Sorry for constantly bombarding you with questions, I'm just very new to this whole wedding planning stuff!
We're going to look around our first venue option (for the wedding breakfast and evening reception) today and our second tomorrow. I was wondering if you have any tips on what specifically I need to be asking, looking for or be aware of? Obviously we have a rough idea of our numbers so the size is important. We have a rough idea of date, so I'll ask about that.
Apart from that I don't know, any tips?
Thanks again :) Amy.
The soon to be "Mrs Bee"
4th August 2012 :)
CommentAuthorSoon2beMrsHall
Tell them less people are coming so they dont waste food. They dont stand there and count on the day so you will be fine if you go over. Try and get some free stuff like chair covers centre pieces and linnens.
Cant wait to to marry Martyn
Wishes the wedding would come faster
XxX
CommentAuthorXLittleMissMe!X
Ask as many questions as you want as we all know what it is like when you first start out.
here are some of my tips and things to ask: Are there any other weddings on that day? What are the minimum and maximum numbers the room can hold? Do they cut the cake for you and do they charge for this? Do they have booster seats etc for the kids and how many? Can you change the menu if you have one or two that don't like it and how much extra will this cost? Do they provide the table linen etc? What are the drinks prices like for the bar? How much space have you got for your DJ or band? Where do guests go when they turn the room around? How far are the loos from the room? How much are the drinks packages or corkage charges? What time does the bar shut? etc etc etc
CommentAuthorloubyscooby
Id go with what Jo has put down, all key issues but Id also add that you look at the decor (tired and needing a paintjob or looks cared for) what is the atmosphere and response like with the staff - you and your guests will be spending alot of time/money being looked after by them, regarding the menu - do you get a tasting session and check the bedrooms too if people are staying over. Good luck honey x
CommentAuthor*KelBel*
aww we're going to look at a few venues at the weekend, you'll have to let me know what they was like,as we're probably looking at the same venues :=)! yeah i've been told in regards to numbers, if you're having 100ppl at ur night do,to just tell them ur having 70, as not everyone will eat, and then theres no wasteage and no overcharging! find out if the bar and venue stays open later for ppl staying over... as some venues do this, normally closes at 12 for everyone going home. ask them if theres anything they can provide extra...like the dj/disco,sometimes they can provide an in house one cheaper than u finding one... xx
Velcro...my wedding day twinny! The Two Kel's!
Got engaged 14/10/12 in Central Park NYC!
Became Mrs Macdonald 13th September 2014
Mummy to 4 girlies and baby blue boy Due 10/05/2016
Without trying to sound like a party pooper there are some things you need to bare in mind about giving numbers for the guests. Some rooms have fire restrictions on them and if you break these rules then you are liable if anything should happen to one of your guests in an emergency and the fire brigade don't take this matter lightly.
Also will the venue then provide enough tables and chairs for everyone? Its no fun if half your guests are having to stand all night.
Sometimes you can compromise on the catering even if they say 100% have to be catered for. I know we all like to save money but there are safe ways to do this.
CommentAuthor*KelBel*
yeah let me re-iterate what i put...i didnt mean tell them ur inviting 70 ppl to ur night do,tell them ur inviting 100 but you're only wanting food for about 70!x
Velcro...my wedding day twinny! The Two Kel's!
Got engaged 14/10/12 in Central Park NYC!
Became Mrs Macdonald 13th September 2014
Mummy to 4 girlies and baby blue boy Due 10/05/2016
CommentAuthorpennieb-MrsRiley
You have to watch that though kellykog because some venues insist that you cater for 100% of the guests, so I would suggest that you ask what the minimum %age is for catering as well
Now, finally, Mrs Riley
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world
I have the greatest husband!
CommentAuthornini
Ask the difference is price for a child meal v adult meal What child options are there? Do they provide a Master of Ceremonies? Will you have exclusive use of that suite/room for the whole day? (or do the general public come wandering into the room?) Can they provide a bridal suite as part of the package price?
Always try and negotiate!
CommentAuthorMrsMac2B
Spot on Jo :) Our evening buffet is served to each table and there will only put out the amount of chairs for each person that is paid for. Plus we had the smaller room in our venue but after counting final numbers we were 3 guests over the rooms limit (fire regs) for the sit down meal so had to change rooms and date! x
CommentAuthorXLittleMissMe!X
Yikes it is a good job that you checked that MrsMac. We can only have up to 80. Our venue said that we have to cater for 100% and when we booked I said it would be 60 but its looking more like 80 now. I'm going to talk to them and say because of the fact that 60 of us are not finishing eating until 7.30 and the buffet is on at 9.30 can we not cater for the extra 20 people as it won't get eaten. I will say to them that I won't invite the other 20 if they charge me for them and then they will lose out in extra drinks sales so I think it will be in their best interests to let me off 20 people.
CommentAuthorDee
make sure you give them all the details such as numbers and if they are doing the food any special requirements etc. Dont skip on the numbers better to waste then not to have enough to feed all of your guests
