A luncheon has a hard stop that most events don’t. Guests are coming from work, the speaker has an afternoon schedule, and everyone needs to be back on the road before the day gets away from them.
That deadline shapes every other decision: the room, the menu, the bar and how the program runs. Here is how to plan a weekday luncheon that starts on time and ends on time, whether it’s a business lunch, a club meeting, an awards program or a retirement send-off in Mandeville, Covington or anywhere on the Northshore.
Build the timeline backward
Start with the time guests need to leave, then work back. A simple luncheon runs in four parts: arrival and check-in, the meal, the program and the goodbyes. If you have 90 minutes, decide up front how many of them go to speakers.
Two habits keep a luncheon on schedule. Start the program while guests are finishing their meal rather than after plates are cleared. And give every speaker a time limit in writing before the event, not a reminder at the podium.
Match the room to the guest list
Fleur de Lis Event Center has three event spaces, and luncheons fit all three depending on size.
| Space | Comfortable range | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Private Restaurant | Up to approximately 100 guests | Club lunches, board lunches, retirement and appreciation luncheons |
| Jazz Ballroom | Approximately 50 to 300 guests | Mid-size awards and association luncheons |
| Pontchartrain Ballroom | Approximately 100 to 500 guests | Large organizational or community luncheons |
These are comfortable operating ranges, not contractual minimums. We do not impose a hard guest minimum, and typical Private Restaurant bookings are about 20 guests or more.
The Private Restaurant is booked as a completely private space with its own entrance, restrooms, bar, front courtyard and covered patio. Each ballroom is also self-contained, with its own entrance, restrooms, bar and private courtyard, so a ballroom luncheon doesn’t share space with another event.
Seated lunch
A seated meal keeps guests at their tables and makes the program easier to start on cue. In our experience, a seated format works best for about 100 guests or fewer. Servers clear tables throughout the event, so the room stays tidy while people are speaking.
The Private Restaurant has several menu and package structures, and custom menu requests can be considered. Send us your dietary list as early as you can so we can talk through what is possible for your group.
Decide what to pour at midday
Many weekday luncheons skip alcohol entirely. Others want a glass of wine for a toast. We can build the bar around the event: beer and wine, a cash bar, a signature cocktail, non-alcoholic and mocktail packages, or no bar at all.
The choice affects more than the drinks. Uniformed security is required for events with an open bar and is currently $220. It is optional for events with a cash bar or no alcohol service. Outside alcohol is not permitted; all alcohol is served through Fleur de Lis under our liquor license. See our bar and event policies for details.
The details guests notice
- Parking: Free on-site parking for 175+ vehicles, plus adjoining overflow parking.
- Finding us: We’re at 1645 N Causeway Blvd in Mandeville, visible from the main road and easy for out-of-town guests to find.
- Comfort: The venue is fully climate controlled, and Wi-Fi is available throughout.
- Accessibility: Our primary event spaces are accessible without requiring second-floor access. Please contact us regarding specific accessibility needs; second-floor areas are accessible by stairs only.
What it costs
Luncheon pricing depends on the space, the menu and the bar, so there is no single starting price. Call us with your date, guest count and the kind of program you’re planning, and we will put together a quote.
Questions to ask any luncheon venue
- How long does it take to serve our guest count, start to finish?
- Is the room private, and is anything shared with another event that day?
- What menu structures do you offer for lunch, and can you handle our dietary list?
- What bar options are there, and is security required for each one?
- Where do guests park, and how close is it to the entrance?
See the space
The best way to plan a luncheon is to walk the room at the time of day you’ll use it. Tours are normally available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday mornings, with virtual tours for anyone planning remotely. Call 985-626-9118 to check your date.
About the Author: Taylor Thomas
