Reception Hall Questions...

I am going to a food tasting tomorrow night (Fri 11/18) at a reception hall, which right now is my leading contender. I've only had the initial meeting with them as of yet. I got a really good feeling about them, and really liked the BM we met with.

He gave us the food run-down, and pricing - pretty much all the basic first-metting stuff...

My problem though, is that I can never remember the 'important questions' you should ask your reception hall people What questions/issues did you all feel were super important in asking before you decided upon your reception hall / signed a contract?

TIA!

Hall:


Date Visited:


Contact:


Phone #:


Address:


Dates Available:


Capacity:


Minimum for room:


Table Size (number):


Table shape:


Maximum Number of Tables for room:


Dimensions of Dance Floor:


Dimensions of Room:


Separate Cocktail Room:



How early can bridal party arrive?


When can vendors arrive to set up?


Bridal Suite size & location:


Number of Concurrent Events:


If more than one event: separate bathroom facilities?


Liquor – top shelf? (Names?)


Is Champagne included throughout the reception?


Are candles allowed?


In-house Wedding Planner?


Photography/Florist – recommendations?


Can we use others vendors?


Any fee for outside vendors?


Insurance requirements for vendors?


Does hall need proof of insurance?


Wedding Cake included?


Any limitations on flavors/fillings?


Cake cutting charge for outside cakes? If so ask that it be reduced or eliminated


Number of Entrée Options:


Can we have a tasting?


When is final menu picked?


Any decorations included?


Do we get a credit if not using centerpieces? How much?


Linen colors:


Ratio of Guests/Servers:


Bridal attendant included?


Number of Bars and Bartenders:


Coat Room and Rest Room Attendants?


Is cost included?


Valet – included or additional?


Overtime charges:


Price per person:


How much are vendor meals?


Are kids half price?


What ages?


Any limit on number of half price kids?


Vendors included in minimum?


Are kids included in minimum?


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


grat/Service charge % (number):


Is grat/service charge taxed:


Hotel recommendations:


Church 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?


Any renovations planned?


What/When?


Expected completion date?


WEATHER QUESTIONS (if it will be Winter!):

Plowing?

Cancellation policy due to extreme weather?



***Do not forget to check out the bathrooms:
***Take digital pics of the rooms and grounds for file.

Notes:


eta: a big thank you to akaMrsT for many of these Qs.

What is the minimum # of people you need
Do they have valet parking
Do they provide direction and place cards
Payment schedule
When do you have to provide your final head count
Do they have indoor and outdoos pic spots
Do you have to pay for the meals if you use their vendors?
How many weddings take place their at a time
Ratio of servers to guests
If you use a outside vendor is there anything special you need to know
Do they make the cake onsite or do you have to go to the bakery
Look at the bathrooms!!!!!!!
Do they supply the bathroom basket
Vegetarian meals/ Kids meals (if needed)
What is the earliest/latsest you can start the wedding
How much earlier can you get there before the wedding

Can't think of anything else if I do I'll edit this

great list!!! I am saving this one!!!

great list thanks a bunch!!

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Posted by BklynItaliana

shorty mcbride's got it down to a science...lol

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14 halls!!!

shorty that is a great list.. i think i used pretty much the same exact one when i booked at my hall.

don't be afraid to ask a single question on that list!! Your BM should be used to it and should be able to answer each and every single one without you even asking it! (at least mine did)

Good luck!