Advice

Hello ladies, I'm going to start visiting different catering halls, but I want to be prepared, what are the questions I should ask? Also, I'm looking for a place that I can also have the ceremony there, any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

First definitely ask if you can have the ceremony at their location. And of course ask how much that would cost.
Here is a list of other questions:
What type of food items do you recommend for my budget and number of guests?
What type of service, sit-down dinner or buffet would you suggest?
What is the ratio of servers to guests?
How will the servers be attired?
Do you handle rental equipment such as tables, chairs, serving pieces, etc.?
Do you provide linens, glassware, plates and silverware?
Do you charge a corkage fee per bottle if we provide our own wine or champagne?
Do you provide liquor? Bartenders?
Are you licensed to serve alcohol?
What brands of alcohol will be served?
What is the charge for set-ups (soda, ice)?
Do you provide the wedding cake? If not, is there a cake cutting fee?
What is the last date I can give you a final guest count?
What is the payment policy? Do you accept credit cards?
How much of a deposit is required to hold the date?
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Can you provide a list of references?

Good Luck..

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Posted by coopersmom

Are you looking in Suffolk or Nassau and how many people approximately do you think you will have? There are two major questions that would help us narrow it down for you.

Good luck!

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I'm looking in Nassau or Queens....I'm inviting approx. 200 people.

Another important question for you is, what are you looking to spend per person?
A good place to start is www.weddingsitesandservices.com

Take notes!!! If they promise you something write it down in your notebook and if you decide to go with them make sure they write what they promised you in the contract! My fiance and I made sure that everything he promised was on written in the contract. He printed out the contract and it was missing some things. We made him write it in and initial it. Also, the notes help you negotiate with other vendors. Say, well this place is giving us these extras for the same price your asking for. What can you add to make us choose your place over theirs? I did that with the Swan Club and here were the extras I got thrown in: 2 extra chafing dishes, 2 carving stations, hotel reservations (because we signed with them within 48 hours of getting a quote), and an Expresso w/Anisette station. The only thing that we wanted that we didn't get them to add was the ice carving. Not a biggie but we wanted it all. We got such a great price that I guess it was unfair to keep adding things Anyways, good luck!

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Posted by LovelyChas

Hello ladies, I'm going to start visiting different catering halls, but I want to be prepared, what are the questions I should ask? Also, I'm looking for a place that I can also have the ceremony there, any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

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We have seen 27 halls - yes, 27 Before you even go out to look at hall, determine dates you are willing to take (and what dates you definitely won't take) and the price range you are willing to pay (and keep the 15 - 20% service charge and tax in mind).

Check out www.locationsmagazine.com and www.weddingsitesandservices.com to start. They by all means do not list all the halls but there are tons to choose from on each site.

We took a digital camera and the fact sheet for each hall includes:

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?
Vendors included in minimum?
Are kids included in minimum?
How early can bridal party arrive:
Can we have ceremony on site?
What time will ceremony begin?
Ceremony fee?
Ceremony location?
Length of aisle (for runner if using)?
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?)
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?
Number of Entrée Options
Can we have a tasting
When is final menu picked?
Any decorations included
Centerpieces/Cocktail hour tables?
Do we get a credit if not using centerpieces?
Linen colors:
Ratio of Guests/Servers:
What will waiters wear?
Bridal attendant included?
Number of Bars and Bartenders
Coat Room and Rest Room Attendants?
Is cost included?
Table Size (number):
Table shape:
Maximum Number of Tables for room:
Valet – included or additional?
Dimensions of Dance Floor:
Dimensions of Room:
Separate Cocktail Room:
Overtime charges:
Gratuity – is it a set fee? Is it distributed amongst all staff?
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?
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 Notes about this hall?

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