My first appointment! tips please...

I have my first appointment booked to go see a reception hall (NJ) Does anyone have any tips for me or questions that I should be asking? I am planning to take pictures if they allow me to in order to show my fiance.

Anything other than availability/cost/menu/valet info/etc that I need to know before I walk in there?

wish i could help but...i kind of went with a gut feeling for mine.

also keep in mind alot of times you can negotiate with them- i did

good luck

I found this list on an old thread! And always remember to negotiate! It never hurts to ask to have something thrown in for free!

Reception Hall Questions

1. Room Dimensions:
2. Max # of people room holds:
3. Tables – round, oval, square, rectangle, octagonal:
4. # of people per table:
5. How many affairs at a time:
6. Wait staff per table:
7. Recommended Gratuity – above and beyond the included tax & tip:
8. Valet – included?:
9. Vendor Dinner Price – ½ price of guests or set amount?
10. Bridal Suite: (look and see)
11. Bathrooms – how do they look:
12. Renovations Planned – expected date of start/finish:
13. Photo’s of facility in different seasons:
14. Menu Options – packages, # of courses, additions, substitutions:
15. Wedding Cake – included?:
16. Flowers – included? For cocktail hour or reception?:
17. Place Cards / Direction Cards – provided?:
18. Installments/Payment Plans – do you send courtesy reminder?:
19. Is there an affair before ours – time?:
20. Type of Payment - Cash, Credit Card, Check:
21. Meeting the Maitre’d and Chef:
22. Once we choose, discount or free dinner for us and our parents:
23. Any Tasting Events or Showcases before we book:
24. Cake Cutting Service Charge?:
25. Smoking room - available? How close is outside to reception room?:
26. Recommendations / Advice from Event Planner:
27. Top Shelf Liquor?

Name brand sodas?

Wine with dinner?

Color of linens:

Are table numbers, place cards, direction cards included?

Do waiters take drink orders?

Number of bartenders for cocktail hour/reception?

Is there an absolute end time for the reception? (We have to be out of our hall by 1am at the latest. )

Bathroom attendants included? If so, is there option to not have...? (If you want to save money)

Will you be assigned a bridal attendant?

Do kids count on the minimum?

Is there a kids' menu?

Booster seats available?

Are there place to take pictures inside/outside the hall?

If hall provides wedding cake, can you pick style of cake? Is there a cake tasting?

Hi Honeybee06

We just started looking this past weekend and the list of questions that is posted was SO HELPFUL!!!!!

Good luck and happy hunting!

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Posted by honeybee06

I have my first appointment booked to go see a reception hall (NJ) Does anyone have any tips for me or questions that I should be asking? I am planning to take pictures if they allow me to in order to show my fiance.

Anything other than availability/cost/menu/valet info/etc that I need to know before I walk in there?

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oooo - what hall? you got a jersey girl here!

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Posted by CalJoe0124

Hi Honeybee06

We just started looking this past weekend and the list of questions that is posted was SO HELPFUL!!!!!

Good luck and happy hunting!

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Thanks I will use the list!

CalJoe I just took a picture with my ring on that same type of flower today!! I was like is that my avator?

you can always print these questionnaires from modern bride and Martha Stewart Weddings:
MB Questionnaires

Martha

DEFINITELY negotiate pricing. For example if you want to save money, sometimes they can cut out some of the food (they give you an obscene amount of food with your package at most places.

HTH