Time to think about how to book those big holiday groups! With a mix of festive charm, curated offerings, and multi-channel promotions, you can make the most of this season’s business potential. Let’s dive into how to prepare and market your holiday banquets.
Create Irresistible Party Packages. Offer tiered packages—like “Silver,” “Gold,” and “Platinum”—that appeal to a range of clients, from corporate groups to family gatherings. Include extras such as live entertainment, signature cocktails, or custom menus. Incorporate plant-based and gluten-free options to accommodate diverse dietary needs.
Lock in Key Dates Early. Prime holiday dates fill up fast. Set up a booking calendar to manage availability and offer early-bird perks like complimentary drinks or dessert for midweek reservations. Encourage bookings before November with exclusive discounts to jumpstart your season.
Build Buzz with Multi-Channel Marketing. Promote your offerings with smart strategies that reach potential guests where they are—whether on social media, via email, or in your restaurant.
- LinkedIn: Reach Corporate Planners and HR Pros
- Share Engaging Posts: Highlight successful past events with photos and videos that showcase the ambiance, food, and decor.
- Promote Special Packages: Use carousel posts to highlight package tiers and perks.
- Direct Outreach: Send personalized messages to local HR managers and office administrators, offering exclusive incentives for early bookings.
- Sponsored Ads: Run targeted ads to promote your venue’s availability for holiday parties to companies in your area.
- Instagram: Show Off the Festive Atmosphere
- Reels & Stories: Create videos featuring holiday decor setups, chefs preparing festive dishes, and bartenders mixing seasonal drinks.
- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Show how your space transforms into a winter wonderland.
- User-Generated Content: Encourage past guests to tag your restaurant and share their posts to build credibility.
- Influencer Collaborations: Partner with influencers to preview your offerings and generate buzz with their followers.
- Email Newsletters: Drive Bookings Directly
- Segmented Campaigns: Send emails targeting corporate clients and loyal customers with tailored offers.
- Offer Incentives: Provide limited-time discounts, like 10% off, for bookings made before a specific date.
- Holiday Countdown Campaigns: Create themed emails featuring reasons to book with you or spotlight your signature cocktails and menus.
- Client Spotlights: Share testimonials from past holiday events to build trust and excitement.
- In-Store Marketing: Engage Guests on the Spot
- Table Tent Cards: Use QR codes on cards that lead to your booking page or holiday packages.
- Posters & Flyers: Display visuals in high-traffic areas like the entrance and bar.
- Interactive Displays: Set up holiday-themed displays to spark conversations about events.
- Staff Ambassadors: Train your team to casually mention holiday packages to larger dining groups—they might just book on the spot.
Highlight Seasonal Menus That Wow Guests. Design holiday-themed menus featuring festive flavors like spiced cider, pumpkin risotto, or maple-glazed dishes. Offer prix-fixe options to streamline the experience for guests and keep the kitchen efficient. Introduce Instagram-worthy holiday cocktails and desserts to encourage guests to share their experiences online.
Train Your Team for Success. Ensure your team is ready to handle the holiday rush by providing banquet service training. Focus on managing event timelines, meeting special requests, and delivering exceptional hospitality. Motivate staff with bonuses or perks for successful events, creating a positive, energetic atmosphere that guests will appreciate.
Direct Outreach to Local Businesses. Reach out to nearby businesses directly to position your restaurant as a convenient venue for their holiday celebrations.
- Corporate Email Campaign: Send emails to businesses promoting your packages and perks, like early-bird discounts or free menu upgrades.
- Engage Your Regulars: Use your existing customer base as leads—many of them work at local businesses and could book through word of mouth.
- Flyers and Treats: Drop off menus and flyers at offices and co-working spaces, along with branded cookies or small treats.
- Partner with Coworking Spaces: Collaborate with local chambers of commerce or coworking spaces to offer discounts to their members.
