Questions to ask

Cricket127

Hello all!  I could use some imput about locating the right venue for our reception.  Our wedding and reception is going to take place out of town and I am travelling to the location to find one. 

What I would like to know are some questions tht you asked.  I do have some in mind such as how much wiggle-room is there financially?  Can you accomodate young kids?  What time slots do you offer? How soon would I need to book you?  Can you accomodate my decorating tastes?

Is there anything I have forgotten?

Thanks!
Sarah

jenn.daniel

Are tables and chairs included in the rental cost?  Can we rent them through you?  Are the additional fees for vendors to come and set up before the reception?  Are there enough electrical outlets for the DJ?  Do you require a certain caterer?

mbcdefg

How flexible are you with the price and the menu items?

We want to pay $x per person ... what can we do to get that price? (knock some items off the menu; guarantee a higher minimum; have the wedding on a certain day of the week, month of the year, time of day)

Do you provide all the linens and china? Is there anything we'd have to rent on our own?

Can we bring in any of our own food items (liquor, dessert items, food favors), or must it all be purchased through you or an approved caterer/baker?

Do you have a list of pre-approved vendors (and is there a discount?), or can we bring in anyone we want?

Do you have a partnership with any local hotels? Can our guests get a discounted rate, and/or a free shuttle service between the hotel and the hall?

Handicapped access (if applicable to you)?

Must we decorate ourselves, or can we drop off items the week before and have you guys do it? How early/late can we stay without being charged extra?

Is there a bridal suite where we can leave stuff (coats, purses, etc.) during the reception? Is it locked, and if so who holds onto the key? Does it have its own bathroom?

Do your fees include a maitre d' or a bridal coordinator?

How much is the service charge, and does that count as tips for waitstaff, valets, coat checkers, manager, etc.? If not, who will be expecting a tip at the end of the night?

If more than one wedding will be hosted on our day, are there separate entrances and bathrooms for the two parties?

Do you offer discounted meals for kids and vendors? Is there a discount for people under 21 who won't be drinking alcohol? Do kids and vendors count toward our minimum? What's the penalty if we don't meet our minimum (can we get some extra food items rather than having to pay for people that aren't there)?

Are there any spots on the property that we can use for formal photos?

How many bars and bartenders are there? Is there tableside alcohol/wine service? Are there any corkage fees for wine? Is it a flat fee per-person for alcohol no matter how much is drunk (like, $15pp whether they have one glass of wine each or 40 beers each), or is it based on comsumption (meaning you pay for each drink that is poured)?

Do you provide anything for centerpieces (fake flowers, mirrors, candles, etc.)? What's the policy on candles and open flames (is a special kind of vase/votive needed, or are candles prohibited altogether)?

Do you offer tastings before we book? Can you provide references? How long do we have to get our deposit back if we change our minds, or is it non-refundable? When are payments due?

What do you do with leftover untouched food, or extra meals that we pay for and the guests end up not showing up? Can we take it home? Can it be donated to a soup kitchen?

Are there any discounts for booking at a certain time (like under a year out, or more than a year out)? Any discounts for firefighters, teachers, police officers, military? Are you running any promotions that may not have been advertised? Any discounts if a past bride referred us to you?

pandasquishy

Is your insurance up to date?