Ask The Right Questions Before You Book Your Wedding Reception
Blake Kritzberg
Think saying "I do" is going to be the most emotional moment in your wedding? Probably so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding venue could be a close runner-up.
Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which these days means you can expect to lay out almost $13,000, including food. And the venue you select can not only limit your choice of caterers or bakers, it's sure to affect how much you spend to "cover up" its weak spots or accent its highlights. Most stressful of all, the popular venues book far in advance, forcing brides to make the big decision almost as soon as they set the date.
For that reason, the savvy venue-hunter wants to know what questions to ask before she walks in the door, much less signs the contract. Here are a few ideas:
Do you have a pre-set list of caterers I can use, or can I choose my own?
Some venues -- high-end ones with their own catering staff, or small-town ones with little competition -- require you to use the in-house caterers or choose from a small list of "approved" vendors. It can be difficult to get taste-tests or otherwise put this type of vendor through its paces. If you're stuck with such a list, search high and low for brides who have "been there, done that" and can give you their honest opinions.
Any restrictions on decorations?
Many venues have them, but rules vary widely from place to place. Common restrictions include: no open flame (or no flame whatsoever), no tape or tacks on the walls, or no confetti. When linens are provided, some halls will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide any decorations themselves, especially around holidays. Useful centerpiece items such as hurricane lamps or Eiffel vases are not uncommon.
Can we bring our own liquor, is there a "corkage" fee, and do we need a license?
If the liquor's to flow freely at your wedding, you'll save an immense amount of moolah by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this and require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue that says "yes" to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory "corkage fee" to serve it -- which typically starts at an unbelievable $10 per bottle or more! You'll want to be crystal-clear on the fine print regarding alcohol before you commit to a venue.
As for licensing, many states consider wedding receptions to be an "unlicensed social function," meaning you don't need one as long as you're not charging anyone for the alcohol. But be sure to check your local regulations before moving ahead -- and ask your venue if they know of any licensing requirements.
Is there a cake-cutting fee?
Some venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most don't. A more common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting fee, which like corkage fees, can really add up -- often at $1 per slice!
DIY Detective Work
These, of course, are only a few of the questions you'll want to ask a prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you're checking out the place:
- Bring a tape measure. Get the dimensions of the room, the tables, and the distance between any features that might impact your decor, like windows. How many outlets are there and where are they located? What kind of climate control is available to you?
- Check the kitchen. Does it look clean, roomy and suitable for your catering staff to work from?
- Check the hall itself. Where will you put the band, the cake table, the coffee service? Are there coat racks for your guests? Is a sound system available?
- Check out the parking. Is it ample? Is it paved, or can it get muddy in the case of rain? Is there handicap access?
One final thing to get clear before you autograph that contract is your venue's cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips, you'll have done enough homework to rest easy in your choice and not worry about having to cancel. Now that you've signed, take some time to sit back and relax ... before you tackle the next task in that thick wedding planner!
About the author: Blake Kritzberg is editor at "FavorIdeas.com." Stop by http://www.favorideas.com for wedding favors, theme ideas, Save-the-Date eCards, free wedding screensaver, free wedding templates and Bridezilla's weekly adventures.
The latest information and news on Weddings:
CHICAGO, May 20 (UPI) -- A Chicago couple said this weekend's NATO summit made for an interesting wedding after they tied the knot at a downtown restaurant.
Weekday Weddings Grow in Popularity as They Offer Many Advantages
As weekday wedding ceremonies become more popular, Barefoot Weddings continues to offer services catered to beach and outdoor venues. Many couples can take advantage of the conveniences that a weekday service has to offer.Fort Walton Beach, FL (PRWEB) May 18, 2012 In addition to offering wedding services on the beaches of Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Michigan, and California, Barefoot Weddings ...
Milanoo.com Presents Over 20 Colorful Bridesmaid Dresses for Summer Weddings
CHENGDU, China, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- For the golden weddings of summer time, global fashion supplier Milanoo presents over 20 perfect bridesmaid dress choices for the memorable event and introduces ...
Cary Sinnott, Justin Gimelstob - Weddings
Justin Gimelstob, a retired tennis champion, and Cary Kendall Sinnott, a psychotherapist, wed.
Heidi Brody, Franklin Olson - Weddings
The bride is a clinical supervisor at a social services agency; the bridegroom is an assistant director at the New York City Office of Management and Budget.
Bruce Lloyd, Kenneth Kleinrock - Weddings
A director in the career management center at Columbia Business School and the assistant dean for admissions at New York University?s law school marry in Manhattan.
Mitchell Davis, Nathan Goldstein ? Weddings
The executive vice president of the James Beard Foundation is to marry a doctor on the staff of Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Christina Schmidt, Hardy Helburn - Weddings
The bride has just finished her second year of law school at Columbia, and the bridegroom has an M.B.A. from Columbia.
Fries weddings come in threes
Sisters plan nuptials for the summer Embed multimedia (photos, galleries, audio, map): 1204Fries Lauwers 1204Fries Brown 1204Wilson (left) Fries (right) Last April, Kristen Fries began planning to propose to her girlfriend of nearly six years. But before Kristen - the middle child in a family of three girls - had a chance to do so, both of her sisters got engaged. Kristen was waiting to hear ...
Nigeria's bridal boom
Weddings in Nigeria are colorful, creative and extravagant productions, with guest lists of up to 2000 people considered standard.