Caterers!

Ok Ladies I'm about to narrow down and book my RH! What are VERY VERY VERY important questions that I need to ask? And what are the key things that need to be in the contract?


Thank you from the BOTTOM of my HEART in Advance!

just some i found on google
im sure there are more

What type of hall or social rooms are available?
What is the maximum number their room can accommodate?
What is the fee?
For how many hours?
Are there overtime charges?
What is included?
Do they provide tables, chairs, linens, china and silver?
Is there any additional fee?
Are there certain days of the week, or times of the day, when the price is discounted?
Can the site be used for both the ceremony and reception?
Can you use your own caterer or is there an in-house caterer that must be used?
Are there music restrictions concerning the type of music or length of time it may be played?
Is there a piano, or other musical instruments, at the site? Is there a charge to use them?
Are there regulations on photography or video taping?
Are there rooms available for the bride, groom and attendants to change into wedding attire or going-away clothes?
Are there restrictions on alcohol?
May hard liquor, beer, wine or champagne be served?
May you provide your own liquor?
With wine or champagne, is there a corkage fee?
If they provide the liquor, what is the per drink or per person charge?
Is there an adequate kitchen?
Is there a dance floor?
Do they provide a microphone?
If outside, are there heaters and lights?
If not, is there sufficient electrical power available to use them there?
Are there adequate restroom facilities?
Is liability insurance, including liquor liability, included in the rental fee?
Do they provide a coat check?
What is the fee, if any?
Do they have adequate parking?
Is there an additional fee?
What is the deposit?
What is the cancellation policy?
If reception is to be in a garden, can the area be tented?
Is there an alternative location that can accommodate the guests in the event of bad weather?
With a private reception site, do neighbors, police or security companies need to be notified?
Is there a special area for guests to wait for the arrival of the bride and groom?
Is there a good location for the receiving line, guest book and gift tables?
Is a security deposit required?
If so, how much?
When is it refunded?
Is the clean-up included in the rental fee?

What is included

ratio waiter to table,does each table have a bus boy/girl (faster rotation)

how many seats in CH

do you want WINE AT THE TABLE? Most people like this idea BUT they may not use the liquor service which you are paying for.

will you see another bride?

which people are you REQUIRED TO TIP at the end of the night...some places its the bridal attendant and the maitre de' others just the maitre de.

if you book now and want to try to find ways to wheel and deal with them later...just book the hall you can always add things on.

What is your MINIMUM AMOUNT OF GUESTS you have to have. My minimum is high 225 in March (out of season you can find lower minimum) but I love my place so I will probably have to pay for extra people that I wont be inviting.

Any discount when using vendors

How much for children.


AND lastly
ask about CANCELLATION POLICY. You can book this place and look at others if you dont LOVE the place...also weather wise.

someone made a comprehensive list of questions on another board but i can't find it now

but also ask about menu substitutions...like if u want to add/remove/change things if its extra or not. for example, we want some cultural foods we both like.

also sometimes places will drop the price if u want to remove like say cake for example...so u can ask about that if ure looking to save $ or u want to bring in something of your own...

if ure having kids...which age is 1/2 price, which age is free

are vendor meals inlcuded (sometimes preferred vendors are) and how much are they etc.

if u want special types of wine/alcohol...ask if they have it/can order it.

hope that helps!

Here is a link to a thread that was started a while back;

Questions to ask your Reception Hall before booking!

I found it really helpful when I was looking .... I didn't use ALL of the questions, but honestly a lot of them were things that hadn't even crossed my mind and I'm glad I asked the hall!

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Posted by PreshusSmurf

Here is a link to a thread that was started a while back;

Questions to ask your Reception Hall before booking!

I found it really helpful when I was looking .... I didn't use ALL of the questions, but honestly a lot of them were things that hadn't even crossed my mind and I'm glad I asked the hall!

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that's the thread i was looking for!

glad someone else was able to post it!

Happy to help!