Meeting the Wedding Planner and Wedding Planning Advice

trevnoc

So.... We're in the very early stages of planning our wedding and literally have no idea where to start. Thankfully we weren't thinking of any earlier than 2018, but I know it is something that we really need to start looking at in depth.

We have a venue in mind, and are meeting them later this week to get information on the packages available, costs, numbers they can accommodate/cater for, what they'll do, layout, little extras, etc. etc. etc.

However, we have no idea if there are any specific things we should be asking them, or anything we would need to clarify with them in the initial meeting rather than having to go backwards and forwards with lots of little questions or queries that we could have sorted at the meeting.

So, for those of you who have been through the process, have you any tips or suggestions or advice for us. Is there anything that we should be looking out for specifically, good or bad? Or is there anything that would raise your interest or doubts about a venue?

Neither of us have any experience in the 'behind the scenes' of weddings, so any advice, suggestions, tips, etc. would be really hugely appreciated, and apologies for the vagueness of a question which has probably being asked on numerous occasions here.

GingerLily

Their policy on reserving rooms for your guests, how many can they keep for you.

Cost of choice for the main course, cost of kids dinner, cost of corkage, cost of toast drinks/ canapés/ evening snack.

Is there anything they don't allow? No candy carts/ photo booths, resident's bar closing times

Are they selling the venue?

Cost for having the ceremony in the hotel (can range from 300e to >1000e)

Will they have more then one wedding in the venue on that day?

I'm sure there are loads more!

PhoenixParker

This thread is a bit old but might be useful:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=95077852

trevnoc

Thanks for your replies, and for the link to the previous thread. I hadn't seen it!

A slightly more focused question, but wold anyone know the averase price of corkage, or do many places offer it?

Also, if you don't make a booking on the day of meeting the planner, are prices likely to increase between the meeting and booking, if you decide to go with that venue? Or would that be rather unusual?

Iso there any other adevice anyone can give about the actual meeting? I assume if there are any doubts yup go with your gut?

mcgiggles

We were in a toss up between 2 hotels, one charged I think 8euro corkage and the other didn't charge. In their own words they have the same amount of people working whether they are pouring their own wine or ours. I think most places charge corkage if you don't go with their wine. I open to correction on that though, we didn't go to many hotels!
I would assume the price they quote you on the day would not change, but in our experience there is a time limit on what they have spoken about.. I'm pretty sure most hotels wedding prices are set in stone and wouldn't change too drastically (except maybe for discounts on things) unless the hotel was being sold and the new owners have different ideas.. but I don't think that's a regular occurrence.. When you have your meeting you could always ask if they could send you a summary email with all you discussed, just in case they offer you discounts/ extras and then they are off sick/ leave etc.. you'd have proof of everything agreed.
Definitely go with your gut.. our hearts wanted to go with the first hotel we saw but we just didn't get the welcoming feeling with them that we got at the second hotel and we are still so happy we went with the second one!

aidom

The wedding websites publish lists of suggested questions. I don;t know which one we used at the time but it would have been like this.

http://onefabday.com/ie/wedding-venue-question-checklist/

I just printed a copy and crossed out the questions that weren't relevant and then added a few more that I was interested in like would they stock a few craft beers on the night.