Here is my step by step meeting with the Venetian to pick out menus, linens, etc. Sorry, it is super long, but I am very excited so I just kept typing!Everything went great--I met with Denisa (sp) who was super nice. They had a pretty good selection of linens (at least I thought, not that I have anything to compare it to) They had one page of fancy linens which were all in the white/ivory/cream color wheel, then they have another page of plain (not patterned) linens in tons of colors. Each can come in a table clothe and napkin.Then we did cocktail hour choices--they gave us a print out that really lists it all out. Their book/catalog does not have everything listed (I still don't even think they have a new version of it made with the new room photos). Just the typical stuff they tell you that you have a choice on, pasta, carving, etc. I was happy with the options and the Denisa was very helpful with this (like she suggested not to do the beef option at the carving station because there was hand passed filet anyway...things like that).The appetizer is a duet (salad and appetizer), which is good because it saves time (our band had suggested we ask them to do that if they did not offer) It was nice because they had a photo of each one so you can pick by the food itself and the "look" (other places may very well do this and would have no idea, but I was happy about it!) --then intermezzo (lemon, raspberry, mango)...and then the dinner. They said the beef they do is a filet so they didn't really give us an option right out, I got the feeling they would work with you if you REALLY didn't want that, but I was fine with it. Then they had 2 fish they offered prepared a bunch of ways (salmon, swordfish, or both). And then a bunch of chicken dishes to pick from. I was pleased with everything they offered for the dinner, I definitely never got the feeling of "oh no, I don't like any of those choices!"Then ice sculptures, 2--1 for the vodka cavier (we did the typical martini glass one) and then one for the raw bar. They had a book we looked through, but we have not decided yet. I told her what I was thinking and she said to send her a picture so I think they will do whatever you want (within reason).Then cake...we have been working right with petit cafe with this...but she did say that 5 years ago, you pretty much could have had any cake you wanted without paying extra..but ever since all the cake shows popped up, the cost has skyrocketed. (Darn you Ace of Cakes!!) One thing I wanted to know was whether they would cut the cake and be willing to put each slice in boxes/cake bags. Because we are doing the Viennese, I doubt anyone will really eat the cake, so as part of our favor, we are packing the cake to go. (and yes they will)hmmm, what else...basically, it was the food/linens...talked about whether we are printing our own menus/escort cards or using theirs (we are using theirs) and then they have checklists, seating chart, etc. for you to fill out (and they need it back i think 10 days before)--the check list had things like bathroom baskets, favors, etc etc.I am sure I am forgetting tons, so feel free if you have any questions to ask me. But overall it was a fun, easy and painless process!OHH and one thing I liked is that they get all of your vendor info so if there is an issue, say with the flowers being late, they don't call YOU, they go straight to the vendor.Hope it helps...I'm so excited! My date is getting so close!! (now I must go google image ice sculptures!)