Questions to ask

Whispered

Hi,

We're going to look at our first venue this weekend. As we have never done it before I am very nervous that we will miss something important. What usually happens when you go to meet with the banqueting manager at hotels to discuss hosting a wedding reception? What questions should we ask and what should we look out for. Is it normal for us to ask to see a room - or the bridal suite? Do people generally take pictures of the place and is there a check list, or list of questions which I should take?

Thanks.

Sizzler

Best of luck with it! Its a fun time The attitude I have found with more than one venue of late is they are doing you a favour, like they dont need your business ! A bit like the estate agent boom of 3 years ago....if you dont like it then stop wasting my time, theres someone else waiting behind you begging to have this place :rolleyes: Don't be intimidated by that, make each and every vendor work for your business, its a special day and its not cheap!

So, are you fairly sure about this place or are you just browsing at this stage?
Sort of things you should ask are -

1 - Whats included in the basic package? Don't be embarrassed to say to them that a lot of that stuff is standard in EVERY hotel, so ask how they set themselves apart, reputation is nothing, you want to see something different.
Hotels really need to up their game, its the same thing everywhere.

2 - Check their wedding room rate for guests. Do they insist on you booking a certain amount of rooms? Are they at a reasonable rate? A room for €200 might put people off staying, for example! Also get them to throw in a set of rooms for both sets of parents.

3 - Do they charge for a bar extension or any sort of room hire? If so WHY! Tell them straght off you wont consider the venue if you they insist on this. They will make enough money off the bar as is and the overalll business they are getting would more than compensate for any sneaky room hire charges.

4 - How many staff will they have on for the day based on your expected numbers? How many bar staff can they guarantee?

5 - What time do they stop serving? What time do they expect non-residents to leave the venue? Are they flexible on some non-residents gaining access to the residents bar. Nothing worse than being told everything stops at 2am and you not having the option to have a late night...if you want one!

6 - Ask about menu tasting. Again reputation is nothing ! I was told the other week at Finnstown that menu tasting wasnt provided becuase the chef had numerous awards etc. So what. I havent tasted his food, doesnt mean I'll like it. If I am going to spend 10K at a hotel then I want to sample the product first, and I dont feel I should have to pay for it.

7 - Is there a price hike for next year (& beyond) If so what is it and why? They'll probably tell you its 10% to keep in line with rising costs. This is bollox. A tenner says your local restaurant doesnt put their prices up 10% every year so why do the wedding menus feel obliged to do so?

8 - Can they guarantee you exclusivity on only one EVENT for the day? A lot of places will say they will only have one wedding a day, but they could have a funeral in the same day (for example!) Or a corporate event. This isnt going to add to your special day.

9 - Deposit situation. Be careful what they ask for and what the catches are. A lot of places have small print saying they can cancel your event or change principal items in the agreement without notice but you cant do the same to them. A lot of places have a minimum €1,000 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit.Make sure you have them eating from YOUR hand before you part with your hard earned cash. Don't be afraid to get them to sign up to your t's and c's before you go with the venue.

10 - Don't tell them when you want to get married! Tell them you are totally flexible with dates. Invariably they will try and show you their magic book afterwards to try and make you commit to something or at least to get you thinking that "oh no they don't have many fridays left" etc etc.

I'm sure theres loads more things you will have from a personal point of view but hopefully thats a good start for you ! Best of luck and let us know how you get on

Whispered

Sizzler wrote: »

So, are you fairly sure about this place or are you just browsing at this stage?
Sort of things you should ask are -

We have a few places in mind, but I'm terrible - I absolutely adore somewhere, then I see something else and I adore that. I keep changing my mind and basing my desicion on the silliest of things!
The place we are going to see is barberstown castle. Pretty close to where we live, and from it's website it seems nice and priced pretty reasonably. It also give you an option of a BBQ instead of finger food for the afters, which would allow us to cut down on our meal numbers. Plus it's gothic but not over the top with it and Eric clapton used to own it I spoke to their in-house wedding planner who was lovely, and she's organised for us to meet the banqueting manager. I have told her we are just looking to see what our options are and have nothing set in stone. Only problem I have is the first receptionist I spoke to was incredibly rude, and while that might not matter to my actual wedding day, it gave a bad impression.

Sizzler wrote: »

1 - Whats included in the basic package? Don't be embarrassed to say to them that a lot of that stuff is standard in EVERY hotel, so ask how they set themselves apart, reputation is nothing, you want to see something different.
Hotels really need to up their game, its the same thing everywhere.

2 - Check their wedding room rate for guests. Do they insist on you booking a certain amount of rooms? Are they at a reasonable rate? A room for €200 might put people off staying, for example! Also get them to throw in a set of rooms for both sets of parents.

3 - Do they charge for a bar extension or any sort of room hire? If so WHY! Tell them straght off you wont consider the venue if you they insist on this. They will make enough money off the bar as is and the overalll business they are getting would more than compensate for any sneaky room hire charges.

4 - How many staff will they have on for the day based on your expected numbers? How many bar staff can they guarantee?

5 - What time do they stop serving? What time do they expect non-residents to leave the venue? Are they flexible on some non-residents gaining access to the residents bar. Nothing worse than being told everything stops at 2am and you not having the option to have a late night...if you want one!

6 - Ask about menu tasting. Again reputation is nothing ! I was told the other week at Finnstown that menu tasting wasnt provided becuase the chef had numerous awards etc. So what. I havent tasted his food, doesnt mean I'll like it. If I am going to spend 10K at a hotel then I want to sample the product first, and I dont feel I should have to pay for it.

7 - Is there a price hike for next year (& beyond) If so what is it and why? They'll probably tell you its 10% to keep in line with rising costs. This is bollox. A tenner says your local restaurant doesnt put their prices up 10% every year so why do the wedding menus feel obliged to do so?

8 - Can they guarantee you exclusivity on only one EVENT for the day? A lot of places will say they will only have one wedding a day, but they could have a funeral in the same day (for example!) Or a corporate event. This isnt going to add to your special day.

9 - Deposit situation. Be careful what they ask for and what the catches are. A lot of places have small print saying they can cancel your event or change principal items in the agreement without notice but you cant do the same to them. A lot of places have a minimum €1,000 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit.Make sure you have them eating from YOUR hand before you part with your hard earned cash. Don't be afraid to get them to sign up to your t's and c's before you go with the venue.

10 - Don't tell them when you want to get married! Tell them you are totally flexible with dates. Invariably they will try and show you their magic book afterwards to try and make you commit to something or at least to get you thinking that "oh no they don't have many fridays left" etc etc.

Thanks a lot for that, stuff there I would never have thought of. We are totally flexible, we've chosen our year .Something I have found difficult to understand is why they charge you extra for a choice. They have not said anything on their website about that except that prices quoted are based on one starter etc. Some other places charge up to 15 per person for you to have a choice! Completly agree with menu tasting, but I think they have a tasting menu which they charge for! I don't know if I would have to guts to insist on free tasting, or no charge for a bar extension etc. I'm a bit too shy

Sizzler wrote: »

I'm sure theres loads more things you will have from a personal point of view but hopefully thats a good start for you ! Best of luck and let us know how you get on

Thanks so much! Really appreciated.

catho_monster

Just one thing about Barberstown - the lobby of the hotel is also a restaurant/tea rooms.
This can be quite offputting when there's nowhere to hang around in...

The grounds though are gorgeous...

kizzyr

helena.ryan wrote: »

We have a few places in mind, but I'm terrible - I absolutely adore somewhere, then I see something else and I adore that. I keep changing my mind and basing my desicion on the silliest of things!
The place we are going to see is barberstown castle. Pretty close to where we live, and from it's website it seems nice and priced pretty reasonably. It also give you an option of a BBQ instead of finger food for the afters, which would allow us to cut down on our meal numbers. Plus it's gothic but not over the top with it and Eric clapton used to own it I spoke to their in-house wedding planner who was lovely, and she's organised for us to meet the banqueting manager. I have told her we are just looking to see what our options are and have nothing set in stone. Only problem I have is the first receptionist I spoke to was incredibly rude, and while that might not matter to my actual wedding day, it gave a bad impression.



Thanks a lot for that, stuff there I would never have thought of. We are totally flexible, we've chosen our year .Something I have found difficult to understand is why they charge you extra for a choice. They have not said anything on their website about that except that prices quoted are based on one starter etc. Some other places charge up to 15 per person for you to have a choice! Completly agree with menu tasting, but I think they have a tasting menu which they charge for! I don't know if I would have to guts to insist on free tasting, or no charge for a bar extension etc. I'm a bit too shy


Thanks so much! Really appreciated.

For what its worth I've been at a few weddings in Barberstown over the last year or so (all my friends are getting married now!) and as a guest thought the venue was lovely. I found the staff to be helpful and pleasent, the food was very nice and the room we stayed in was lovely too.

Whispered

catho_monster wrote: »

Just one thing about Barberstown - the lobby of the hotel is also a restaurant/tea rooms.
This can be quite offputting when there's nowhere to hang around in...

The grounds though are gorgeous...

Oh I didn't realise that, I'll see when we get there but I had been in a hotel recently that didn't have a reception desk at all and I though it looked awful, I don't fancy the idea of having guests hanging around on the edge of the tea room. They might make some provisions though. I hope it wont be a big problem as I like it so far. Thanks for the heads up.

kizzyr wrote: »

For what its worth I've been at a few weddings in Barberstown over the last year or so (all my friends are getting married now!) and as a guest thought the venue was lovely. I found the staff to be helpful and pleasent, the food was very nice and the room we stayed in was lovely too.

Thanks Kizzy, nice to hear the staff are nice there, I was worried after speaking to the rude receptionist.:(

Can't wait to see it now. Thanks.

Oh and if you can recommend anywhere else in the Dublin/ Kildare/ Wicklow area please do. We will be looking at a good few places over the next few weeks, so the more the merrier. Somewhere a bit more budgety would be good.

Has anyone been to a marquee reception? We were thinking of holding one instead but wouldn't know how well it will be recieved by guests or where to start in looking for a venue etc.

Thanks

kizzyr

helena.ryan wrote: »

Oh I didn't realise that, I'll see when we get there but I had been in a hotel recently that didn't have a reception desk at all and I though it looked awful, I don't fancy the idea of having guests hanging around on the edge of the tea room. They might make some provisions though. I hope it wont be a big problem as I like it so far. Thanks for the heads up.

Thanks Kizzy, nice to hear the staff are nice there, I was worried after speaking to the rude receptionist.:(

Can't wait to see it now. Thanks.

Oh and if you can recommend anywhere else in the Dublin/ Kildare/ Wicklow area please do. We will be looking at a good few places over the next few weeks, so the more the merrier. Somewhere a bit more budgety would be good.

Has anyone been to a marquee reception? We were thinking of holding one instead but wouldn't know how well it will be recieved by guests or where to start in looking for a venue etc.

Thanks

I was at a wedding in Dunboyne Castle (granted Co. Meath but hardly a big drive from Dublin) and was impressed with it. Food was delicious and I'm very fussy about food. www.dunboynecastlehotel.com
I was at a marquee reception last summer and it was ok not great just ok. Some of that may well have been down to the dreadful weather we had and it was cold enough. At least if your venue is indoors then the weather doesn't matter at that stage of the day.

Sizzler

helena.ryan wrote: »

Thanks a lot for that, stuff there I would never have thought of. We are totally flexible, we've chosen our year .Something I have found difficult to understand is why they charge you extra for a choice. They have not said anything on their website about that except that prices quoted are based on one starter etc. Some other places charge up to 15 per person for you to have a choice! Completly agree with menu tasting, but I think they have a tasting menu which they charge for! I don't know if I would have to guts to insist on free tasting, or no charge for a bar extension etc. I'm a bit too shy

Don't worry about being shy! Get the other half to play the bad cop and you can be the good cop if you are reluctant to push any issues with them! At the end of the day its your hard earned cash, would you pay an extra €500 for your car insurance if you thought it was too high? Prob not Don't treat this any differently. At the end of the day make it clear that the bar extension and or menu tasting could be deal breakers for you. If they won't meet you on these it doesnt say a lot for them, is that the sort of place you want to have your wedding?

Whispered

Barberstown is just fabulous. Really lovely. The rooms are amazing! It seems ideal except for a few things. There is a 350 charge for a bar extension, residents in resident bar only. No discount on block booked rooms. And none of these things seem at all negotiable. Richard, the man who met us was very nice and very helpful. Told us to ring with any questions etc. Amazing place - but the package they offer seems very average. We're going to look for other places and see what else they offer.

Sizzler

helena.ryan wrote: »

Barberstown is just fabulous. Really lovely. The rooms are amazing! It seems ideal except for a few things. There is a 350 charge for a bar extension, residents in resident bar only. No discount on block booked rooms. And none of these things seem at all negotiable. Richard, the man who met us was very nice and very helpful. Told us to ring with any questions etc. Amazing place - but the package they offer seems very average. We're going to look for other places and see what else they offer.

Interesting to hear these stories. Hope you found the list of questions useful on the day! I always think of something else when Im there but that generally is in reaction to some crap that the hotel person throws out

Did you have the bottle to challenge them on any of the above? Bar extension for example?

Fair play anyway, seems like you have established whats good value and what isnt. Another thing I have found is when you go and see places they rarely call you back to get feedback, the attitude is if you dont put your name down there and then they assume you didnt want it :eek: Bad sales and customer service not to want to speak to someone again after a few days to see what they thought or if there was any issues they could allay your fears on. Speaks volumes when they dont.

If you do happen to hear back from Barberstown make sure you tell them their lack of negotiation and trying to ride you on the bar extension were the main reasons for going elsewhere.

YvonneS

Sizzler wrote: »

6 - Ask about menu tasting. Again reputation is nothing ! I was told the other week at Finnstown that menu tasting wasnt provided becuase the chef had numerous awards etc. So what. I havent tasted his food, doesnt mean I'll like it. If I am going to spend 10K at a hotel then I want to sample the product first, and I dont feel I should have to pay for it.

I found this as well at Finnstown, but when I asked a second time, I was able to persuade them. Do let the first no stop you

DJ_Spider

helena.ryan wrote: »

Has anyone been to a marquee reception? We were thinking of holding one instead but wouldn't know how well it will be recieved by guests or where to start in looking for a venue etc.

Thanks

Hello Helena, first of all congratulations on your wedding, hope you will be very happy and have many wonderful years together. Also have a look at this thread about marquees.

Hope it all works out ok and enjoy your day!

DJ Spider :cool:

Sizzler

YvonneS wrote: »

I found this as well at Finnstown, but when I asked a second time, I was able to persuade them. Do let the first no stop you

Hey, fair play