Mother's Day isn't just another Sunday service – it's when families want to do something special and they're looking for venues that go the extra mile. With the right preparation, it can be one of your most successful days of the year.
We've put together practical ideas to help you attract and manage bookings while creating experiences that make guests glad they chose your venue.
1. Family feast platters
Food tastes better when shared. Create a special menu of generous platters that brings families together around the table. Think generous platters that can be passed around and desserts made for sharing.
Mix familiar favourites with a few special dishes and don't forget the drinks. Serve cocktails and mocktails in pitchers to add to the sharing spirit and keep the celebrations flowing.
2. Special set menu
Keep it simple but memorable with a carefully crafted set menu. Offer 2-3 courses that showcase your kitchen's best dishes, while making service smoother during this busy day.
You can structure your menu to include:
- A welcome drink
- Choice of 2-3 starters
- 3-4 main course options
- 2-3 dessert selections
Once your menu is ready, upload it to your Quandoo profile. This lets potential guests view your Mother's Day offerings while booking, helping them make quicker decisions.
3. Afternoon tea experience
Mothers deserve a moment to pause. Unlike the bustle of a family dinner, afternoon tea creates an intimate setting that's perfect for smaller celebrations. Think mother and daughter catch-ups, small family gatherings or friends marking the occasion together.
Make the most of your space by offering two seatings at 1 pm and 4 pm. This not only maximises your revenue during traditionally quieter hours but also gives each group enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
4. Wine-pairing dinner option
Add a touch of sophistication to Mother's Day meals without complicating your service. Offer wine pairings in two ways that suit different guests.
Some families might prefer choosing wines by the glass, matching just their favourite courses. This keeps the cost flexible and lets everyone customise their experience.
For those wanting the complete experience, create a package price that includes tasting portions of wine with each course. It's a better value perception and makes the meal feel more special. Plus, it's easier for your service team to prepare and deliver.
And don't forget those who don't drink alcohol. Having premium mocktails ready shows you've thought about everyone at the table.
5. Group celebration package
Take the stress out of big family bookings with an all-inclusive package. Set a fixed per-person price that covers everything from welcome drinks to dessert.
Showcase your Mother's Day promotion directly on your Quandoo profile using the Special Offers feature.
When potential guests browse restaurants, they'll instantly spot your group deal while making their booking. It's an effective way to stand out and attract those larger family celebrations that boost your revenue.
6. Booking incentives
Encourage early Mother's Day bookings to help you plan your service better. Offer smart incentives that add value without cutting into your profits.
For example, for bookings made two weeks ahead, you can consider perks such as:
- Complimentary glass of fizz for mum
- Special dessert for the table
- Gift voucher for their next visit
- Welcome cocktail for the table
- Priority seating
- Goodie bag with treats
These thoughtful extras cost less than last-minute discounts and help you spread bookings across different time slots. They also give families a reason to choose your restaurant over others, especially when they're planning ahead for their Mother's Day celebration.
7. Update your Quandoo profile
Your Quandoo profile is often a guest's first impression of your restaurant. Update it with your Mother's Day plans to help families make informed booking decisions.
Start with the basics: adjust your opening hours if they're different on Mother's Day, and make sure your availability is accurate across all time slots. Add your special menus so families can plan and get excited about their celebration.
Upload fresh photos of your dishes, especially if you're creating new ones for Mother's Day. Show off your sharing platters, set menus, or afternoon tea spreads. Remember to include shots of your space too – families often want to see where they'll be celebrating.
8. Smart table planning
Mother's Day brings a mix of celebrations – from intimate one-on-one meals to full family gatherings. Balance your bookings to maximise covers while maintaining smooth service.
Mix your table layouts to accommodate different group sizes. Keep some smaller tables for pairs and groups of four, while setting aside space for those bigger family celebrations. This flexibility helps you say yes to more bookings without compromising the dining experience.
With Quandoo for Restaurants, you can create flexible table combinations that work for Mother's Day. You can easily combine tables for bigger parties and control exactly which spots are available for online booking. This helps you manage space efficiently while letting guests pick their preferred seating area.
Remember, a well-planned floor means better service, happier guests and more efficient use of your space.
9. Adjust booking durations
Mother's Day celebrations often run longer than typical meal services. Families linger over dessert, exchange gifts and enjoy catching up. Plan your booking slots accordingly.
Consider adjusting your usual dining times. For example, 90 minutes instead of the standard hour. This gives families enough time to enjoy their celebration without rushing while keeping your service efficient.
Being realistic about timing from the start means less stress for your team and a better experience for your guests. Plus, it helps you manage expectations and turn tables smoothly throughout this busy day.
Set up these custom dining durations easily in your Quandoo for Restaurants system. You can adjust booking lengths to match different party sizes or time slots, helping you manage the flow of guests and make the most of your tables throughout Mother's Day.
Attract and manage Mother’s Day bookings better
Success on Mother's Day comes down to smart planning and thoughtful execution. Focus on promotions that add genuine value rather than just discounting your service.
Small touches like welcome drinks, special desserts, or priority seating can make a big difference without cutting into your margins.
Remember: It's about creating experiences that make families want to return.
