Questions to ask reception/ceremony site

I am still in the early stages of planning.

I am still trying to choose a site. I need questions to ask to make my final decision between the two.

I like both of the places. I haven't gone to look at them yet, but they provide the same things for around the same price. Please help :)

Answer:

Hi, and thanks for your question.

You say they provide the same things for around the same price. Does this include the food being served?

You really do have to go and see each location for yourself, that way you can get a feel for each one.

As for questions, I would ask these ones:

* how much will it cost to use the site? Do you have a payment plan?

* is there reception package, and if there is what is exactly included?

* does the wedding reception location have liability insurance? (This is to protect you in case someone gets injured during the party; he won't be held responsible)

* how many hours will you be able to have the site?

* Is there an overtime pay if you stay longer?

* Is there a minimum amount of time, you have to rent it for?

* will there be another party right before or after yours (or both)?

* will there be enough time to decorate and take stuff down before the next wedding begins?

* is there any chance of an awkward overlap?

* will you be required to leave everything "as is," or can you move things around and/or decorate to suit your purposes?

* are tables, chairs, plates, glasses, and so on available, or will you have to provide to or rent those yourselves?

* is there an in-house caterer, or can you bring your in your own?

* can you use an outside caterer instead of the in-house person?

* are there kitchen/cooking facilities? (This is important to know as caterers will charge you extra if they have to bring in things like refrigerators and stoves)

* is the parking free? If not, what are the rates and/or gratuities were valets? (You can and really should pay this up front so your guess don't have to tip)

* will there be a coat room available?

* are the bathrooms nearby? Check to make sure they're nice and clean!

* does the wedding venue have a liquor license? If there's no bar can you set one up?

* a nice perk for the bride and groom is a private room. Is there one available where you too can change or just be alone for a few minutes?

* is there a dress code that you'll need to inform guests of?

* is smoking allowed?

* is the place wheelchair accessible?

* is the place air conditioned?

* are children allowed?

* are there any restrictions or regulations about what kind of music can be played and/or a time by which it must be turned off?

* Is there a dance floor? If not, is there enough room for your guests to dance?

* are there guidelines about what kinds of decorations, you can use?

* Will you have access to the site early enough to decorate?

* Is there a place where a microphone and speakers can be set up for the emcee?

* will someone who works at the location be there to supervise during your wedding? Hopefully this will be the person you meet all your plans with and not someone you just met on your wedding day.

* what about security? Find out just how safe the place is and decide whether you're comfortable with this level of security.

* what's the cancellation policy of the wedding venue? This is important to know because some places will give you most of your deposit back if you cancel far enough in advance, since there's still a chance they can rent the space for another party. But after a certain date, you may not be able to get your deposit back, or at least not all of it.