WHAT DO YOU ASK A RH BEFORE YOU BOOK?

We asked cancellation policy, has the RH ever had to cancel a wedding and why.
Napkin/linen colors that are included or if you have to pay more. Price for vendors to eat
how many waiters per table? Do they also bring people drinks to their seats
bridal attendant/matri'd included?

I also FM'ed other brides who have gotten married there to see if the RH was able to throw and upgrades in for free and got them to do the same for us!

Good Luck!

RECEPTION HALL QUESTIONS

Hall:
Date Visited:
Contact:
Phone #:
Dates Available:
Tasting Event? Showcase?
Capacity:
Outdoor Service:
Outdoor Cocktail Hour:
Minimum/Maximum for room:
Table Size (number):
Table shape:
Maximum Number of Tables for room:
Number of people at table:
Wait staff per table:
Dimensions of Dance Floor:
Dimensions of Room:
How many weddings or parties do they do at the same time?
Are table numbers, place cards, direction cards included?
What's included in the price per person? (cake, centerpieces, desserts etc.)
If not using centerpieces, etc., $ off per person?
Renovations Scheduled?
Of what?
Where?
When to be completed?
In-house Wedding Planner? Fee?
Gratuities:
Recommended Gratuity – above and beyond the included tax & tip

Time:
If there are multiple weddings, do they offset the times so that each bride comes in at a different time?
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?
How early can bridal party arrive?
When can vendors arrive to set up?

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?
If more than one event: separate bathroom facilities?
Smoking area?
Flowers, runners, included?
Chairs?
Microphones?
Rose petal toss?
Rehearsal?

What does the open bar include (champagne, wine, mixed/frozen drinks)?
Liquor – top shelf? (Names?)
No shot policy?
Beer in bottles?
Bartender/Guest Ratio:
Dinner:
Are candles allowed?
Is Champagne included throughout the reception?
Name brand sodas?
Wine with dinner?
How many servers per table?
Do waiters take drink orders or do guests have to go to bar?
Number of Entrée Options:
Linen colors?
When is final menu picked?
If we are under our minimum, instead of paying for wasted dinners, can we upgrade??
Is there an absolute end time for the reception? Matre D? Fee?
Vendors included in minimum?
Do you have to pay for the meals if you use their vendors?
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:
Venetian Hour/Cordials:
Where are they served???
At too many weddings they roll the cordials out into the middle of the dance floor - interrupts the entire flow of the party.
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

Flowers/Decorations:
Any decorations included?
Flowers – included? For cocktail hour or reception? Both?

Payment:
Deposit amount:
Method of payment:
Installments/Payment Plans – do you send courtesy reminder?
Timing for final head count:
Can we upgrade if under minimum (no wasted dinners) i.e., cordials or upgrade entrees?
Cancellation and refund policy:

Cancellation policy due to extreme weather?
Miscellaneous:
Look at out the bathrooms
Do they supply the bathroom basket?
Attendant?
Coat Room and Rest Room Attendants?
Is cost included?
Valet – included or additional?
Hotel recommendations:
Can you arrive early for photos?
Are candles allowed?
Vendors:
Vendor Dinner Price – 1/2 price of guests or set amount?
Can we use others vendors?
Any fee for outside vendors?
Insurance requirements for vendors?
Does hall need proof of insurance?

I used the exact same list as Barbtony