| Depending on where
you have your wedding and the type of wedding, not everything
here will apply to you and other things may need to be added
to the list. |
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Ask about
the size and particulars of the facility
•
Can the facility comfortably accommodate the size of wedding
and number of guests you are planning?
• Does it
have disabled access and facilities?
• Does it have
suitable air conditioning and/or heating?
•Is there
a room available for the bride to use during the reception to
change clothes or just freshen up?
• Can you have
your ceremony in the venue and how and where will it be?
• What is the cost for setting up the ceremony seating?
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Ask about your date
• Is it available?
• Ask if there are any other
events or weddings booked for that day.
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Ask about the decor
of the facility
• If you haven’t seen
it already, ask to see pictures of the facility as it would
be set up for a wedding.
• Can you make any changes?
• Make sure that if there are certain decorations
that you see now and like, that they will still be available
on your wedding date.
• Ask if they are doing any
remodelling or redecorating from now until your wedding day.
You don't want construction going on during your reception.
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Ask about the number
of hours
• Most receptions last between 5-7
hours.
• Ask how many hours you will have for your
reception. Some facilitiesmay give you four hours and charge
you for every additional hour. |
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Ask about money
·• How much is the total rental fee?
•
And specifically, what does the price include?
•
Ask about the deposit, how much and when is the balance due?
• Ask if they have any "wedding packages".
Sometimes facilities will offer a wedding package including
food, flowers, wedding cake and even a limo. Although you limit
some of your choices, it can save you time and money!
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Ask about any extra
charges
• If it’s a community centre
or historic venue, do you have to rent chairs and tables, and
if so, is this an extra charge?
• What about linens
and glassware are they included?
• What about a corking
fee? (When you purchase your own alcohol for the reception,
a corking fee is sometimes charged for each bottle opened.)
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Ask about
the food
• If the facility is a hotel or restaurant and will provide
the food for the wedding, make sure that you’ve had an
opportunity to sample the food and talk about menu choices.
• If you choose a location that requires an outside caterer,
ask if you’re required to choose from their approved list
or can you choose any caterer? |
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Ask about
alcohol and bar service
• Does the facility provide the alcohol and bar service
or do you bring your own alcohol?
• Do they supply the bartenders or do you hire them?
• Are there any restrictions about the type or quantity
of alcohol to be served?
• Do they require a cash bar or is an open bar an option?
• Ask about their liability insurance and if it is sufficient
for your size wedding.
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Ask about entertainment
• Make sure the dance floor is big enough
to accommodate your guests.
• Ask the facility manager
to show you where the band or DJ would set up their equipment.
• Make sure the facility can accommodate them adequately,
especially if a band and a DJ are booked.
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Ask about parking
• Is it readily available?
• Do you need to
hire a parking attendant or valet? Are there any events (i.e.
festivals, parades, sporting events) that will make parking
difficult for your guests?
• Can a coach access the
venue - low bridges/sharp corners/no turning space may limit
access.
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Ask about any restrictions
• Ask if there are any restrictions in regards to
using the facility. For instance, some historical sites have
certain restrictions or rules regarding smoking, lit candles,
and alcohol.
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Ask about overnight
accommodations
• Ask if the facility has
overnight accommodations for your out-of-town guests.
•
If it is a hotel, can you reserve a block of rooms at a discount?
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Ask about a wedding
coordinator
• Many facilities will have
a Wedding Day Coordinator on staff and at no extra charge. The
role of the Wedding Day Coordinator is to make sure that everything
runs smoothly for your wedding day!
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