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Reception Venue Questions

oohsnapashoohsnapash
10 Comments
in Louisiana-New Orleans
Hey gals!  I'm finally starting to visit reception venues and such with hopes of booking a date.  Does anyone have any advice about what questions I should definitely make sure to ask when meeting with the sales managers?  Thanks!
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Re: Reception Venue Questions

  • CVC11CVC11
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ask about all types of cost.  Some places will charge extra for bands to set up and things like that.  Those extra cost can add up.  I googled reception venue questions and came up with a great list of things.  Also if you have children involved what is the price for the kids and the age cut off.
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  • NolaBride2012NolaBride2012 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I got better about this every time I met with a different venue, but to start you off...

    1) The most important thing to ask about (like CVC said) if what is included in the price? Some things to think about:
    - security (if reception is downtown / quarter)
    - time limit (some places charge different amounts for 3 vs 4 hours)
    - tables & chairs (and HOW MANY!)
    - linens
    - serving stuff (acrylic vs china)

    2) Rules and restrictions - some places you can't serve red wine or use lit candles, for example

    3) Caterer - do they have an in-house caterer? fees for going with an outside caterer? *be sure to ask for a tasting before you commit to their in-house*

    4) Ask to see pictures of previous weddings (they will probably show you these without asking)

    5) Capacity (this will differ for seated dinner vs cocktail-style)

    6) Multiple bookings on the same day - ESPECIALLY for hotels. Only if this is an issue for you.... I just didnt like the idea that my guests could end up at the WRONG reception at some of the hotels who have multiple events going on at the same time.

    Thatssss about all I can think of off the top of my head. Good luck! HTH!
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  • oohsnapashoohsnapash
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks, I apprecaite the suggestions!
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    This one might be for once you get a little further into you planning...
     
    If you don't like the tables, chairs, linens, etc. at the venue you choose, you can rent other ones. Here's the thing: if YOU rent them it will be a certain cost but if you rent through the venue there will be an up-charge.  For example, (completely hypothetical) 100 chivari chairs from X rental company will cost you $400 but if you venue adds and up-charge say 35%, your venue will charge you $540 to rent the same chairs.  They'll say something like oh it covers the labor costs to set up the rental chairs but they would have to set up their own chairs if it werent for the rental!  See what they are going to charge you vs. what a rental company would charge.  Also, ask the rental company if and what they charge to deliver AND setup.  See which cost works to you benefit.  Find out the details of how this works with the venue you choose.

    Sorry I kinda went on a rant but I hate how this works.  Paying more for the same thing is just ridiculous.

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  • sammyjamessammyjames
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Everyone's mostly covered everything, but I guess one last semi-obvious thing--When you sign, make sure everything that's included is stated in the contract.  Don't let anything be left as a verbal agreement, just to be on the safe side.

    Seeing the room configuration is always helpful too!  Like where tables are set up, where's the buffet/foot, the dance area, bars, etc.  It's nice to get an idea of how things will be.
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