Booking A Venue

mel66

Good news, I'm hoping my venue search is going to come to an end soon. I've been emailing all afternoon with Marquis Gardens in Ancaster. Very impressed with them all around. Not crazy expensive, but not really cheap either. I feel they are a great venue. I've also booked an appointment to go and tour the venue and have a consultation with my FI next Wednesday.

Just wondering what are some must questions to ask when going to possibly book a venue. Is it like buying a house or car where you can negotiate prices? Or is the price they list, the price you have to take?
I'm just nervous that I'll forget to ask something really important when I go there and then it will mess up something down the road. The deposit is non-refundable, so I want to make the right choice right off the bat.

Thanks guys, any tips would be greatly appreciated!

PreppySailor

I think you should at least try to negotiate, as long as you aren't asking for something unreasonable.
Our venue gave us the off season Sunday rate, even through we booked a Saturday in May.

Be sure to ask things like how many washrooms they have, how many bar tenders will be serving your guest, do they have a sound system, will they allow any outside food (wedding cake) Cake cutting fee? Socan/music fee?
What is their fee schedule?

miellen

Yes, always try and negotiate... even if they won't budge at least you tried. I find it easier to get them to throw more things into the package, instead of getting a dollar amount discount.

Some questions to ask:
- what time can people come in to set up on the day of?
- can anything be brought in the night before?
- what kind of AV can be brought in (some places don't allow smoke machines/dry ice)?
- vendor meals and prices?
- what size tables they use? (this accounts for centerpieces - you'll need more centerpieces if they are 8 seats vs. 10 seats)
- what time do you have to clear out by?

AleP

I might also ask re: tastings and when the menu can be finalized...that way if your budget changes your menu can accomodate those changes.

Make sure you are aware of any fees you could potentially incur...such as upgrade for linens, late deposits, late arrival of guests resulting in needing to push back the dinner serving time, etc.


How have the Marquis Gardens staff been? I am thinking of booking them for my bridal shower.

mel66

AleP, good questions. I've added them to my list of stuff to ask them on Wednesday.

So far I really like their staff. I've only been dealing with a Natalie so far through email. But she's been awesome. She is very prompt at getting back to me and she is personable, which is really great. I'll meet her and maybe some others on Wednesday

PreppySailor

Good luck tomorrow!

mel66

Aww thanks Preppy! That's so sweet of you to wish me luck tomorrow.

I'm so excited and can't wait to check it out. I REALLY hope it works out. I'll keep you all posted!

Sally63

I have an appointment with them on Saturday!:) I am meeting Natalie as well!