How to Plan a Stress-Free Banquet for 50+ Guests

Introduction

Planning a banquet for 50 or more people can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. At House of Wong in Honolulu, we’ve been hosting large parties for decades, from milestone birthdays to corporate dinners and tour groups. With the right approach (and the right venue), you can keep planning simple, stay on budget, and still impress your guests. Here’s our guide to a truly stress-free large-group banquet.

1. Choose a Venue Experienced in Large Groups

Not all restaurants are equipped to handle the logistics of 50+ guests. You need a venue with:

  • Ample seating space

  • Efficient kitchen flow for multi-course meals

  • Staff experienced in coordinating big groups

At House of Wong, we regularly host banquets for up to 110 guests, meaning your service will be smooth and timely from start to finish.

2. Pick a Pre-Set Banquet Menu

Customizing 10+ individual meals is a recipe for delays and confusion. A pre-set banquet menu solves this by:

  • Offering multiple dishes for everyone to share

  • Ensuring consistent quality and portion sizes

  • Allowing the kitchen to prepare courses efficiently

Our banquet menus come in three tiers and are priced per table of 10, so it’s easy to scale for 50, 80, or even 100 guests.

3. Pre-Order Drinks to Save Time

Large groups can wait a long time for individual drink orders. Pre-ordering bottles of wine, beer buckets, or sake means:

  • Drinks are ready on your table when guests arrive

  • No bottlenecks for service staff

  • Guests can pour and enjoy at their own pace

We offer Japanese, American, and Chinese beers, as well as popular wine and sake options.

4. Add a Signature Celebration Dish

Make the banquet more memorable with one or two “wow” dishes:

  • Whole Peking Duck

  • Whole Crispy Fish

  • Lobster in Ginger Scallion Sauce

These add-ons are great for photos, sharing, and making your event feel extra special.

5. Delegate the Details

The best way to keep your banquet stress-free? Let the venue handle the details. Our team can assist with:

  • Seating arrangements

  • Timing of each course

  • Coordinating toasts and speeches

  • Dietary adjustments for certain guests

6. Book Early for Prime Dates

Large events require careful timing — especially during peak seasons like graduation, holidays, and Chinese New Year. Booking early ensures you get your preferred date and gives our team more time to prepare for a flawless event.

Call to Action
Hosting 50+ guests in Honolulu? Let House of Wong take the stress out of your banquet planning. Call 808-732-0818 or visit our Groups & Events page to get started today.

cindy wang