If you are here, it’s probably because you dream of the ideal space for a wedding, a birthday, or maybe a party with friends. The municipal party hall is an excellent option, but there are a few things to know before you dive into the booking process. With this guide, you will know everything: procedures, tips, available facilities, and even a few little tricks to save some money.
Who can rent the municipal party hall?
Good news: almost everyone can enjoy the community halls, but there are some conditions.
Residents of the Municipality
Generally, residents of the municipality are prioritized for renting community halls. This means that if you live in the municipality, you are more likely to secure the date you want, especially for popular events like weddings.
Associations and Businesses
Local associations and certain businesses can also rent these spaces for their meetings, events, or receptions. The municipality may even offer free or reduced-rate rentals to local associations.
Non-Residents
Non-residents are not prohibited, but be careful, residents are given priority. If you come from another municipality, you may need to be patient. Some municipalities even require sponsorship from a resident to authorize the rental.
How to book a hall for an event?
So, how do you ensure you have your hall on the big day? Follow these steps closely!
Recommended Booking Timeline
Plan ahead! Some halls are booked a year, or even more, in advance for weddings and special events. It’s best to contact the municipality at least 6 to 12 months before the planned date. In the summer, requests spike, so take the initiative if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Required Documentation
To avoid back and forth, prepare all your documents before going to the municipality:
- Identification card
- Proof of residence (if you are a resident)
- Insurance certificate to cover any potential incidents
- Security deposit check
Associations or businesses will need to include specific documents, such as the K-bis extract for businesses.
Steps to Finalize the Booking
After filling out the rental request form, you will need to wait for confirmation from the municipality. Once your request is approved, the municipality will provide you with a file to complete and return.
Tip: ask for a written confirmation of the booking and all usage conditions to avoid last-minute misunderstandings!
What equipment is included?
Most community halls are well-equipped, but it all depends on the municipality. Here’s an idea of the standard equipment available.
| Available Equipment | Details |
|---|---|
| Tables and chairs | Sufficient to accommodate all your guests |
| Kitchen | Sink, stove, oven, microwave |
| Restrooms | Often well-maintained |
| Parking | Convenient for large receptions |
| Changing rooms | So guests can change |
If you plan to invite a caterer, check the kitchen equipment provided, as some prefer to bring their own gear.
User-Paid Equipment
Don’t forget that some essential items will not be provided:
- Dishes (plates, glasses, cutlery)
- Cleaning products
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Ashtrays for outside if you plan to host smokers
For the dishes, you can rent them from a local supplier or make an arrangement with your caterer.
Rental Prices and Discounts
Let’s talk money. The cost of the hall can vary based on several factors, such as location and capacity.
Rates Based on Municipality and Type of Event
Here’s a general estimate:
- Small municipalities: between €50 and €400
- Medium municipalities (15,000 to 50,000 inhabitants): between €400 and €1500
- Large cities: minimum €700
Some municipalities offer special weekend packages for weddings, which include key delivery on Friday and a walkthrough on Monday morning.
Discounts for Residents and Associations
Residents often benefit from discounts of up to 50%. Local associations can, in turn, receive up to 80% discount for one event per year.
Deposit and Cancellation Fees
The average deposit requested is €500, which you will get back after the walkthrough. Beware of cancellation fees: some may be withheld if you cancel less than 3 months before the booking date.
Regulations and Usage Conditions
The party hall is somewhat like your home… but not quite. Here are the rules to follow to keep everyone happy!
Safety Rules and Maximum Capacity
Each hall has a maximum capacity, and it is strictly forbidden to exceed it. This includes standing and seated guests, so plan carefully to avoid being denied entry on the day of the event.
Cleaning Responsibilities
You are responsible for returning the hall to the same cleanliness as when you arrived. This includes:
- Cleaning the tables and chairs
- Removing all decorations
- Emptying the trash and picking up cigarette butts
- Cleaning the restrooms
Noise Restrictions and Quiet Hours
The tranquility of the neighbors is paramount. Many halls are equipped with a sound limiter that cuts off the music if the volume exceeds a certain level. No excuses for making noise between 10 PM and 7 AM!
Make the Most of Your Party Hall
With all this information in hand, you are ready to book your hall and organize the perfect event. Don’t forget to plan ahead, check the equipment, and respect the rental conditions.
So, ready to celebrate? Share this article with your friends who are also looking to organize their next event, or click here to discover our guides on the best caterers in your area!
Pascal Petibon, born in 1980 in Lyon, is a renowned journalist and author, passionate about information and communication. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Paris, he quickly joined various editorial teams, where he became known for his sharp analysis and clear writing style.
