Venue and food tasting?

Is it common to not be able to do a tasting prior to booking? My fiancé and I went to look at The Riviera last night and were told we could do a tasting on a ongoing weddings cocktail hour food after we booked. I found this to be odd, but we've only seen three places in total so far so just curious if anyone else has had this experience. Also, has anyone been to the The Riviera as a wedding guest? Thoughts/opinions on the food/wedding experience?

Venue and food tasting?

I think it varies by venue, but I think the majority make you wait to do the tasting after. We were lucky that our venue allowed us to do the tasting prior to booking.

Venue and food tasting?

My venue doesn't do a tasting at all I just spoke to people who have been there and they said the food was good so i'm taking their word for it

Venue and food tasting?

I am booked at the Riviera and we did our tasting after we booked,but I know my moms friends son and his fiancé is going before they book (from what I was told). I loved the venue and heard good things so I went with my gut. I did go to a food tasting and the food was amazing, so I was happy with that.

Venue and food tasting?

its rare to find a venue willing to do a tasting before booking. Maybe after to do menu selection.. My venue doesn't offer it at all. But they do offer either free drinks and apps at their restaurant or 50% off the bill.

Venue and food tasting?

I did my tasting and then booked on the spot (after the tasting). I don't think I would book a place if I was not sure of the food.. I guess that's the italian in me!

Re: Venue and food tasting?

I feel the same way! Which is why I'm really surprised at places not offering a tasting before booking lol!

Venue and food tasting?

The only place I visited that allowed for a tasting prior to booking was chateau la mer- they do them family style on Wednesday and you can bring up to 6 ppl with you.

When we started looking at venues - we only went to places we've been to before and liked the food

Venue and food tasting?

I'm a Riviera bride and did my food tasting after booking. I've heard such amazing food reviews for them and I really liked everything I tried. I love the Riviera, I think it's so pretty and such a different feel than other venues.

Venue and food tasting?

We weren't allowed a food tasting until after we booked with CHCC. I did the food tasting immediately and if I was disappointed I still had time to find another venue. Luckly we loved the food and service.

Venue and food tasting?

FH and I were having a hard time deciding between jericho terrace, chateau briand and crest hollow, so we told each place that we wanted to do a tasting so food would be the deciding factor. They allowed us to do it at each place. Only difference was jericho and crest only allowed you to taste some of the cocktail hour options. Chateau gave you cocktail hour options, what they serve for dinner and dessert!

Re: Venue and food tasting?

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Posted by ldequatro

I did my tasting and then booked on the spot (after the tasting). I don't think I would book a place if I was not sure of the food.. I guess that's the italian in me!

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I couldn't agree more...

Venue and food tasting?

It definitely varies from venue to venue! We heard great reviews about our venue and had a few friends who attended a couple of weddings there and reassured us our guests as well as us would be extremely pleased.

Venue and food tasting?

Our Venue (Jericho Terrace) allowed us to do a tasting before booking and/or put a deposit down that would be eligible for a refund if we did not like the food. We did not put down a deposit but after the food tasting we decided to book, it was really important to me to taste the food first. Alot of place usually do this after you book, however you can add in the contract to be eligible for a refund if you don't like the food. Some places however do not do this at all until you need to choose the menu it really does vary.

Re: Venue and food tasting?

I've actually heard girls say that the Riviera didn't let them do a tasting like that at all until closer to their date after booking, so I guess that's a good thing! lol We could have done one with our venue before booking but chose not to, but many offer one closer to the date in order to help you choose your menu. I think it really varies by the venue. Good luck!

Venue and food tasting?

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

Venue and food tasting?

You should signs contract PENDING a food tasting. If yin don't like the food, the contract is void. They shouldn't have a problem doing this.

Venue and food tasting?

Yes Sand Castle allowed me to do a food tasting before I put a deposit

Re: Venue and food tasting?

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Posted by ldequatro

I did my tasting and then booked on the spot (after the tasting). I don't think I would book a place if I was not sure of the food.. I guess that's the italian in me!

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This sounds like it........I wouldn't. Ok anywhere without tasting unless there is a refund clause somewhere.

Re: Venue and food tasting?

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Posted by portugreek2016

FH and I were having a hard time deciding between jericho terrace, chateau briand and crest hollow, so we told each place that we wanted to do a tasting so food would be the deciding factor. They allowed us to do it at each place. Only difference was jericho and crest only allowed you to taste some of the cocktail hour options. Chateau gave you cocktail hour options, what they serve for dinner and dessert!

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This might depend on the day you go for a tasting and if there is an event there that day.. I had my tasting at JT and they gave us cocktail hour, dinner, dessert & drinks all before we signed any contract