Questions for Reception Sites

I know this has been asked before, I'm sure a million times, and I think I recall seeing a thread about it in a search a while back, but I can't seem to find the thread now. Does anyone have a list of questions that I should ask when I visit reception sites? I know this is a loaded question, and I apologize in advance, but I'm really starting to get very cranky about the fact that we haven't booked a place yet and I really need to get moving on this.

HELP!

Well I won't go through a list - you can find that on many, many sites. here are some I didn't always see covered that were important to me

I would ask about hidden charges and fees. Many places can be a little sneaky.
What is the service charge? (Is it negotiable? usually it is but few people realize this)
Is the service charge taxed?
Does service charge cover gratuity?
If not - what kind of gratuity is expected?
Any other staff fees or gratuities?

Are there other weddings at the same time?
Even if it's only one bride at a time - how early can you get into the bridal suite?

Do you have full access to the grounds for pictures?
(some golf clubs restrict you from the golf course during the day)

Is cake included?
If not - is there a cake cutting fee?

Specific wine choices if you care about that

Can you have a tasting (if you are not familiar with food at weddings there)


What are minimum/maximum number of guests?
Really take a look at the room to see if it is too big or small for the number of people you have. Don't book any room for 240 if they say it fits 240. It will be really tight.

Is there a bridal attendant?

Those are just a few but pretty important in my opinion
good luck

I'm sure people on here can also answer these if you forget to ask or want a clue before you go

I'm going to the Swan Club tomorrow morning and, depending on how that goes, Westbury Manor, Chateau Briand, Stewart Manor CC, Fox Hollow, etc. FH isn't coming with me, and even if he was, I don't know how helpful he'd be, but I've already got the thumbs up from him on the Swan Club, so if they answer all the questions that need to be asked with things I want to hear, we may be back Sunday to book them.

Checking my FM now...thanks!

Here are some I found on The Knot for you...

Reception Sites: 17 Questions to Ask the Manager

There's a lot to consider before you choose and reserve a reception site. Here's what you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.

How much will it cost to use this site? What's the payment plan?

Is there a reception package? What's included, and how much does it cost?

Does the site have liability insurance? (If someone gets injured during the party, you don't want to be held responsible -- if the site doesn't have insurance, you'll need to get your own.)

How long will you have the site? Is there an overtime fee if you stay longer? Must you rent the site for a minimum amount of time?

Will there be another party just before or just after yours? If so, will there be enough time to clean up and redecorate before the next wedding begins, or is an awkward overlap possible?

Are tables, chairs, plates, and glasses available, or will you have to provide (rent) them yourself or get them through your caterer? This can send your costs sky-high.

Is there an in-house caterer (or a list of 'preferred' caterers), or must you provide your own? Can you choose to use an outside caterer instead?

Are there kitchen facilities? Caterers charge extra if they have to haul in refrigerators and stoves.

Must you leave everything as is, or can you move things around and decorate to suit your purposes? Are there decoration guidelines?

If there's parking, is it free? If not, what are the rates and gratuities for valets? (You can and should pay this up front so your guests don't have to tip.)

Will there be, or can you set up, a coatroom? Are there sufficient restroom facilities?

If there's no bar, can one be set up? Does the place even have a liquor license?

Is there a dress code -- coat and tie after 6 p.m., for example?

Does the site have restrictions on what kind of music you can play, or a time at which music must be turned off?

Will someone who works at the location supervise your wedding? This should be the person you plan with, not someone you won't meet until the wedding.

How about security? Must you hire your own security guards, or does the site hire them or have them on staff? You should feel comfortable with the security level.

What's the cancellation policy? Some places will refund most of your deposit if you cancel far enough in advance (often 60 days), since there's still a chance they can rent the space. After a certain date, though, you may not be able to get a refund -- at least not a full one.

Feel like you've found the perfect place? Be sure to review these contract points before making it final.

I HOPE IT HELPS!!!!