The Right Way To Book Your Wedding Reception
Think saying “I do” is going to be the most emotional moment in your wedding? Probably so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding venue could be a close runner-up.
Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which these days means you can expect to lay out almost $13,000, including food. And the venue you select can not only limit your choice of caterers or bakers, it’s sure to affect how much you spend to “cover up” its weak spots or accent its highlights. Most stressful of all, the popular venues book far in advance, forcing brides to make the big decision almost as soon as they set the date.
For that reason, the savvy venue-hunter wants to know what questions to ask before she walks in the door, much less signs the contract. Here are a few ideas:
Do you have a pre-set list of caterers I can use, or can I choose my own?
Some venues — high-end ones with their own catering staff, or small-town ones with little competition — require you to use the in-house caterers or choose from a small list of “approved” vendors. It can be difficult to get taste-tests or otherwise put this type of vendor through its paces. If you’re stuck with such a list, search high and low for brides who have “been there, done that” and can give you their honest opinions.
Any restrictions on decorations?
Many venues have them, but rules vary widely from place to place. Common restrictions include: no open flame (or no flame whatsoever), no tape or tacks on the walls, or no confetti. When linens are provided, some halls will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide any decorations themselves, especially around holidays. Useful centerpiece items such as hurricane lamps or Eiffel vases are not uncommon.
Can we bring our own liquor, is there a “corkage” fee, and do we need a license?
If the liquor’s to flow freely at your wedding, you’ll save an immense amount of moolah by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this and require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue that says “yes” to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory “corkage fee” to serve it — which typically starts at an unbelievable $10 per bottle or more! You’ll want to be crystal-clear on the fine print regarding alcohol before you commit to a venue.
As for licensing, many states consider wedding receptions to be an “unlicensed social function,” meaning you don’t need one as long as you’re not charging anyone for the alcohol. But be sure to check your local regulations before moving ahead — and ask your venue if they know of any licensing requirements.
Is there a cake-cutting fee?
Some venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most don’t. A more common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting fee, which like corkage fees, can really add up — often at $1 per slice!
DIY Detective Work
These, of course, are only a few of the questions you’ll want to ask a prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you’re checking out the place:
- Bring a tape measure. Get the dimensions of the room, the tables, and the distance between any features that might impact your decor, like windows. How many outlets are there and where are they located? What kind of climate control is available to you?
- Check the kitchen. Does it look clean, roomy and suitable for your catering staff to work from?
- Check the hall itself. Where will you put the band, the cake table, the coffee service? Are there coat racks for your guests? Is a sound system available?
- Check out the parking. Is it ample? Is it paved, or can it get muddy in the case of rain? Is there handicap access?
One final thing to get clear before you autograph that contract is your venue’s cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips, you’ll have done enough homework to rest easy in your choice and not worry about having to cancel. Now that you’ve signed, take some time to sit back and relax … before you tackle the next task in that thick wedding planner!
About the Author
Find tips about hornet nest removal, types of falcons and other information at the Interesting Animals website.
|
|
In Loving Memory of my Special Dad Grave Book with Poem and Vase Memorial Plaques Graveside Ornament £19.99 In Loving Memory of my Special Dad Grave Book with Poem and Vase Memorial Plaques Graveside Ornament… |
|
|
In Loving Memory of my Special Sister Grave Book with Poem and Vase Memorial Plaques Graveside Ornament £19.99 In Loving Memory of my Special Sister Grave Book with Poem and Vase Memorial Plaques Graveside Ornament… |
|
|
In Loving Memory of my Special Husband Grave Book with Poem and Vase Memorial Plaques Graveside Ornament £19.99 In Loving Memory of my Special Husband Grave Book with Poem and Vase Memorial Plaques Graveside Ornament… |
|
|
Vases £14.99 … |
|
|
13.3 Inch Apple Macbook Soft Carry Case Sleeve – Black £5.99 Laptop Carry Case to fit 13′ inch laptops. The case has a zip which goes 80% of the way round the item so its easy to put your laptop in and out and its a good thickness so will protect your laptop nicely. It is made of memory foam. Would fit an Apple Laptop or indeed any other laptop very well. |
|
|
‘Vase’ $904.95 Dominating a surreal landscape, a vase of brown flowers is nonetheless vibrant. Indistinct shapes surge toward a vanishing point in the left hand half of the canvas. This mesmerizing still life is the work of Luiz Trist�o. Titled “Vaso” in Portuguese. |
|
|
‘The Vase’ $272.95 A yellow wall and fiery orange tablecloth serve as a backdrop for a vase of flowers. Blue porcelain and indigo blossoms are framed in emerald ferns. By Valter Gomes, its narrow canvas lends a sense of elegance to this beautiful painting. Titled “O vaso” in Portuguese. |
|
|
‘Red Vase’ $187.95 Bold blossoms cluster in a red vase in this beautiful composition. By Andr� de Miranda, the stunning linoleum block print is richly detailed, with ceramic mosaic motifs on the vase and a starry sky seen through the window. The artist presents it in a passe partout of white Canson paper Titled “Vaso vermelho” in Portuguese. |
|
|
‘Vase of Flowers’ $544.95 Bursting with color, a bouquet of abstract flowers blooms in a voluptuous vase. Arranged against a verdant background, their beauty is breathtaking. Working in stylized shapes, Julieta Sathler creates a magical work. Titled “Vaso de flores” in Portuguese. |
|
|
120 Great Flower Paintings Platinum DVD and Book $9.95 New – This colorful compilation features bouquet after bouquet by the great masters. Featured paintings include van Gogh’s “14 Sunflowers in a Vase,” Manet’s “Crystal Vase with Flowers, “and Cezanne’s “Dahlias,” in addition to works by Renoir, Degas, Millet, Delacroix, Pissarro, Monet, and Cassatt. Each painting can be printed at poster size and you can play a slideshow of the images on your TV or computer. |
|
|
120 Great Flower Paintings Platinum DVD and Book $11.11 New – This colorful compilation features bouquet after bouquet by the great masters. Featured paintings include van Gogh’s “14 Sunflowers in a Vase,” Manet’s “Crystal Vase with Flowers, “and Cezanne’s “Dahlias,” in addition to works by Renoir, Degas, Millet, Delacroix, Pissarro, Monet, and Cassatt. Each painting can be printed at poster size and you can play a slideshow of the images on your TV or computer. |
|
|
180 $12.26 Used – Jane Douglas made a habit of checking the Caller ID. Upon answering, the anonymous caller abruptly hung up. Assuming they dialed the wrong number, she shrugged and returned the cordless phone to its cradle, bumping a womb-like vase full of autumn flowers. It appeared to hit the floor in slow motion. Rich, vibrant hues of red, purple, orange and yellow scattered while fine specks of crystal salted the maple wood. She mourned the disposable splendor as she selectively picked the large fract |
|
|
180 $17.92 Used – Jane Douglas made a habit of checking the Caller ID. Upon answering, the anonymous caller abruptly hung up. Assuming they dialed the wrong number, she shrugged and returned the cordless phone to its cradle, bumping a womb-like vase full of autumn flowers. It appeared to hit the floor in slow motion. Rich, vibrant hues of red, purple, orange and yellow scattered while fine specks of crystal salted the maple wood. She mourned the disposable splendor as she selectively picked the large fract |
|
|
1900s in Sports: 1900 in Sports, 1901 in Sports, 1902 in Sports, 1903 in Sports, 1904 in Sports, 1905 in Sports, 1906 in Sports, 1907 in Sports $27.23 Used – Chapters: 1900 in Sports, 1901 in Sports, 1902 in Sports, 1903 in Sports, 1904 in Sports, 1905 in Sports, 1906 in Sports, 1907 in Sports, 1908 in Sports, 1909 in Sports, 1909 Tour de France, 1905 Tour de France, 1903 Tour de France, 1908 Tour de France, 1904 Tour de France, 1906 Tour de France, 1907 Tour de France, Peking to Paris, 1907 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Littlejohn Vase, 1909 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final, 1907 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship |
No comments »