going to visit first RH tonight (Douglaston Manor) - what to ask?

FH and I are going to look at Douglaston Manor tonight. It's the first RH we're looking at (though we have 3 more lined up for Saturday).

Neither of us have been there, but we've seen the pictures on the web site.

So... since it's our first RH that we're looking at, what questions should we ask? On our first visit, will we sit down and discuss what menu / things we'd like and get a price offer from them?

Also, if anyone has comments specific to Douglaston Manor, please let me know! I'd especially like to hear from anyone who's been to an event there, dealt with Thomas, etc. I'm dying to know what the food is like - b/c we're really picky about the food!

Thanks!

Thanks. I'm most worried about the food b/c I don't know anyone who has had it recently! I don't want to book somewhere unless I know the food will be good... but it's just the first place I'm looking at.

I was quoted much lower than that over the phone, but I'm also booking on short notice (and maybe b/c I'm having more guests). Guess we'll see what happens in person!

I'm also not sure the decor will be my taste, but I guess I won't know until I see it in person.

I made this website quite a while back, but it may be able to help you out. There are questionnaires for different wedding vendors that are print ready using Excel. HTH!

Bridal Diva

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Posted by divabride

I made this website quite a while back, but it may be able to help you out. There are questionnaires for different wedding vendors that are print ready using Excel. HTH!

Bridal Diva

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Thanks!

good luck Kara!!! you know how I feel about Douglaston b/c I booked there!! you can try sending an FM to suzartie69 (she's booked there too and went to the same tasting I did in September). Also, franksgirl323 (Tammy) got married there in September this year and said the food was excellent. toniscott had her e-party in their smaller room in August, also had good reviews of the service & food. You can try contacting them.....let me know how it goes tonight!!!

Also- Douglaston negotiated price w/ me, but maybe b/c we're inviting 200....the outdoor area is beautiful- it's alongside a golf course!!!

ETA- the renovations were done w/ the new owners- so any previous experience w/ food (anything prior to this year) is unreliable info.....you'd have to speak to anyone who's had a party there this year. Good luck!

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Posted by HelenZ

good luck Kara!!! you know how I feel about Douglaston b/c I booked there!! you can try sending an FM to suzartie69 (she's booked there too and went to the same tasting I did in September). Also, franksgirl323 (Tammy) got married there in September this year and said the food was excellent. toniscott had her e-party in their smaller room in August, also had good reviews of the service & food. You can try contacting them.....let me know how it goes tonight!!!

Also- Douglaston negotiated price w/ me, but maybe b/c we're inviting 200....the outdoor area is beautiful- it's alongside a golf course!!!

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Do you know if you can have the CH in the glass room and the reception in the grand ballroom? Is that what you said you were doing?

I'm really hesitant to book an outside area b/c I'm afraid of what will happen if it rains... I don't want to have the CH in the same room as the reception!

yes, my CH will be in the glass room, and reception in the main ballroom- I too would be worried about the CH being outside, even if it's supposed to be a nice day, ya never know it could be really hot or windy, September can be unpredictable!!.....I was going to ask them to have everything set up inside and maybe some tables on the deck too so people can feel free to mingle outside or inside.

Oh that would be great to have the glass room AND outdoor space!

Thanks!

Here you go Maureen!

Catering Hall Questionaire

Catering Hall:
Contact Person:

Do you carry liability insurance?
How many weddings are held at a time?
How much time do you allow from one wedding to another?
What will be shared between the wedding parties?
Is valet parking included? If not, how much?
Do you provide a coat room with an attendant?
Is there a bathroom attendant?
Is there a designated smoking area? Rain?
How many hours are included?
Do offer a variety of table sizes?
How many guests per table?
What is the guest/waiter ratio?
How will the waiters be dressed?
Do you provide linens? If so, is there a selection of colors?
Do you offer chair covers?
Are there any decorations you provide such as votive candles?
Do you provide a bridal suite?
Will the same food & liquor be offered in the bridal suite as the CH?
Is there a designated time for picture taking on your grounds?
Do you offer tastings?
If we decide to go with an outside baker, is there a cake cutting fee?
How much does it cost to feed my vendors?
What incentives do you offer if we use your house vendors?
How much of a balance is required?
When is the balance due?
How much does it cost per person?
What is the minimum number of guests?
What happens if you fall below the minimum?
What is your cancellation policy?

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Posted by Kara and Todd

Oh that would be great to have the glass room AND outdoor space!

Thanks!

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I can't see DM having an issue w/ using both, since they can't book the glass room for the time I'd need it for anyway (since they won't know whether it will rain or shine until that week). Can you ask when you go tonight? Otherwise, I should mention it to Thomas just to be sure, b/c I kind of figured I would do this, but didn't actually ask!

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Posted by HelenZ

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Posted by Kara and Todd

Oh that would be great to have the glass room AND outdoor space!

Thanks!

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I can't see DM having an issue w/ using both, since they can't book the glass room for the time I'd need it for anyway (since they won't know whether it will rain or shine until that week). Can you ask when you go tonight? Otherwise, I should mention it to Thomas just to be sure, b/c I kind of figured I would do this, but didn't actually ask!

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Can you clarify what you mean by they cannot book the glass room until that week...?? Do you mean they can't book the courtyard?

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Posted by Kara and Todd

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Posted by HelenZ

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Posted by Kara and Todd

Oh that would be great to have the glass room AND outdoor space!

Thanks!

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I can't see DM having an issue w/ using both, since they can't book the glass room for the time I'd need it for anyway (since they won't know whether it will rain or shine until that week). Can you ask when you go tonight? Otherwise, I should mention it to Thomas just to be sure, b/c I kind of figured I would do this, but didn't actually ask!

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Can you clarify what you mean by they cannot book the glass room until that week...?? Do you mean they can't book the courtyard?

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Ok to clarify- the glass room would be used for my CH- which is 6:30-7:30pm....since the weather is never guaranteed, and there's the possibility I would need that room if its raining, they can't use that room at all during that time.....sorry if I was confusing!!! That's why I was thinking I should be able to use both the glass room and the outdoor deck b/c that room is mine for that timeframe.

The glass room would be used if there's a smaller party booked that night- BUT they would be using that as their reception room- since I'm using it til 7:30, Thomas told me IF there's another party booked, they wouldn't be in that room til 8PM. Once you go there tonight I think you'll understand my confusing statement a little bit better!!

Here's a list that akaMrsT posted that was useful to me when I was searching for halls.

HTH

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?

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? Votive placecards?

Is there an in-house Wedding Planner?

Any discount or credit for using recommended vendors? (i.e. cheaper vendor meals)

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?

Do we get a credit if not using centerpieces?
If so, how much?

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:

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?

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

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Posted by Kara and Todd

FH and I are going to look at Douglaston Manor tonight. It's the first RH we're looking at (though we have 3 more lined up for Saturday).

Neither of us have been there, but we've seen the pictures on the web site.

So... since it's our first RH that we're looking at, what questions should we ask? On our first visit, will we sit down and discuss what menu / things we'd like and get a price offer from them?

Also, if anyone has comments specific to Douglaston Manor, please let me know! I'd especially like to hear from anyone who's been to an event there, dealt with Thomas, etc. I'm dying to know what the food is like - b/c we're really picky about the food!

Thanks!

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late post-- out of curiosity, how you like the place?