So we have started looking

Tony255

Went and looked at our three first wedding venues today, the differences are huge between them and this is the first of many. We have been engaged for 3 years now and bought a house inbetween so that is the excuse for the delay.

It kinda hit me today that its totally the womans day so am prepared to give my better half whatever she wants for the day, its strange to see you in the 'wedding zone' its the fastest 0-60 I have ever seen.

The only thing I dont totally get is what questions I should be asking while viewing the venues, should I be asking about discounts, etc... or is that frowned upon doing it on the day I am only viewing the place.

hunnymonster

lol, I've heard a few guys say it's the brides day. My experience so far is that it's the brides "job" to do all the organisation but the groom's day!

Anyway, to answer your question below is a list I saw somewhere else. Some of them I could never see myself asking but it's a starting point for you


General: Early stage
How many guests does your venue cater for?
Do you have an onsite wedding coordinator?
Do you have more than one wedding per day?
Is there a reduction on mid-week weddings?
Do you organise a red carpet on arrival?
What decorations/flowers are provided in the venue?
Until what time do we have use of the venue?
Possiblity of bar extension? Until what time?
Are there room hire costs?
Is it possible to have a marquee on the grounds? Is there a charge for this?
Can we have an on-site ceremony at your venue?
Is there a bar in the reception room?
Is there a wedding rate for guest accommodation?
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
What time is check-in/check-out.
How many rooms can we hold for the bridal party and guests?
When do we need to book the rooms by?

Food and Drink:
Can we bring in our own caterers?
Do you provide catering?
Do you offer a free menu tasting?
Is there a corkage charge for BYO wine/champagne?
Do you charge on how many bottles are ordered or what is poured at the meal?
What reception options are available e.g silver service, buffet meal.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements/children?
Is there an extra charge for having a choice of starter/mains/dessert?
Do we have to order a minimum amount of courses?
Where are canapes/arrival drinks served?
Do you supply a cake stand and knife?
By what time do you need final guest numbers for meal/afters?
What time is the evening meal served ?

What time do you serve the afters food?
Cutting cake- how much is cut for afters food?
What time is breakfast served?
Videographer/photographer/musicians- can they get bar food?

Entertainment:
What time can the DJ/band set up at?
Where will the DJ/band play?
What time do afters guests arrive at?
Until what time can evening entertainment continue?
Can we get a bar extension? Until when? How much is this?
Can we play music during the meal?
Where is the residents bar?
Until what time is the residents bar open?
Do you have a list of recommended entertainment?
Do you require us to leave the room to allow staff to re-organise the room, and if so, do you have a room to facilitate us while this takes place?

Finance:

How much is the deposit to hold the venue?
When does the deposit need to be paid?
Will I receive a written contract?
What percentage of the bill must be paid before and after the meal?
How is payment accepted? Credit card, cash, bank draft etc.

Management and Staff:

Who will be the manager on the day?
Will there be a wedding coordinator?
Will the staff set up the tables?
How many waiters are there per table? How many bar staff are there?
How frequently are the toilets/toilet roll checked?

Room set up:

Do you provide table decoration? (flowers, candles).
How will the tables be decorated? (flowers, candles, linen, colour scheme)
What vases are available for flowers on the tables?
Where is the table plan displayed?
How is seating arranged? (round/long tables, top table)
How many guests can be seated at each table?
Do you provide high chairs for babies?
Do you provide menus and place cards?
By what time should we deliver wine, favours, table plan, place names etc to
the hotel?
Can we make changes to the layout/decoration of the room?
Do you have a choice of crockery, cutlery, linen, glassware?