance. Does it all feel right? If not, don't be afraid to walk away. Remember, YOU are in control.