What questions to ask when....?

Question

Hi everybody! I'm going to look at different ceremony/reception venues for the first time this weekend, and I was hoping to get some suggestions and insight as to what questions I should ask. Or if anybody has any tips, that would be wonderful! Thank you all!

Answer 1

Here are a few questions that should help you. Just remember to read everything over carefully before signing anything. I would advise that you ask for a copy of the contract before signing it - this way you can take it home and read it throughly.

How long have you been in business, and how many events have you hosted?

Have you handled events of my type and size before?

What is the capacity of your room(s)?

What makes you better or different than another reception location?

What are the reasons you think we should hire you?

Do you have all the necessary licenses and health permits?

Are you properly insured?

Do you allow outside Caterers?

If so, is the kitchen fully equipped?

If the reception location is also the caterer:

Do you provide tasting consultations/food tastings?

Is there a fee for such tastings?

How many people can I bring along with me to the tasting?

What is the staff to guest ratio?

What is the staff dress code? Formal or casual?

If buffet style is offered, are servers provided or will it be self-serve?

Is there an extra charge for buffet servers? If so, how much?

Do you have a liquor license?

Is there an extra charge for bartenders? If so, how much?

Who is supplying the liquor, water, ice, etc.?

Do you provide cake cutting/serving service? Is it part of the basic package? If not, what is the additional cost?

Do you provide the wedding cake, or should I hire an outside baker?

If you provide the cake, is there an extra charge? If so, how much?

Is the champagne toasting service included or is that an extra charge? If an extra charge, how much?

Does the headcount include wedding professionals at the event (photographers, DJs, etc.)?

Are there special prices for feeding our DJ, band, photographer and other wedding professionals?

Are there special prices for children?

Is there a dance floor and, if so, how many people can it handle?

May our DJ or other professional(s) have access to your electrical outlets? Are there enough?

Is a deposit required? If so, how much?

When is the deposit due to reserve the room?

When is the final headcount due?

May I make partial payments?

When is the final payment due?

Is gratuity included in the price?

If not, what is the percentage of the service charge?

What percentage are the taxes?

What is the overtime charge?

Is the set-up and clean up included in the final price?

What are the costs for alcohol and beverages?

Do you provide linens, tables, chairs, china, glassware, silverware, serving accessories, etc.?

What equipment do you provide?

Do you have Audio/Visual Equipment?

Are the above items included in the basic price or are they extra? If

extra, how much?

Do you provide rentals, or are they from another company?

Is there adequate parking?

Is there a charge for parking? If so, how much?

Do you offer valet parking? If so, how much?

Do you allow outside Valet companies?

Is there a coat checkroom? Is staff available for the room?

If so, what are the fees associated with that service if not already included in the basic charge?

Are there any additional charges not mentioned?

Do you provide a written contract and guarantee?

What are the refunds/cancellation terms?

What is your leftover policy?

How far is your facility from our ceremony location?

How far is your facility from our guests’ hotels?

If the reception location is a hotel:

Do the bride and groom receive a bridal suite included in the package?

Are discounts available to our guests for their accommodations? If so, how much is the discount and/or how much are the rooms?

How many hours will we have the room? Beginning time/end time?

How long before the event can we have access to the room so that we may prepare it?

Are there any other events taking place at the same time as ours?

A question to ask yourself: Has the facility addressed your personal concerns satisfactorily?

Answer 2

-Are chairs/table/linens included in the fee?

-Is there a set up/clean up fee?

-What is the staff ratio accordingly to my party size?

-Do you provided a wedding planner?

-What is your service fee?

-Are gratuities included in the fee?

-Cam I bring outside catering/food/liquor?

-When can i give you a final headcount?

-Are candles allowed?

-Do you have children meals, vendor meals?

-Are there any other weddings going on the premises the day of the wedding?

Answer 3

Maximum Capacity?

Catering?

Tables and Chairs?

Do they allow alcohol?

Children allowed?

As far as decorating, Can you put things on wall and ceiling?

Accessible kitchen, if they do not offer catering, for a caterer you personally hire?

Budget concious: Do they offer any of their own decorations, such as candles, garland, table cloths, chair covers, etc.

Cost for anything and everything used

Answer 4

Well, first off you've got to ask if they have the date you want to get married on open.  That's #1..

You'll also want to ask what the price is, what it includes (if the reception includes a microphone for the best man/maid of honor speeches, etc), how late you can stay (depending on some city noise ordinances you may only get your reception site for so long), and how many people need to be seated.. you want to make sure it will fit at least 2/3 of your guest list!

Also, ask if they do their own catering, and if not, who they suggest has done some great work w/ previous weddings.  Same goes w/ the cake.  

Do they provide a bar?

What the parking situation is like?  

As far as the ceremony- think about religious preferences, family traditions/heritages, and if you'd like it close to your reception site.  

Is it outside? If so, and it rains, what is the plan B?  

I'm sure they'll be more questions that will pop into your mind and don't worry, the people there should cover many of these when going there to check it out - have fun!!

TC

http://www.executivehomebody.com  

Answer 5

Parking total- fees?

Max compacity

Minimums

What is included/what would need to be brought in

Deposit amount, payment due date, payment meathod

Menu selection/cateres allowed

Vendor list

Rain backups if outside

Cancelation policy

Double booking policy

Wedding coordinator on site

Restrictions

Timing

Decor

Answer 6

The important questions to ask are:

1. Can they accomodate your guest list?

2. Are they flexible? As in, if you change your mind about something, will you incur any fees?

3. What ARE the hidden fees, if any? Some venues charge set-up fees and such for china and linens.

4. Can I bring in my own liquor/food?

5. How many weddings do they do a year? Are they familiar with helping out cake cutting timing, etc.

6. Are menus supplied?

7. What kinds of deposits are requires (you'll get a schedule of payments when you sign the contract)?

8. How many weddings could theoretically be booked on your wedding day (some brides don't want other weddings going on that day).

9. What kind of wait staff and bartenders will they provide, and how many?

10. Can they do anything for your as far as price goes. You never know. If you're having it at an off-peak time, they might be willing to negotiate.

Just get a feel for what kind of venue they are. If you get the sense that they won't go the distance, then think twice about it.