11 Things You Need To Know Before Booking Your Reception Venue

  1. Make sure you see the actual room or location where the reception would take place.
  2. Discuss the menu selections and the costs per person of each. Does it include the cake?
  3. Make sure to check liquor and beverage fees. What is the charge per drink for an open bar? Is there a corking fee if you provide your own champagne? Do they charge extra to pour coffee with the cake?
  4. Find out what equipment is included, what will be extra, and what will be rented - dance floor, microphone, etc.
  5. Check on music restrictions.
  6. Know exactly how long you may have the facilities.
  7. Make sure they have adequate serving people. Most commercial places add a service fee. Be sure to find out what that will be.
  8. See if decorations and flowers are handled separately or if they are provided.
  9. These locations are probably the easiest to consider. They offer complete service and facilities and they will coordinate all phases of your reception.
  10. The advantage with these locations is that the people are experienced, and relieve you of the burdens of coordinating the reception.
  11. The disadvantages are that you must conform to their time schedule, and many times, to pre-established menus which allow little or no flexibility