Planning & etiquette

My FH and I are starting to look at venues from next week and I am really nervous. I was just wondering what sort of questions do you ask to know if you are getting the right deal?

Thanks

Ask if there are any hidden costs, some reception venues will charge extra for things like centrepieces for the tables or cake cutting charges and bagging. Also ask if they include tablecloths, chair covers, sash’s.

Some of the venues I looked at didn’t have a bridal suite for us to use, so we were concerned about where we would put bags and shoes. If the venue is quite large, there is a possiblity that there may be more than one wedding being held at a time, ask them how they handle this (you don’t want your guests attending the wrong reception)

Hope this helps.

Ask about minimums

As MissLynda said ask about those things they normally hit you with after you have signed the dotted line like bar options, centrepieces, linens and whether or not you have to use their vendors for things like cakes and flowers.

Ask their back up plans in case of disaster (not that this will ever happen) and also their cancellation policies and payment plans (when and how much for deposits and payments, when is the final payment due).

Get everything in writing especially if they start offering you extras that are not included in the package.  I would get whoever you are meeting with to sign the offer so they cannot go back on it like a quote.

Ask for a comprehensive list of everything that is included in the price per head. That way you can compare with other venues.

Also ask about all those extra details that only the best venues provide. It’s not always necessary, but definitely NICE to have a private dressing room, drinks and canapes on arrival for the bridal party, and the SERVICE is of course paramount.

Also ask how long the drinks package lasts. Some places will tell you they will do ‘cocktail hour’ for the guests, but then charge you extra for their drinks. If you can negotiate an extended drinks package it will greatly increase your value for money.

The most important question I asked was regarding EXCLUSIVITY…I wanted my wedding to feel exclusive and private, and ruled out several venues because my guests and my wedding would be on display to other patrons at the venue. If it’s at a shared venue (like a restaurant or similar), make sure you have a PRIVATE BAR.

Ask about contingency plans like ‘if the wedding coordinator is sick…’

Ask about the band/DJ, some venues require for them to set up at a certain time.

If it’s a small venue like a restaurant, make sure someone’s going to be there to open the doors when your florist, cake baker etc. arrive.

Ask about any inclusions. 

The best place to start is the venue’s photo gallery, look at previous weddings and point out what you like, ask if it’s included.

Ask to see the venue when it’s set up for an event.

What kind of charges are there if guests stick around after the party finishes?

Are there separate bathrooms for guests and patrons? (the last thing you want is your great-grandmother going to the bathhroom with a bunch of scantily clad, drunk girls)

Are confetti, scatters etc allowed?

Are candles allowed? (some venues don’t allow candles, especially where they’re serving alcohol)

Are there noise restrictions? (e.g. music goes off at midnight etc.)

Sound system…don’t just assume they have one.

Tables and arrangement. (round tables, banquet tables…the different shapes will affect your decorations)

Dance floor. How big? How close to tables? etc.

Do you need to pay a deposit and are they able to do a payment plan?

Get a general list of all inclusions and negotiate away.