Is your village hall committee constantly discussing how to get more bookings? You have a fantastic local asset, but in a competitive world, simply listing an hourly rate on a noticeboard is no longer enough. It’s time to shift your thinking: stop being a passive landlord and become a proactive solutions provider.
Imagine a busy parent, frantically trying to piece together a child’s birthday party. Or a local business owner needing a professional meeting space without the corporate price tag. Your hall can solve their problems, but the real magic happens when you make it easy for them. By bundling your hall’s best features with other services, you can create irresistible, hassle-free packages that not only boost your bookings but also increase your income from each one.
Here’s how to get started.
The ‘Why’: The Strategic Power of a Package
Moving from a simple hourly rate to a packaged offer is a game-changer for two key reasons:
- For the Hirer: It’s All About Simplicity. People are busy. Event planning is stressful. A well-designed package simplifies the whole process. It bundles multiple elements into one clear, upfront cost, removing the guesswork and reducing the mental load. You aren’t just selling a space; you’re selling convenience and peace of mind.
- For the Hall: It’s a Competitive Advantage. Packages allow you to increase the total value of each booking. They give you a powerful marketing tool and a real edge over other local venues that just offer an empty room. Instead of a generic “Hall for Hire” advert, you can actively promote a “Hassle-Free Kids’ Party” or a “Productive Business Away-Day.”
Package Idea 1: The ‘Perfect Children’s Party’ Package
This is the bread and butter for many village halls. Your goal is to make it the easiest and most obvious choice for parents in the area.
What’s in the Box?
- A set time slot: Offer a 3 or 4-hour block on Saturday or Sunday afternoons, which allows plenty of time for setup, the party itself, and cleanup.
- Facilities included: Full use of the kitchen for preparing food and drinks.
- Furniture as standard: Have the appropriate number of child-sized tables and chairs set up in advance, saving parents a job on the day.
- A ‘Trusted Partners’ Directory: This is your secret weapon. Provide a curated list of local suppliers who know your hall. Include a recommended bouncy castle company (who knows your hall’s dimensions and access points), a reliable children’s entertainer, and maybe even a local baker for the cake. You could even try to negotiate a small discount for your hirers.
- Optional Add-on: If you have any in-house equipment like soft play shapes or large floor toys, offer their use for a small, fixed extra fee.
Marketing Angle: “Your Child’s Best Birthday Ever, Made Easy!” Promote this package on local Facebook parenting groups and use photos of a party in full swing to show people what’s possible.
Package Idea 2: The ‘Hassle-Free Meeting’ Package
Target the growing number of local small businesses, freelancers, and community organisations who have outgrown the local coffee shop but don’t need a full-blown conference centre.
What’s in the Box?
- Clear timings: Offer half-day (4 hours) and full-day (8 hours) hire options.
- Tech-ready: Guarantee high-speed Wi-Fi (provide the password in the welcome info), and include the use of a projector, screen, and extension leads as standard.
- Essentials provided: A flip chart and pens ready for their brainstorming session.
- A ‘Coffee & Tea Station’: Partner with a local cafe or caterer to offer an all-inclusive service. For a set price, hirers can arrive to find a large flask of fresh coffee, a pot of hot water for tea, plus milk, sugar, and a plate of biscuits.
Marketing Angle: “A Professional Space for a Productive Day.” Directly contact local businesses. Emphasise key benefits like privacy, space for breakout groups, and ample free parking, which are often major advantages over town-centre alternatives.
Package Idea 3: The ‘Special Celebration’ Package
Capture the lucrative market for smaller, DIY-style wedding receptions, anniversary parties, and milestone birthdays. These hirers are looking for a blank canvas, but still appreciate a helping hand.
What’s in the Box?
- Weekend hire: Offer a block booking from Friday afternoon (for setup) to Sunday midday (for cleanup). This removes a huge amount of stress and is a massive selling point.
- All-access pass: Include full use of all facilities – the main hall, kitchen, any smaller meeting rooms, and the outside space.
- A ‘Preferred Suppliers’ Guide: Go beyond a simple list. Create a smart-looking PDF guide to local caterers, florists, photographers, and bands who have successfully worked in your hall before. Include testimonials and photos if you can.
- Ambiance on-demand: Offer optional add-ons like installing and taking down your hall’s fairy lights or festoon lighting for a set fee.
Marketing Angle: “Your Day, Your Way. The Perfect Blank Canvas for Your Celebration.” Target local wedding forums and DIY bride groups on social media. Your best marketing tool here is high-quality photos of the hall beautifully decorated for a previous wedding.
Your Next Step: Start Small, Think Creatively
You don’t need to launch all of these packages tomorrow. Pick the one that best suits your hall’s strengths and your community’s needs. Start a conversation with a local caterer or bouncy castle supplier.
The goal is to fundamentally change how people see your venue. It’s not just four walls and a roof; it’s the foundation of a fantastic, memorable, and easy-to-organise event. By selling a solution, not just a space, you’ll soon find your calendar – and your bank balance – looking healthier than ever.