1st meeting with hopeful reception venue

courtney3544

FI and I have narrowed down our reception venue and have a meeting with them tomorrow. What are some questions we should ask and what are some red flags we should look for in a contract. We are planning a Sept 2012 wedding and the venue is a hotel if that helps.

 

Thanks

I Want Cake

There might be a document in the MSP bio with a list of questions that you can use as a springboard.  The link is in Steph's (moderator) profile.

It really depends on where you're going for your reception and what kind of venue it is.  Do they do their own catering?  If so, how customizable is their menu?  Any upcharge for offering your guests more than 1 option?  Is there a price difference between plated meals and buffet? Is there a food minimum that needs to be met?  If you're having your wedding outside of the May-September season, can they offer you a discount?   Who provides the tables/chairs/linens/flatware/glasses?  If they provide this stuff, it's a good idea to have a look at it to make sure it's not gaudy (one place we looked at had ugly plates)  Is there a cake cutting/serving fee? How many people can it seat comfortably?  What size/shape of tables do they use?   How long do you have the place for, and do they charge by the hour or one flat fee for the day?  If it's hourly, how much do they charge to have the place open for vendors to come in?  How do they deal with liquor?  Can you provide it, or do they have a contract with a caterer?  How much does that caterer charge?  If you bring your own, can you take the open bottles home with you (Blaisdell Manor doesn't let you)?  Do you have to provide security?  What is the parking situation like?  Can you use the grounds for photos?  Do they have bridal/groom suites? 

SuperRNluvsChef

Make sure you know what time you have to clear out by.  My stepsister just got married last Saturday and the reception only lasted 2 hours because we had to be out by 9pm.  A detail my sis evidently overlooked.  HTH and GL!

hkiesling

Ask about an extras that are included or that you may have to get seperately such as: linens, dishes, chairs, chair covers, lighting, drapery, single use items (cake serving set, toasting glasses, etc), cake cutting fee, contract vendors (like having to get your cake from somewhere specific).  Also, ask about set-up and clean-up time and if kids pay the full rate or get a discount.