Questions I should ask the reception hall?

I have appointments to see a few places this week. Does anyone have any suggestions on questions I should ask when visiting reception halls? Thanks!

Re: Questions I should ask the reception hall?

Here are some....
Questions
? Dates Open (obviously)
? There is a difference in price from a Satruday night versus any other time, so if you love a place but the price is too much you may consider asking them what the prices are for other days
? What do they do if guests arrive before the start time
? Do you have access to a private bridal suite the whole time
? How many guests per server (ours is 15 guests for every server)
? How many bars
? What does the open bar include (champagne, wine, mixed/frozen drinks)
? Can they accommodate if someone needs a vegitarian meal (do they have to know in advance)
? Cost for OT (just in case)
? Minimum and Max guests
? Is the cake included? Do you have options with fillings, decorations
? When is the final head count due
? What is the cancellation policy (you never know)
? If you see the room on a Saturday you usually get to see it as they are setting up for a wedding (just an idea)
? If there are multiple weddings, do they offset the times so that each bride comes in at a different time? IE ours holds 2 weddings but our wedding is beginning at 7 so the other bride has to come in at either 6 or 8 they CANT begin at 6:30 because they off set the times by one hour
? Make sure you look at the bathroom, and ask if there is an attendant there the night of a wedding
? Will you have a personal bridal attendant
? Is the a Maitre D fee? Some charge 500 on top of your reception cost
? When do you come in to arrange your menu
? Are centerpeices included? If so, if you don’t like them do they give you an allowance for flowers (some if we didn’t use their centerpeices they gave us 15-20 per table off our bill for flowers)

Where are you going to look?
Good Luck!

Re: Questions I should ask the reception hall?

where are you going to look?
i would say make sure you're clear on what's included.
also negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. don't believe them when they tell you they can't do better.

Re: Questions I should ask the reception hall?

Not to seem alcohol obsessed but bottled or draft beer and brands. My dad is a life long Miller Lite drinker and it was important to me that it be available for him!

EDITED - Also price for vendor meals and children.

Message edited 10/20/2003 2:12:16 PM.

Re: Questions I should ask the reception hall?

throw them for a loop and ask to see the kitchen!!!
jericho terrace will let you!!!!
i wouldn't ask at leonards. you might not like what you see!

Re: Questions I should ask the reception hall?

WOW!!! Thanks so much! I feel so much more prepared now. You guys are the best!

Re: Questions I should ask the reception hall?

1. Room Dimensions
2. Max # of people room holds
3. Tables – round, oval, square, rectangle, octagonal
4. # of persons per table
5. How many affairs at a time
6. Wait staff per table
7. Recommended Gratuity – above and beyond the included tax & tip
8. Valet – included?
9. Vendor Dinner Price – ½ price of guests or set amount?
10. Bridal Suite
11. Bathrooms – how do they look
12. Renovations Planned – expected date of start/finish
13. Photo’s of facility in different seasons
14. Menu Options – packages, # of courses, additions, substitutions
15. Wedding Cake – included?
16. Flowers – included? For cocktail hour or reception?
17. Place Cards / Direction Cards – provided?
18. Installments/Payment Plans – do you send courtesy reminder?
19. Is there an affair before ours – time?
20. Type of Payment - Cash, Credit Card, Check
21. Meeting the Maitre’d and Chef
22. Once we choose, discount or free dinner for us and parents
23. Any Tasting Events or Showcases before we book
24. Cake Cutting Service Charge?
25. Smoking room - available? How close is outside to reception room?
26. Recommendations / Advice from Event Planner


Here's the list I used. I gathered this info from my friends that were recently married!

Re: Questions I should ask the reception hall?

1. I also asked about Linen colors
2. If you are doing after-dinner cordials, where are they served??? At too many weddings they roll the cordials out into the middle of the dance floor - interrupts the entire flow of the party.

The BIGGEST thing i asked (and thank god i did):

If we are under our minimum, instead of paying for wasted dinners, can we upgrade?? We ended up 38 people below our minimum. instead of wasting that money, we upgraded on of our main entrees to surf & turf and upgraded the cordials at the end of the evening. i would have HATED to have paid for 38 wasted dinners!!!! the hall still got all the money they were contracted to get, and i don't feel like anything was wasted.

Message edited 10/20/2003 3:17:05 PM.