Whether you want your wedding reception in a hotel ballroom, country club, loft or museum, there are many crucial details to sort through. Be sure to ask the location manager these 25 essential questions before signing a contract for your wedding reception.
1. What is their payment schedule (deposit, balance, etc.)?
2. When do I need to give them my final head count?
3. Do I have to rent tables, linens and chairs, or are those included in the cost?
4. What is the fee for renting the space?
5. Is there an overtime charge?
6. How many parties will be held on the day of my wedding? Will there be other parties at the same time as my wedding?
7. Do they have a liquor license?
8. Can I bring in my own liquor? Is there a corkage fee?
9. Do they have coat check facilities?
10. Do they offer valet parking? What is the fee for valet parking?
11. Does the venue have an in-house caterer, or can I bring in my own?
12. Is there a bridal suite for the bride and groom to get dressed?
13. Is there a bathroom attendant?
14. Where can I take my formal portraits?
15. Is there enough room for a band/deejay and a dance floor?
16. Are there any limitations on the type of equipment a band/deejay can set up?
17. Will there be a location manager on hand during the wedding?
18. Are there limitations on what type of decor I set up?
19. Can I work with any vendor, or do I have to work with their preferred vendors?
20. If it is an outdoor location, what is the backup plan in case it rains?
21. What is their typical wedding schedule or timeline?
22. What is the maximum number of guests allowed in the room?
23. If I hire an outside baker is there a cake-cutting fee?
24. Is there a set-up or clean-up fee?
25. How many hours will I have the room for?
What questions should you ask your other vendors? Read on.