Venue Questions

Hi everyone, I finally made it back to NY The search is on! I have a list of venues I will begin seeing today. Does anyone have any venue questions that I must ask, just to get the most out of the experience. I am cognizant that I only have a limited amount of time, so I want to get it all in at once
Anything I will appreciate it. Thanks

for the most part they tend to tell you so much that its a lot to take in and you'll forget a lot. TAKE NOTES. i made up a sheet and had a binder and I wrote down everything.

price per person
minimum
maximum
appearance pros
appearance cons
how long the sales person has been with that venue
whats included
how many stations you get for CH
deposit amount
payment plan

Found this on the site:

QUESTIONS:

Hall:


Date Visited:


Contact:


Phone #:


Address:


Dates Available:


Capacity:


Minimum for room:


Table Size (number):


Table shape:


Maximum Number of Tables for room:


Dimensions of Dance Floor:


Dimensions of Room:


Separate Cocktail Room:



How early can bridal party arrive?

Is the hall handicap accessible?


When can vendors arrive to set up?


Bridal Suite size & location:


Number of Concurrent Events:


If more than one event: separate bathroom facilities?


Liquor – top shelf? (Names?)


Is Champagne included throughout the reception?


Are candles allowed?


In-house Wedding Planner?


Photography/Florist – recommendations?


Can we use others vendors?


Any fee for outside vendors?


Insurance requirements for vendors?


Does hall need proof of insurance?


Wedding Cake included?


Any limitations on flavors/fillings?


Cake cutting charge for outside cakes? If so ask that it be reduced or eliminated
Can I have my own cake cutter?


Number of Entrée Options:


Can we have a tasting?


When is final menu picked?


Any decorations included?


Do we get a credit if not using centerpieces? How much?


Linen colors:


Ratio of Guests/Servers:


Bridal attendant included?


Number of Bars and Bartenders:


Coat Room and Rest Room Attendants?


Is cost included?


Valet – included or additional?


Overtime charges:


Price per person:


How much are vendor meals?


Are kids half price?


What ages?


Any limit on number of half price kids?


Vendors included in minimum?


Are kids included in minimum?


Gratuity/service charge – is it a set fee? Is it distributed amongst all of the workers?


grat/Service charge % (number):


Is grat/service charge taxed:


Hotel recommendations:


Church recommendations:


Direction cards provided? (Get a copy for file)


Deposit amount:


Method of payment:


Payment schedule and is a courtesy reminder sent?


Any tasting events or showcases before we book?


Can we see photos of hall in different seasons (get copies for file)


Timing for final head count:


Can we upgrade if under minimum (no wasted dinners) i.e., cordials or upgrade entrees?


Cancellation and refund policy:


Smoking area?


Any renovations planned?


What/When?


Expected completion date?



WEATHER QUESTIONS (if it will be Winter!):

Plowing?

Cancellation policy due to extreme weather?



***Do not forget to check out the bathrooms:
***Take digital pics of the rooms and grounds for file.

Remember that the price per person will depend on what minimum you guarantee. When they tell you a price pp, ask what guarantee that's for. And if you can guarantee more than that, ask what the price would be for X people.

Take pictures!

How early can you come in to set up?
Is there a site fee? Does it include rehearsal time?
Is there an additional ceremony fee?
What time do you guests have to leave by?
What are decoration restrictions?
What if any additional fees on top of the pp price?
What's included in the bar package?
Do you have exclusive vendors? Do I have to use them?

And there are tons more you should ask depending on what type of venue you're looking at.

GL!