Venue

I actually made a questionnaire and made them fill it out!

1. Who is the main contact person if we choose this wedding hall?
a. Will the same person we work with from the beginning oversee everything the day of the wedding?
2. What is the minimum guests we need to guarantee? 100? 150?
3. What is the payment schedule to reserve the hall?
a. How much is needed to reserve the date?
b. When are all subsequent payments due?
c. Are children included in the minimum?
i. Are children offered a ½ price rate if not included in the minimum?
d. Is the gratuity included? Set fee?
i. What is the service charge percentage?
ii. Is the service charge taxed?
4. Are there hotel accommodations?
a. Any hotel recommendations in the area close to the hall?
5. Can we upgrade if under minimum guest number? (No wasted dinners…I.E….cordials or upgrade entrees?)
6. How many guests per table?
a. 10?
b. 12?
c. 14?
7. Can we do a rehearsal prior to the wedding day?
a. How much would it cost?
8. What are the costs of each vendor?
a. Florist?
b. DJ?
c. Maitre D?
d. Bridal attendant?
e. Photographer?
9. Are vendor meals included into the price?
a. Are vendor meals discounted if not covered by reception hall?
b. Price before minimum is met?
c. After minimum is met?
10. Is there a discount on the price if we use recommended vendors?
11. Can we arrive early for photographs? How early?
a. Is there a designated time to take pictures on the grounds?
12. What is the ceremony fee? Is there any flexibility on the cost?
13. What does the ceremony fee include?
a. Floral arrangements?
i. Are centerpieces included?
ii. Are cocktail hour centerpieces included?
iii. Are candles allowed if centerpieces are not? (Evening ceremony would look nice with candles as substitute)
iv. Will the floral arrangements be moved between the ceremony and the reception hall?
b. Archway?
c. Gazebo?
d. How many chairs?
e. Table stands?
f. Sound mic? Music?
i. Is there a music restriction for outdoor cocktail hour?
14. How early can we arrive to use the bridal suite?
a. How early before the ceremony is it accessible?
15. How many weddings are hosted each day?
a. Are the wedding times staggered?
b. Would I hear the other wedding ceremony/reception during my wedding?
c. Separate bathroom facilities? Shared facilities?
i. Are the bathrooms on the same floor as the room?
ii. Can the bridal suite and female bathrooms accommodate wide dresses?
iii. Are there bathroom attendants?
16. What is the ratio of guests to servers?
17. Who sets up the decorations and favors?
18. Is the head table in a central location?
a. Is the head table positioned away from sunlight?
b. Curtains/Drapes close easily?
c. Away from smokers lounge/smoking area?
19. Who has control of the thermostat incase the venue is too hot/cold?
20. What kinds of tables are used?
a. Round?
b. Oval?
c. Square?
d. Banquet tables?
21. Are the tables far from the dance floor?
a. Are the tables set up in a circle around the head table?
22. Is there a stage for musicians?
a. How many musicians can it accommodate?
23. Is the wedding cake included in the cost?
a. If not, is the cake cutting fee needed if we bring our own cake?
24. Is there a tasting event or showcase of the food before booking the event?
25. Are table menus, table numbers, and menus included in the cost?
a. What about directional cards that are sent with invitations?
26. Is there tableside wine/soda service provided?
a. How many bartenders are provided for the room?
b. How much for additional bartenders?
c. What kind of alcohol is provided?
i. Top shelf?
ii. Well drinks?
27. What needs to be decided when close to the wedding date?
28. When is final selection due?
a. Table linens?
b. Menu choices?
29. Is valet parking and coat check included in the cost?
30. Is the guest book, cake table, gift tables included in the cost? Extra?