Minimum # of guests for each room (if the venue has more than one wedding at a time).
Wheelchair accessibility, if needed (all of the venues we visited were).
Starting time for the reception (or ceremony, if you're having it there).
How early you could arrive to take pictures.
Payment schedule.
Whether they provide the wedding cake, and whether there is a fee if you decide to use an outside vendor.
Whether they provide linens, and what the choices are.
Whether the menu can be customized to your preference.
pixietina
Posted:
Member since
Re: Visiting my first venue
Also find out who is covered in the gratuity charge like valet.
Is there a place guests can wait if they get there early?
Will they throw in extras if you cant meet your minimum.
How much do they charge you to feed your vendors like dj and such.
Irishbride16
Posted:
Member since
Re: Visiting my first venue
Best of luck ..and if you don forget you can always call them and ask!
Jill52787
Posted:
Member since
Re: Visiting my first venue
If you're having the reception on site do they give you 1/2 hour or an hour?
If you can get there early to take pictures.
Do you have to guarantee a certain amount of guests or can you set your minimum?
Do they offer food tastings before you book?
Are you required to use any of their house vendors?
irisheyezrsmilen
Posted:
Member since
Re: Visiting my first venue
MOST IMPORTANT!
Get EVERYTHING in writing. If they tell you something they will 'add on' or 'give you' just anything make sure its in writing, cause even if you call them the next day there is gonna be a large chance they will 'forget'
chliekm
Posted:
Member since
Re: Visiting my first venue
Agree about getting it in writing --- especially when you go the first time. They could say something and not write it down and then will forget about it the next time you return to negotiate!!
Here's a list of my questions: Price Per Person What's included in the price per person? (cake, centerpieces, desserts etc.) Overtime charges Minimum Guarantes
Capacity Minimum/Maximum for room Can we upgrade if under minimum (no wasted dinners) i.e., cordials or upgrade entrees? Are vendors included in minimum? Do you have to pay for the meals if you use their vendors? How much are vendor meals? Are kids included in minimum? Are kids half price? Limit to number? What ages?
Number of Concurrent Events If more than one event separate bathroom facilities? If there are multiple weddings, do they offset the times so that each bride comes in at a different time?
Payment Deposit amount Method of payment Discount for cash? Payment schedule and is a courtesy reminder sent? Timing for final head count Cancellation and refund policy
Gratuities Recommended Gratuity – above and beyond the included tax & tip 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:
Arrival How much earlier can you get there before the wedding? What is the earliest/latest you can start the wedding? What do they do if guests arrive before the start time? Welcome table? Included?
Room Table Size (number people per table) Table shape Maximum Number of Tables for room Wait staff per table Dimensions of Dance Floor Dimensions of Room Separate Cocktail Room Is the hall handicap accessible? Chairs Microphones? Rose petal toss?
Bridal Suite How early can bridal party arrive? Bridal Suite size & location Door to outside? Do you have access to a private bridal suite the whole time? Will you be assigned a bridal attendant? Fee?
Food Number of Entrée Options 2nd Servings ?` Menu Cards Linen colors? When is final menu picked? Is there an absolute end time for the reception? Maître D? Fee? Any tasting events or showcases before we book? Ratio of Guests/Servers
Bar What does the open bar include (champagne, wine, mixed/frozen drinks)? Liquor – top shelf? (Names?) Is there a No Shot policy? Is Champagne included throughout the reception? Beer in bottles? Bartender/Guest Ratio Name brand sodas? Wine with dinner? How many servers per table? Do waiters take drink orders or do guests have to go to bar? Do bars close during dinner? Number of bars in cocktail/dinner
Cake: Wedding Cake included? Do they make the cake onsite or do you have to go to the bakery? Any limitations on flavors/fillings? If hall provides wedding cake, can you pick style of cake? Is there a cake tasting? Cake cutting charge for outside cakes? If so ask that it be reduced or eliminated Can I have my own cake cutter?
Venetian Hour/Cordials Where are they served??? (Middle of floor interrupts dancing) How much extra?
Enhancements Seafood Extravaganza Premium Martini Ice Luge Surf & Turf* Rack of Lamb Veal Chop
Vendors In-house Wedding Planner? Fee? When can vendors arrive to set up? Photography/Florist – recommendations? Discounts? Can we use others vendors? Any fee for outside vendors? Insurance requirements for vendors? Does hall need proof of insurance?
Flowers/Decorations Any decorations included? Flowers – included? For cocktail hour or reception? Both? Do we get a credit if not using centerpieces? How much? Linen colors
Miscellaneous Are table numbers, place cards, direction cards included? Direction cards provided? (Get a copy for file) Valet – included or additional? Coat Room and Rest Room Attendants? Look at out the bathrooms Do they supply the bathroom basket? Where can you take photos? Are candles allowed? Hotel recommendations Church recommendations Can we see photos of hall in different seasons (get copies for file) Take digital pics of the rooms and grounds for file.
Weather Do you plowing if it snows? What is the cancellation policy due to extreme weather?
Are there any renovations scheduled? Of what? Where? When to be completed? If this changes will we be informed?
