Reception site visits: q''s to ask?

[Independent Gal]

So I''m flying to my hometown in a week or so to go looking at (and hopefully booking) possible reception sites for Wedding P.2 with my dad (FI has to go abroad on a business trip). We''ve got six contenders, and I was wondering if you have a handy list of q''s to make sure I ask.

I''ll probably also try to meet with florists and caterers while I''m there. WHIRLWIND! Thank heavens mom is taking care of everythign for Wedding P.1.

 

[Stephanie]

Wow, there are a ton of questions that come to mind! But first, are you looking for indoors or out?

 

[musey]

There are quite a few threads around that you could compile questions from, here's mine:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/touring-a-maybe-location-tomorrow-questions-to-ask.62036/

Questions suggested in that thread:
What staff are provided/included/extra?
Do they have guest-count minimums/maximums?
Do they have AC/Heat, if indoors?
Does signing a contract/giving a deposit lock in current price quotes?
What's included? What isn't?
How is the bar operated (per drink/per person/flat fee)?
Is outside food allowed?
Are vendors restricted to their 'recommended' list?
Noise restrictions?
Time limitations?
What allowances do they make for rehearsal(s)?
Will there be other events on-site that weekend/day?
What time will you be able to get in to the venue to begin decorating?
...just remembered one I ended up asking later:
If, like my venue, they do an open bar with beer/wine/champagne--ask if YOU can choose the brands from a list or if they'll just provide miller lite and korbel

ETA: You can kind of tell how easy a venue will be to work with by the amount of information they volunteer, IMO. My venue was more than eager to communicate any and all info about my options, including the limitations (even without my asking). It made me feel confident that they weren't trying to fool me into thinking I'd hit the jackpot with my venue: it was all very straightforward and realistic. I love that!

 

[Independent Gal]

Hey thanks Musey! That''s great!

 

[Krissie]

Date: 7/25/2007 12:15:47 PM
Author:Independent Gal
So I''m flying to my hometown in a week or so to go looking at (and hopefully booking) possible reception sites for Wedding P.2 with my dad (FI has to go abroad on a business trip). We''ve got six contenders, and I was wondering if you have a handy list of q''s to make sure I ask.

I''ll probably also try to meet with florists and caterers while I''m there. WHIRLWIND! Thank heavens mom is taking care of everythign for Wedding P.1.

I know what you mean about a whirlwind -- we''re overseas from where my parents live (and where the wedding/reception will be) but were there for 1 quick week earlier this month. In that short amount of time, we toured 3 reception sites, looked at the church, met with photographers, booked a rehearsal dinner venue, booked a string quartet/trumpeter and picked out save-the-dates and wedding invitations! I''m pretty worn out from it all, still

We''ll be back for 4 days in November, during which time we have to pick DJ, florist and cake designer. Luckily, the reception venue we chose is a hotel that does its own catering, so we don''t have to worry about booking that separately.

I hope you have fun visiting the places!!