Venue questions

Tlongo

Going to look at our first couple of venues this weekend.  I have an idea of most of the questions we want should ask. 

What is included/ What do we need to provide?
How early before the wedding do we access to the facility?
Cost per person?
If they don't provide food catering facilities?
Max seating capacity?
do they have facilities for the BP to get ready on site?

I know I have some others written down.  Any other obvious I am missing.

greeneke2

I asked if I needed to change the date if that was possible.  But my FI is in the military so that one was important.

I also asked if I could buy the alcohol myself for the wedding.

Some venues may not provide catering but they have preferred caterers (you have to use the preferred caterer or pay a fee to the venue to use the one you want)

I can't think of anything, but I'm sure some of the other ladies will!

Mona8

-Do they require a minimum # of people?
-Who will your contact person be?
-What is the ratio of servers to guests?
-What is the charge for overtime? (in case you want to add some time that night)
-Are there any decorative restrictions?
-Are tables, chairs, and linens included?
-Do they charge for parking?
-What is the cancellation policy?
-What is the payment schedule?
-When is the final head count needed?
-Is there a time limit or restricted areas for taking pictures on the grounds?
-Are candles/open flames allowed
-Will there be another party/wedding during, before, or after yours? How will this effect your event?

Hope this helps!  Have a great time venue shopping! 

daftmagpie

- How much is the deposit, when is it due, is it refundable?
- What is the payment plan for the entire bill?
- What is the site cancellation policy?
- Can we do a food tasting prioe to finalizing our menu?
- Can I bring cake from a bakery is so is there a cake cutting fee?
- Are their restrictions on what kind of music I can play?
- What kind of security services do they offer?
- Does the venue have liability insurance?
- What kind of sinage is there to get your guests to your event?

audreyjem

I have an extensive list I got from another knottie... like 80 questions. PM with your email address if you want it!

klw0022

Well said in PP, GL!

angelsong21

I have nothing to add question-wise beyond what the PP have already said, but one thing to know and remember is that the prices they quote you are NOT the prices you pay!  Most places add on an additional amount for gratuity (ours was 20%) plus taxes.  So we went from $5,200 to $7,100.   Just a head's up when you are looking at places that it might be helpful to look towards the lower end of your price range and then go from there.  Same with vendors -- many should be tipped, and this is something you should account for in your planning and budget.

Just a head's up because this was something I didn't know when I started looking...hope it helps, and good luck!!!

jtmh2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.weddingchannel.com/main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_venue-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:d7504480-8587-4c76-8156-4737a0d17018Post:85e6fcfc-af3b-467a-888e-fd9a67b8bf5a">Re: Venue questions</a>:
[QUOTE]I have nothing to add question-wise beyond what the PP have already said, but one thing to know and remember is that the prices they quote you are NOT the prices you pay!  Most places add on an additional amount for gratuity (ours was 20%) plus taxes.  So we went from $5,200 to $7,100.
Posted by angelsong21[/QUOTE]

This one annoys me to no end!!!  We've called places before making appointments and told them what we had in mind for the budget per person and for the total event.  They're always like "Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem."  Then you get there, they give you a total and it's higher than what you told them because they then add the service charges and taxes.

mandi921vh

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_venue-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:d7504480-8587-4c76-8156-4737a0d17018Post:68627d9b-9f88-41f1-86eb-700c61726585">Re: Venue questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Venue questions : This one annoys me to no end!!!  We've called places before making appointments and told them what we had in mind for the budget per person and for the total event.  They're always like "Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem."  Then you get there, they give you a total and it's higher than what you told them because they then add the service charges and taxes.
Posted by jtmh2012[/QUOTE]

<div>I had a similar thing happen. When we met with the wedding coordinator for the reception venue we are considering she said that everything was included, except a cake table, a gift table and the linens for both, plus heaters in case it is cold. Then later she said that we had to also rent tables, chairs, linens, napkins, and a few other things. It's so frustrating because it is a restaurant and I am pretty certain she mentioned that they have 10-15 round tables already, including the chairs. Get everything in writing so if this happens to you, you have proof.</div>

S0095042

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_venue-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:d7504480-8587-4c76-8156-4737a0d17018Post:aebe3175-e66f-42d3-9c51-aee1d507235a">Re: Venue questions</a>:
[QUOTE]Well said in PP, GL! :)
Posted by klw0022[/QUOTE]

The PP have pretty much nailed it. :)

As for the "surcharges & fees" I agree, they never seem to count this into the "cost" but when these charges are 1k+ it's something that DEFINITELY needs to be addressed! Don't forget to find out their surcharges, cake cutting fee, etc.

daftmagpie

Mandi brings up a great point, don't sign whatever contract the put in front of you! Read it over the venue consultant said chairs are included make sure they are on your contract. Once you've signed that contract your stuck its a great time to do some negotiating and put your foot down on something they had promised that doesnt show up on the contract. If the schedule the venue in 6 hour segmants and you only plan on using it for 4 hour see if they'll toss in linens for you etc.

S0095042

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_venue-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:d7504480-8587-4c76-8156-4737a0d17018Post:e89bc4e9-45e6-4963-ae79-45b343dab706">Re: Venue questions</a>:
[QUOTE]Mandi brings up a great point, <strong>don't sign whatever contract the put in front of you! Read it over the venue consultant said chairs are included make sure they are on your contract.</strong>Once you've signed that contract your stuck its a great time to do some negotiating and put your foot down on something they had promised that doesnt show up on the contract. If the schedule the venue in 6 hour segmants and you only plan on using it for 4 hour see if they'll toss in linens for you etc.
Posted by daftmagpie[/QUOTE]

THIS TOO! We ended up changing venues b/c of this. We went to sign a contract and the lady had "forgot" to mention that we had to buy insurance for the museum AND that no candles were allowed (funny, since I had been telling her we wanted a candle light glow and that I was in love with candles)...

Not all are trying to trap you, but DEFINITLY READ the WHOLE thing!!!

Tlongo

Thanks ladies for all the things to keep in mind. I have been aware of the tax and tip fees but I am sure seeing this all in writing will make my jaw drop.