Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which nowadays means you will probably lay out nearly $13,000, including food. As well as the venue you select can not only limit your choice of caterers or bakers, it’s certain to affect just how much you spend to “cover up” its weak spots or accent it’s highlights. Most stressful of just about all, the popular locations book far in advance, forcing brides to make the large decision almost as soon as they set the day.
For that reason, the savvy venue-hunter wants to understand what questions to ask before she strolls in the door, a smaller amount signs the contract. Here are a few ideas:
Do you have a pre-set checklist of caterers I can use, or can I choose my own?
Some venues — high-end types with their own providing staff, or even small-town ones with little competition — need you to use the in-house caterers or select from a small checklist of “approved” vendors. It can be difficult to get taste-tests or else put this type of vendor through its paces. If you are stuck with this type of list, search high and low for brides who’ve “been there, done that” and can provide you with their honest opinions.
Any restrictions on decorations?
Many venues have them, however rules vary widely around. Common limitations include: no open flame (or absolutely no flame whatsoever), no tape or tacks on the walls, or absolutely no confetti. Whenever linens are supplied, some places will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide any decorations on their own, especially around holidays. Useful centerpiece items such as storm lamps or Eiffel vases aren’t uncommon.
Can we bring our very own liquor, is there a “corkage” fee, and do we require a license?
If the liquor’s to flow freely at your wedding, you’ll save an immense quantity of moolah by bringing your own. But some locations prohibit this particular and require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue saying “yes” to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory “corkage fee” for everyone it — which typically begins at an incredible $10 per container or more! You’ll want to be crystal-clear on the small print regarding alcoholic beverages before you commit to some venue.
As for licensing, many states think about wedding receptions to become an “unlicensed social function,Inch meaning you don’t need one as long as you’re not getting anyone with regard to the alcohol. But be sure to look at your local regulations before moving ahead — and get your location if they understand of any certification requirements.
It is possible to cake-cutting fee?
A few venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most do not. A more common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting charge, which like corkage fees, can definitely add up — often at $1 per slice!
Do-it-yourself Detective Work
These, of course, are only a few of the questions you’ll want to ask the prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you’re checking out the place:
- Provide a tape-measure. Get the dimensions of the space, the tables, and the distance in between any features that might impact your decoration, like windows. How many outlets are there as well as where are they located? What type of climate control can be obtained to you?
– Check the kitchen area. Does it appear clean, roomy and ideal for your catering staff for you to use?
- Examine the hall itself. Where will you put the band, the cake desk, the coffee service? Are there layer racks for the guests? Is a sound system accessible?
- Check out the parking. Is it ample? Could it be paved, or even can it get dull in the case of rainfall? Is there handicap access?
One final thing to get clear before you autograph that agreement is your venue’s cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips, you will have done enough homework to relax easy in your choice and not be worried about having to cancel. Now that you’ve authorized, take some time to sit back as well as relax … before you tackle the subsequent task in that thick wedding planner!
Being a wedding enthusiast, Ben has a hundred of wedding toast examples. He has been a best man on a wedding and created his own best man speech outline.