Starting a new banquet hall business is an exciting venture. You’ve secured the perfect location, planned your marketing strategy, and you’re ready to host unforgettable events. But before you can welcome your first guests, there’s one critical question to answer: what furniture do you actually need?
After outfitting dozens of banquet halls across Ludhiana and Punjab, we at Ashirwad Traders have seen what works—and what doesn’t. The right furniture investment can make or break your venue’s success, affecting everything from your booking rates to your operational efficiency.
Let’s dive into the five essential furniture pieces that every new banquet hall absolutely must have, along with practical advice on making smart purchasing decisions that will serve your business for years to come.
1. Banquet Chairs: The Foundation of Your Furniture Fleet
Why Chairs Are Your Most Important Investment
Here’s a reality check: at any given event, every single guest will interact with your chairs for hours. No other furniture piece gets as much use or scrutiny. Poor chair choices lead to guest complaints, event planner frustration, and ultimately, fewer bookings.
Your chairs need to tick multiple boxes—comfort for multi-hour events, durability to withstand constant use and stacking, aesthetic appeal that works with various event themes, and ease of cleaning and maintenance.
How Many Chairs Do You Need?
The calculation is simpler than you might think. For a hall with 200-person capacity, you’ll want at least 220-250 chairs. This accounts for different seating arrangements (some tables seat more than others), backup chairs for last-minute guest additions, and rotation while others are being cleaned or repaired.
Choosing the Right Chair Style
For maximum versatility, invest in classic designs that work across event types. At Ashirwad Traders, we recommend stainless steel banquet chairs as your primary inventory for several reasons.
Durability: SS frames outlast wood or aluminium alternatives by years. We’re talking decades of service with proper care.
Maintenance: Unlike wooden chairs that require refinishing or painted chairs that chip, stainless steel maintains its appearance with simple cleaning.
Weather Resistance: Perfect for venues with outdoor spaces or covered patios. They won’t rust, warp, or deteriorate from humidity.
Weight Capacity: SS chairs safely support heavier guests without creaking or wobbling—a crucial factor many new hall owners overlook.
Professional Appearance: The polished finish looks expensive and well-maintained, even after years of use.
Color and Upholstery Considerations
Neutral tones work with the widest variety of event themes. Our clients find the most success with chairs in ivory or white upholstery with gold or silver frames, classic black upholstery with chrome or black frames, and burgundy or navy for a more traditional look.
Consider investing in chair covers for ultra-versatility. A set of 200 basic chairs plus 100 white covers and 100 colored covers gives you enormous flexibility without tripling your furniture budget.
2. Banquet Tables: Setting the Stage
Table Variety is Key
One table size does not fit all events. You need variety to accommodate everything from intimate dinner parties to large corporate conferences. Here’s what a well-equipped hall should have:
Round Tables (Most Essential):
– 60-inch round tables (seats 8-10) – Your workhorse for most events
– 72-inch round tables (seats 10-12) – For more spacious seating arrangements
– Cocktail/high-top tables – Essential for networking events and cocktail hours
Rectangular Tables:
– 6-foot banquet tables – Perfect for buffets, gift tables, and registration
– 8-foot banquet tables – Head tables, food service, vendor setups
– Long feasting tables – Increasingly popular for weddings and modern events
Calculating Table Quantities
For a 200-person venue, a good starting inventory includes twenty 60-inch round tables, ten 72-inch round tables, fifteen 6-foot rectangular tables, ten 8-foot rectangular tables, and six to eight cocktail tables.
This mix allows you to configure your space for seated dinners, cocktail receptions, trade shows, classroom-style meetings, and everything in between.
Material Matters for Tables
Stainless Steel Bases with Various Tops:
This is where Ashirwad Traders’ expertise really shines. SS table bases offer incredible durability and stability, support heavy centrepieces and food displays, and resist wobbling on uneven floors.
For tops, consider lightweight but sturdy plywood tops with laminate finish, easy to clean and replace if damaged, and available in wood grain, white, or black finishes.
Storage and Setup Efficiency
Tables need to store compactly and set up quickly. Look for round tables with folding legs that stack, rectangular tables that fold in half, and dedicated storage racks that protect table edges and maximize space.
Your staff will set up and break down hundreds of events. Furniture that’s easy to handle reduces labour costs and prevents injuries.
3. Stage and Presentation Furniture
Why Every Hall Needs a Modular Stage System
Whether it’s a bride and groom’s sweetheart table, a keynote speaker, or a band performance, elevated presentation areas are essential. A modular stage system is a smart investment because it offers adjustable heights (typically 8″, 16″, 24″), expandable size to fit different event needs, and safe, stable construction with proper weight ratings.
How Much Stage Do You Need?
Start with enough sections to create a 12′ x 8′ stage area. This accommodates most head tables, small bands, or presentation setups. As your business grows, add sections to expand.
Don’t forget stage skirting in neutral colours (black and white are most versatile) and steps with railings for safe access, especially important for formal events with long dresses.
Podiums and Presentation Furniture
A professional podium is essential for corporate events, conferences, seminars, and award ceremonies. Invest in at least one quality podium with a built-in microphone mount, an interior shelf for notes, and a professional finish (wood or metal).
Additional presentation furniture to consider includes presentation tables for product displays, AV carts for equipment, and bar/serving stations.
4. Buffet and Service Stations
The Often-Overlooked Essential
Food service is central to most banquet events, yet many new hall owners underestimate their need for proper service furniture. Inadequate buffet setups lead to traffic congestion, food safety issues, and a less professional appearance.
Essential Service Furniture
Buffet Tables: Different from standard banquet tables, buffet tables should be at proper serving height (typically 30″ tall), deep enough for chafing dishes and arrangements (30-36″ deep), and sturdy enough for heavy food service equipment.
Plan for one 6–8-foot buffet table per 50-60 guests for full meal service.
Skirted Service Tables: Table skirting hides unsightly equipment and creates a polished look. Invest in quality table skirts in multiple colors—white and black are essential, with perhaps burgundy or navy for variety.
Cake and Display Tables: Special occasions need special presentation areas. Round tables in smaller sizes (36″ or 48″) work beautifully for wedding cakes, dessert displays, or gift tables.
Bar Service Considerations
If your venue allows alcohol service, portable bar units are crucial. Look for bars with built-in storage, stainless steel service tops, and footrails for guest comfort.
A basic bar setup should include a front service bar (6-8 feet), a back bar for storage and display, and high-top service tables for satellite bars.
5. Auxiliary Furniture That Makes the Difference
Chairs Beyond Banquet Seating
While banquet chairs are your primary seating, a complete venue needs backup folding chairs for overflow or outdoor ceremonies, lounge furniture for cocktail areas and VIP sections, and children’s chairs for family events.
A small collection of upholstered lounge furniture—two sofas and four armchairs, for example—dramatically expands your venue’s appeal for cocktail receptions, photo lounges, and modern event setups.
Specialized Furniture for Versatility
Coat Racks and Check Stations: Essential for fall and winter events. Invest in at least 2-3 commercial-grade coat racks.
Registration/Welcome Tables: First impressions matter. Have at least 2-3 attractive tables designated for guest check-in and signage.
Gift and Card Tables: Small, elegant tables for wedding cards, gifts, and guest books. These get constant use at weddings and celebrations.
Dance Floor Sections: While not furniture per se, modular dance floor sections are essential for venues without dedicated dance areas.
Making Smart Furniture Purchases: A Strategic Approach
Start with the Essentials, Scale Gradually
Don’t buy everything at once. Here’s a smart three-phase approach:
Phase 1 (Opening): Core seating and tables for your typical event size, basic stage setup, and essential service furniture.
Phase 2 (3-6 months): Additional chairs and tables based on actual demand patterns, specialty items clients request frequently, and lounge and cocktail furniture.
Phase 3 (Year 2+): Premium upgrades, expanding capacity, and specialized furniture for niche markets.
Quality vs. Quantity: Finding the Balance
It’s tempting to buy cheaper furniture to maximize quantity, but this is a false economy. Here’s why investing in quality pays off:
Durability: Quality furniture from manufacturers like Ashirwad Traders lasts 10-15 years or more. Cheap furniture might need replacement in 2-3 years.
Maintenance Costs: Low-quality items require constant repairs, touch-ups, and replacements. Quality pieces need minimal maintenance.
Client Perception: Event planners and clients notice furniture quality. Premium furniture commands premium venue rental rates.
Safety and Liability: Quality furniture meets safety standards and reduces risk of accidents and potential lawsuits.
Working with Reliable Suppliers
Your furniture supplier becomes a long-term business partner. Choose based on manufacturing quality and certifications, customization options for your specific needs, delivery and setup capabilities, after-sales service and warranty, and replacement part availability.
At Ashirwad Traders, we understand the unique needs of banquet hall owners. Our stainless-steel furniture is built for commercial use, and we provide ongoing support as your business grows.
Budgeting for Your Furniture Investment
What Should You Expect to Spend?
For a 200-person banquet hall, expect to invest approximately:
– Chairs: 40-50% of furniture budget
– Tables: 25-30% of furniture budget
– Stage and presentation: 10-15% of furniture budget
– Service and buffet furniture: 10-15% of furniture budget
– Auxiliary furniture: 5-10% of furniture budget
Total initial furniture investment typically ranges from ₹8-15 lakhs for a quality setup, depending on your choices and customization needs.
Financing and Payment Options
Consider spreading purchases over time, financing options from suppliers (we offer flexible payment terms at Ashirwad Traders), and allocating a portion of first-year revenue to furniture expansion.
Don’t forget to budget for ongoing replacement and expansion—typically 5-10% of furniture value annually.
Maintenance and Longevity: Protecting Your Investment
Creating a Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance extends furniture life dramatically. Implement weekly cleaning and inspection, monthly deep cleaning and minor repairs, quarterly professional assessment, and annual touch-ups and refurbishment as needed.
Storage Best Practices
Proper storage prevents damage and keeps furniture looking new. Stack chairs correctly to prevent frame damage, store tables vertically or on edge when possible, keep furniture in climate-controlled areas if possible, and use furniture dollies to prevent floor damage during moving.
Training Your Staff
Your setup crew needs proper training on correct lifting and carrying techniques, efficient stacking and storage methods, spotting and reporting damage early, and understanding weight limits and safety guidelines.
The Ashirwad Traders Advantage for Banquet Halls
Why Hall Owners Choose Us
Over the years, we’ve become the go-to supplier for banquet halls across Punjab because we understand commercial venue needs, offer furniture built for heavy-use environments, provide bulk pricing without compromising quality, deliver expert consultation on furniture selection, and support your business with reliable service and parts.
Customization for Your Unique Needs
Every banquet hall has unique requirements. We work with you to match furniture to your venue’s style and target market, customize colors and finishes, create signature pieces that set you apart, and design furniture layouts that maximize your space.
Your Success is Our Success
Opening a new banquet hall is a significant investment, and the furniture choices you make now will impact your business for years to come. By starting with these five essential furniture categories and prioritizing quality over quantity, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
Remember, your furniture isn’t just functional—it’s part of the experience you’re selling. Every chair, table, and stage becomes part of someone’s wedding, anniversary, or corporate milestone. Choose pieces that will make those moments special.
Ready to furnish your banquet hall with quality furniture that lasts? Contact Ashirwad Traders today at 9888712246 or visit our manufacturing facility in Ludhiana. Let’s create a furniture package that meets your needs, fits your budget, and helps your banquet hall business thrive.
Ashirwad Traders – Ludhiana’s Leading Manufacturer of Commercial Banquet Furniture. From chairs and tables to complete venue solutions, we help banquet hall owners create spaces where memories are made.