Reception Hall- need advice

So My FH and I have decided to go for a food testing at Larkfield Manor and if the food is good we will sign the contract with them. My question is what is generally included in the contract and what do I need to look for in particular in signing it, Any advice would be so greatly appreciated.
thanks in advance
tara

Everything that you are getting from soup to nuts shoudl be included in the contract.

Price, food, any extra's that may be thrown in, the hours of the cocktail, reception and venetian hour if you're doing it.

If you are thinking about doing extra's but don't want to make that decision just yet ask that they write down the prices of the stuff that you might end up doing like the venetian hour this way you have the price that the Banquet manager quotes you in writing and if it goes up by the time you go to finalize your menu you won't have to pay the increase.

Make sure they tell you if tax and grat is included in the price quote they give you per plate

Make sure the rooms you will be in are written on the contract and they also write down what your min gaurantee is.

If I think of other stuff I'll add but overall the places we went to knew to do this automatically so it was something we did really have to worry about. They were very up front and wrote all the information and the stuff we asked about right on the contract and gave us a copy of it.

Good luck and have fun!!

OH yea that was a biggie for me too since we booked in march! Can't believe I forgot that one.

And if you aren't having your ceremony there ask what the earliest time you can arrive at the hall. I know I can't get to mine before 6pm cause there is a wedding that starts at 7 and my cocktail doesn't start until 8

Remember one thing, If it is not in writing it doesn't count, so if they say to you..oh yea we will throw in some cookie trays on the table that day..they need to write it on the contract, if not it will never get done and you have no way to prove to them that they were supposed to. The arrival time is important as well because my hall said I could come whenever I wanted by some dont. Another idea is to make sure that it truly is an open bar if thats waht your doing, maritni's mojito, margartias....etc....the last thing I would think to put in the contract is EXACTLY what is included as far as cakes, ice sculptures, or any other item they are 'throwing' in.......but as said above the most important part of the contract is the room of your CH and your Reception, I know at Crest Hollow they will not tell you your cocktail hour room...in my book that is bull..lol....tell them you want your rooms in writing...wow i am babbling..lol..