Can anyone tell me about Knights of Columbus parties?

I'm so torn over what to do for DD 1st Bday party. We're tossing around ideas and considering going the KOC route. I'm hoping I can get an idea on what the hall rental runs and how it works.

1. How much is typical rental?

2. How does the food work? DO you have to cater it (I'm assuming this is the case)?

3. Who does the set up and clean up? Would we be on our own?

4. How many people do these places hold? How many people do you need to make it worth the rental?

5. Do you kinda *need* a DJ to keep the party fun?

I've never been to one of these parties so I literally have no clue what to expect. TIA!

Message edited 1/16/2012 8:45:23 AM.

Re: Can anyone tell me about Knights of Columbus parties?

bumping

Re: Can anyone tell me about Knights of Columbus parties?

I think every KofC might be a little different. We used the one in E.Northport for DD's christening. Here's how ours worked:


1. How much is typical rental? I believe it was $400 for the space, 4 hours.

2. How does the food work? DO you have to cater it (I'm assuming this is the case)?
Yes, I think some use in-house caters, but most of them, you bring in your own. We catered hot food. There's a kitchen if you need to heat stuff/refrigerate, etc.


3. Who does the set up and clean up? Would we be on our own? Our hall didn't provide this, so we hired 2 servers (found them through the caterer) to help set up, serve, and clean up. Money well-spent as far as I'm concerned. I could enjoy the party more.

4. How many people do these places hold? How many people do you need to make it worth the rental? Will vary by location. We had 85. The room definitely held more, but didn't feel too empty or too packed. A lot of them have websites and specify how many people they can hold.

5. Do you kinda *need* a DJ to keep the party fun?
We didn't do a DJ. DH made an ipod list and we used that for background music. Everyone just socialized and talked. We just had DD's 1st birthday party (at more of a full-service catering place) and ended up getting a entertainer to come do songs with the kids. I had 15 kids under 4 and DD loves music, so I felt it was worth it. But the kids would've been fine on their own, too.

ETA: We had to bring in plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, desserts, etc. They did have a full bar (we only did beer, wine, soda) and bartenders through the hall. I want to say it was $12 pp for anyone for 21 and $6 under 21 (kids under 5 were free). BIL and SIL just had one at a American Legion Hall and they brought all their own liquor, beer, wine and hired a bartender.

Message edited 1/16/2012 1:06:46 PM.

Re: Can anyone tell me about Knights of Columbus parties?

Thanks so much, very helpful info!