What questions should i be asking when booking a reception hall?

I know people have lists.
Off the top of my head...my most important ones were:

1. Multiple events?
2. Hours of event?
3. Total price including tax?
4. Where exactly was the cocktail hr & reception?
5. Where was the 'holding area' for early guests?
6. What will guests be served in 'holding'?
7. How early can we come for pictures?
8. See bridal suite.

You get a LOT by seeing the place.
It's so much fun...have a great time!

basic menu options?
menu upgrades available? price of upgrades?
how many events are held at the same time?
can the ceremony be held on-site? where?
do you have to pay for meals of vendors?
how many people can the room hold max? what's the minimum requirement?

Do they plan any renovations to the property and if so what?

If you should have to cancel or postpone your date what are you responsible for?

If you would like to add extra time to your reception how much due they charge for overtime?

Is the cake included and what bakery do they use? Do they pictures of the cakes?

I got this from a bride's review on this site, here goes:


NAME OF HALL:

Dates Available:

Capacity:

Minimum for room:

How much are vendor meals?

Are kids half price?

What ages?

Any limit on number of ½ price kids?

How early can bridal party arrive?

What time can ceremony begin?

Any limitations of music played outside? What type of limitations (i.e., no amplifiers)

Ceremony fee? includes floral arrangements, arch, gazebo, pew markers, pedestals, podium or table

Ceremony location outdoor?

Indoor ceremony option in case of rain?

Length of aisle outside? inside? (for runner measurement)

Can we have a rehearsal the night before?
If not, when?

When can vendors arrive to set up?

Bridal Suite size & location:


Number of Concurrent Events:

If more than one event: separate bathroom
facilities?

Is Champagne Included throughout the reception?

Liquor – top shelf? (Names?) Grey Goose, Henny

Are candles allowed? Votive placecards?

Can we use others vendors?


Insurance requirements for vendors?

Does hall need proof of insurance?

Wedding Cake included?

Any limitations on flavors/fillings?

Any credit if we do not use the cake?

Cake cutting charge if bringing our own cake?

Number of Entrée Options

Can we have a tasting

When is final menu picked?

Any decorations included? Centerpieces or flowers for cocktail hour tables?

Linen colors?

Ratio of Guests/Servers:

What will waiters wear?

Bridal attendant included?

Number of Bars and Bartenders (i.e. 1 per 50 guests)?

Coat Room and Rest Room Attendants?

Is cost included?

Table Size (number):

Table shapes for room?

Maximum Number of Tables for room:

Valet – included or additional?

Dimensions of Dance Floor:

Dimensions of reception room:

Is there a separate cocktail room?

Capacity of cocktail room? Seating for all guests?

Overtime charges:

Gratuity – is it a set fee? Is it distributed amongst all of the workers?

Service charge % (number):

Is service charge taxed:

Hotel recommendations:

Direction cards provided? (get a copy for file)

Deposit amount?

Method of payment?

Payment schedule and is a courtesy reminder sent?

Any tasting events or showcases before we book?

Can we see photos of hall in different seasons (get copies for file)

Timing for final head count?

Can we upgrade if under minimum (no wasted dinners) i.e., cordials or upgrade entrees?

Cancellation and refund policy?

Smoking area? Outside in NY

Any renovations planned?
What/When?
Expected completion date?

***Do not forget to check out the bathrooms:

***Take digital pics of the rooms and grounds for file

Add any special notes/impressions about this hall? i.e. easy to find, distance from hotels and shopping for guests?

Can they play a cd for you during cocktail hour (in case you want to save money by not having a band/dj during cocktail hour)?

Do they provide menu cards? (again, saves you another expense)

If there's on-site valet parking, is it an additional cost to you?

Can you have food and cake tastings?

How much are vendor meals?

Do you get any freebies for using recommended vendors?

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Posted by Nechama1

JulyBride, that list is amazing!

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Thank you :) Although I can't take the credit, I found it on a review that a bride posted, but thought it was worth sharing.

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Posted by JulyBride728

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Posted by Nechama1

JulyBride, that list is amazing!

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Thank you :) Although I can't take the credit, I found it on a review that a bride posted, but thought it was worth sharing.

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*** ask if you can have a smoke machine or dry ice...and whats the policy w. the sparklers*** I wanted these things but my RH wont allow them , BOO!!!