Love is in the air … everywhere you look around! Today is
Valentine’s Day … which means … many wedding venues will be receiving a lot of
phone calls/emails the next couple weeks, because finding the perfect venue is usually the 1st
thing to cross off the wedding to do list!
Every Venue always has positive and negatives things to say
about each one, but really all that matters if the venue reflects the personality of
the couple! Does it have windows or no windows? Dance floor – it is big enough
or not? Can I take photos at the venue or do I need to relocate before or after
the ceremony to take photos? So many questions you need to think about! BUT … It
is not just the looks & atmosphere of the venue, but also whom you will be
working with! You need to keep in that mind seriously! I know it doesn’t sound
important but it really is! Honestly if your Events Coordinator is not pleasant
and enjoyable, than most likely your wedding will not be as relaxing as it
should be. So you need to take in account whom your Venues Events Coordinator
is and if you are compatible with them or not! Truthfully the Events Coordinator
should make you feel confident with every single detail that is put into your
wedding day. If your Events Coordinator seems knowledgeable about every single wedding detail, than you’re in Heaven … IF NOT …
all I can say is good luck and I hope you are taking amazing notes from my
blog!
PS: You know pretty quickly if your Events Coordinator is
great right away when they…
1. Return your Call/E-mail immediately when you are
reaching out to them for the 1st time!
2. If they greet you at the door when touring the
venue! You should never go looking for them.
3. Remembers your name, date, & specifics about
your wedding when touring the venue.
Picking the Perfect Date
& Venue List!
· What time
of Year are you thinking?
o
Very fun deciding with your new Fiancé!
o Sometimes the date isn't available if you are newly engaged and wanting to book within the year. You might need to be flexible with Certain Dates! If you love the venue, than you will make it work!
· What is
your Guest Count?
o
Have each side of the family (Bride & Groom
Sides) create a list!
o
Guest count will help you determine what Venue
can accommodate your final count.
· What day of
the week are you thinking?
o
Saturday, Friday, or Sunday?
§
Discounts on any of those days?
· When
Touring the Venue does it have?
o
Pillars – Sometimes blocks views & hard to
decorate with!
o
Connected to a Hotel? Restaurant? Golf Course?
Will this be an issue for unexpected guests/wedding crashers?
o
Is this the type of Atmosphere I want?
o Is it pretty enough to take pictures here or
not?
o
Parking – Enough parking for guests? Can guests
leave cars over night?
o
Bathrooms – how many? Are they big enough?
o
Private room for Bridal Party?
o
Handicap Accessible?
· Questions
to ask when meeting with the Events Coordinator?
o
What is the Room Fee? What does is ALL include?
o
Is my date available?
o
How long do I have the venue booked for? When
can I start decorating & what time do I need to be done by?
o
Onsite or Offsite Catering?
o
What are the Food & Beverage Minimums? Does
that include Tax & Gratuity? What are your tax & gratuity rates?
o
Serving – Can I have buffet, plated or butler?
Are there any extra costs with having one over the other?
o
Menu – How many Dinner Options can be served? 1,
2, 3? – How many Starches & Vegetables can accommodate those Dinner
Options? Or is there an upcharge with having multiple courses & side
accommodations?
o
Will your menu prices be changing anytime soon?
When are my prices locked down?
o
Kids Meals – Do you have a menu? What do you
have to offer? Highchairs? Boosters?
o
Food Tastings – Do you have them? How many
options am I able to taste?
o
Cake – Is there a cake cutting & serving
fee? Can I bring my own cake in? Do I have to purchase my cake through you?
o
Any surprised extra costs? Garbage, Security,
etc.?
o
Who will I be working with planning my wedding
details?
o
Who will be in-charge on my wedding day?
o
Shuttle/Limo Services? Can you book those or do
I have to book those myself?
o
What hotels are near by & what ones do you
recommend?
o
Onsite Catering - When do you need my final
count on food? 3 weeks, 2 weeks or 1 week?
o
When do I need to pay my final bill? Before or Day
of the Event? Can I pay in increments up to the wedding day?
o
What is your cancellation policies?
o
Deposit – Is there one? How much? Does the
deposit subtract off my final bill or not?
o
Can I rent things for you? (Linens, High Top
Tables, Chargers, Draping, Chair Covers, Shuttle Service, Decorator, and Etc.)
How much do those cost individually?
o
Are you willing to make me an estimate right now
or along the planning stages?
o
What can you do for me to make things less
stressful & more enjoyable on my wedding day?
o
If I book with you right now, will I receive
anything complimentary?
After learning everything about the venue - If you have any
inkling of worry about the venue and date, than you probably are not ready to
make a decision. Take time to review your possibilities and look at all the
pros & cons about all the different venues you toured. Honestly you will know what venue
you want when you 1st step into the venue! If your gut is telling
you to book, than I would book ASAP, because dates go before you can even
blink!
After booking your Venue you should have a whole folder of
all the information about the Venue - Policy & Guideline Forms, Copy of your
Deposit, and the Events Coordinator personal information. If you don’t have
that information – GET IT! That will help remind you what you agreed to and any
information that might be useful later on in the planning stages!
Now knowing your Venue – this will allow you to design and
picture the wedding that you have always dreamed off! You should try to connect
with the Events Coordinator to see if you can visit the venue when a similar wedding
has the same layout and guest count as yours. This will allow you to see how
tight or roomy the venue will be on your wedding day!
I know … so many things to think about when deciding on the
perfect venue, but honestly when you book your perfect venue it is the best
feeling ever! You should feel relaxed and relieved because you just checked off one
of the most important things on the Wedding To Do List!
Its Time to Celebrate
the Booking - CHEERS!
As my fiance and I are looking at receptions I took your blog and used all the questions to ask the venue. The blog was SO great and I am finding your wisdom so valuable! Keep them coming!
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