In anticipation of possibly signing a contract tomorrow...

does anyone have any tips or anything that i need to know of?

we are taking my FIL's and my parents to one hall that we have narrowed down to, having a tasting, and peeking around.

if all goes well, we will most likely (hopefully, knock on wood) set the date!!!!! I'm hoping this works out, since I really REALLY wanted to be done with this part before xmas (so i can actually enjoy one week of the holiday season)...

so, is there anything that needs to be put into the contract? any tips? thanks in advance!

Re: In anticipation of possibly signing a contract tomorrow...

Don't appear too anxious (hard to do I know) but make frowning faces if they tell you something is extra....most places will throw it in for you if you make it a sticking point...'I really wanted to book here but the other place INCLUDED that in the price....oh I just don't know...' then be quiet and let the BM fill the silence...then make sure they put it in writing.

Re: In anticipation of possibly signing a contract tomorrow...

If you anticipate getting ready at the reception or taking pics before the ceremony there, have it set in the contract when you will have the bridal suite. For example, in our contract we have one bridal suite and one groom's suite from 3pm on because I'm going to put my dress on there and take pics at the property. Just make sure to put in all the free extras that the banquet manager promises. If it's in the contract, they can't say 'oh, you must have misunderstood...I never said that...', etc. etc.

Re: In anticipation of possibly signing a contract tomorrow...

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Posted by halfpintny

Don't appear too anxious (hard to do I know) but make frowning faces if they tell you something is extra....most places will throw it in for you if you make it a sticking point...'I really wanted to book here but the other place INCLUDED that in the price....oh I just don't know...' then be quiet and let the BM fill the silence...then make sure they put it in writing.

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I agree, try not to look anxious or too excited. If the Banquet Mgr tells you exactly what you want to hear, don't show it.

Re: In anticipation of possibly signing a contract tomorrow...

Also since I know you have a really large guest list, you can offer a higher min. Then what they usually ask for. You can definitely use that to your advantage as far as getting some money taken off p/p.

Every hall I called told me the more people I guaranteed the cheaper the price per plate would be.

Re: In anticipation of possibly signing a contract tomorrow...

thanks all.

we've gone to these place before and i've been haggling ever since.

i think i have a pretty good rate right now and yes, the high number of people is helping me.

i was trying to think of any extras too that i can maybe get thrown in that'll sweeten whether i want to go for it or not...

any suggestions on any 'extras' that they throw in (i already got chair covers)...

thanks!

Re: In anticipation of possibly signing a contract tomorrow...

vienesse hour or a cordial bar maybe a room if they have them or an upgraded room for the night of if they already throw one in......menus or sushi or seafood at the cocktail hour if its not already included.,....thats all i could think of

Re: In anticipation of possibly signing a contract tomorrow...

Everything is negotiable.
If they do not budge on price - ask for more food (additional station at cocktail hour or an added desert).

I negotiated everything and I found people so much more willing to negotiate than I thought. After they spend some time with you - they want you to book (why risk having the date not booked and why spend more time with another couple when they can get your money NOW). When you are ready to book and they've spent some time with you - start negotiating. I never found it helpful to start off negotiating in the beginning.

Get everything in writing. Take the contract home and read it and try to think of everything that can go wrong. The banquet manager at the club where I got married quit 2 weeks before my wedding and nobody called me and nobody had his notes. We had to do tastings all over and start with all new people discussing set up.

Put every person's job in writing (who will be on site the day of? when can vendors have access to facility? make sure they must notify you if the staff you have met with changes)