Banquet vs. Luncheon — What's the Difference?

A banquet typically refers to a formal gathering with a large number of guests, often held for a specific purpose or celebration. It is characterized by a lavish meal and sometimes includes speeches, entertainment, or ceremonies. The word 'banquet' implies a sense of grandeur and is associated with opulence and a substantial, often multi-course, meal. This type of event is usually held in the evening and can be a sit-down dinner or a buffet.

Luncheon, on the other hand, is simply a term used for a midday meal, equivalent to what is often called lunch. The term 'luncheon' is somewhat more formal than 'lunch,' but not nearly as formal as 'banquet.' Luncheons are generally more casual and less extravagant than banquets. They can be social, business, or celebratory meals, but they typically involve a smaller group of people and a lighter meal than a banquet.

While a banquet is about grandeur and often signifies an event that is a significant occasion, a luncheon feels more intimate and laid-back. Banquets often mark major events such as weddings, state dinners, or corporate galas, whereas a luncheon can be as simple as a get-together of friends or colleagues or a business meeting conducted over a meal in the middle of the day.

Banquets and luncheons can both be used as networking events, but the former tends to be more about ceremony and celebration, while the latter is often more focused on conversation and interaction. A banquet might close a conference with elegance, while a luncheon could be used to interrupt a long day of meetings with a pleasant, albeit functional, reprieve.

Lastly, a banquet is not defined by the time of day but rather by its size and formality, whereas a luncheon is defined as a meal taken during the lunch hours, typically in a somewhat formal setting but without the grandiosity of a banquet. Each serves a different social function, with banquets often being part of a larger event and luncheons often being events in themselves.