Once you have a few wedding reception venues in mind that fit that your wedding style, budget and size, then it’s a matter of visiting a short list of wedding reception venues and meeting with an experienced functions coordinator and discuss the items in the following checklist before signing on the dotted line:
- Is your wedding date available?
- Will the reception venue cater for the size of your wedding? (Some reception venues have limitations, or have a required minimum number of guests you need to pay for). Will there be room for your guests to walk around, dance and mingle?
- Do the initial prices quoted suit your wedding budget?
- Does the reception venue offer “off-peak” rates?
- What exactly is included in the venue’s wedding packages? Can the wedding packages be modified to suit your needs?
- What is the reception venue decor like? Does it fit your wedding style? Will you have to spend a lot of money on wedding flowers and decorations to make it beautiful? What decorations will the reception venue allow? These are particularly important questions for venues such as museums, halls, sports clubs etc.
- Will you have use of the venue exclusively or will you be sharing it with other functions? If another reception is booked shortly after yours, you do not want to be rushed out as soon as your time finishes. If there is a lunch scheduled before your dinner reception, make sure there is sufficient time to set up before your wedding guests arrive.
- Confirm what happens if your wedding runs overtime and whether any fees may be involved.
- Is the venue conveniently located close to the ceremony, post-ceremony wedding photography location and hotel?
- Do they have an in-house caterer? Do you like their food? An in-house caterer is usually cheaper and convenient; however make sure that even if the hall is beautiful, so is the food.
- Can you personally design a menu and have a taste testing?
- Is a buffet cheaper than a sit-down service (buffets require less staff and should be less expensive)
- Is the cake cutting included? Will you need to bring a stand?
- Are there any limitations on which caterers you can use?
- Are there any special extras such as slide show facilities, special lighting, candles, and printed menus included or are these additional costs?
- Does the reception venue have a liquor license?
- Is the cost of the alcohol based on the number of guests or the amount consumed?
- Will the reception venue permit you to bring your own alcohol? (Providing your own alcohol is usually cheaper, even with the customary corkage fee.)
- Is there a payment schedule available and what type of deposits are required?
- Are there any hidden costs? Before you sign the contract, make sure you read it carefully.
- What’s the reception venue’s cancellation policy and fee/s?
- Is entertainment included? What sort of sound system and space is available?
- Are there are any restrictions on music? Are there enough electrical outlets for the musicians or DJ?
- Is there a dance floor?
- Does the reception venue have adequate coat check and bathroom facilities?
- Is there a powder room or dressing room for the bridal party to change and/or relax?
- Where will you take photographs? Is there space for candid guest photographs?
- Who will be supervising and available on the day of your wedding should you need anything extra or have any unexpected problems?
- Is there adequate guest parking nearby? Do they have valet parking?
- If it’s an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rainy days? If not, is there an area for a marquee? Even if you are getting married in the backyard, these things should still be considered!
Tips
- Most caterers do not bring their own tables for the food and expect the tables they need to be available and setup. Wedding caterers do more than one wedding at a time and work within tight timeframes. They usually allow enough time to do what they have been hired to do. They do not allow for additional time to set up tables and chairs for 200 guests. Check whether the caterers will supply the table covers for the tables.
- Always get everything in writing and ensure that the contract you receive from your reception venue covers all the items you have discussed and agreed upon.
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