Looking at reception places....what to expect??

Your appointment will last about half an hour (at least that was average for me).

You should definitely bring your list of questions b/c otherwise, you won't have all your questions answered when deciding where to book. (All those questions should be part of your decision on where to book!)

You'll look around the hall, go over the menu and pricing and get all of your questions answered.

I agrre, bring your questions-and ask as many as possible. If you have a question ask it, b/c then they will know they cant bend you over.
Good Luck and have fun, hall shopping was very fun!

Here is a list of questions I found on here that has been posted and reposted a few times:

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:

Thanks so much!! So you have actually been able to bargain the price pp at some places?? I have heard mixed things about that.

We are def. going to be looking at CLM, Vineyard Caterers, Watermill, Villas, and Hamlet Willow Creek. Any tips with these places??

---

Posted by mishmosh514

Thanks so much!! So you have actually been able to bargain the price pp at some places?? I have heard mixed things about that.

We are def. going to be looking at CLM, Vineyard Caterers, Watermill, Villas, and Hamlet Willow Creek. Any tips with these places??

---

YES! Everything is negotiable!! Most of the time they wont budge on things until your second visit/call, because then they know you're serious.

---

Posted by mishmosh514

Thanks so much!! So you have actually been able to bargain the price pp at some places?? I have heard mixed things about that.

We are def. going to be looking at CLM, Vineyard Caterers, Watermill, Villas, and Hamlet Willow Creek. Any tips with these places??

---

Yup, you can definitely bargain the price down... just maybe not at the first meeting (though sometimes at the first meeting). My hall seemed as if they wouldn't budge on price.

I called them back and basically said, 'We're on our way to book with our second choice hall based solely on price. If you can come down to $x per head, we'll book with you for this date immediately.' (This was completely true, too!) They said yes... Some halls are more willing to negotiate than others, but I think most are pretty flexible. Some places may not negotiate during their peak season b/c they may not have to. Also, some halls may not negotiate if you are booking 2+ years in advance because in the meantime, they can probably find someone else to pay that price for that date.

Another negotiating option is to call them back after you've visited a few places to say, 'We're really interested, but think that price is out of our budget a little bit. Are you at all willing to negotiate? If not, we won't call you back.'

Some places will be very firm about price during the first meeting, so I didn't press price with them at all during the first meeting UNLESS the price was different than we were quoted over the phone. I negotiated after the first meeting when I had narrowed it down to two halls.

Most will either come down or throw in extras (or lower the minimum) if you ask and you are serious about booking... though I do imagine that some popular halls do not negotiate during their peak season (or not very much). I think most halls will come down up to $5 pp... We got ours down more than that, but we were booking only 9 months out.

I'll also add... You'll get really good at negotiating as you plan your wedding.

I used to be pretty shy about money and negotiating, but I'm getting REALLY good now!