I think I found it!

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If they don't let you have a tasting before I would put in a clause that if you don't like the food after you have your tasting, your contract is null and void and you get everything back, including the deposit.

Congrats on finding a place.

Yay congrats, the place looks beautiful!

I'd say check the following:
make sure all the food and drink you want is included.
Is valet parking included?
Food Tasting?
Chair covers included or extra?
Min. for room, Max room capacity
Cost for vendor/kids meals
Direction Cards provided?

I can't think of anything else.

I say definitely try to negotiate, the worst they will say is no!

Make sure EVERYTHING that you agree on is in the contract. Even if the person says don't worry we always include that or I will remember. Remember the person who you are speaking with may not be there when you are getting down to the payments at the end and even if they are there they may deny ever agreeing to something.

Ask for any substitutions that you want. Some places are more flexible than others. I do not know the venue that you are dealing with.

That's awesome!!!

The policy at Carlyle at the Palace might be the same as on the Green, which was there wasn't a formal food tasting but you could eat at the restaurant before you signed - bride and groom is free and up to, I think, 4 guests are 25% off. I wish I took advantage of this even though I wasn't going to end up booking but I felt guilty once I signed at Land's End! haha

Make sure if they promise to give you something that its in the contract. Other than that and the standard Date/time, names, $pp, minimum, etc.