Simply Brides
of Didcot, Oxfordshire
Wedding Studio
Exceptional service at sensible prices
Tips on Finding A Reception Venue To Suit Your Wedding
You will probably find the largest proportion of your wedding budget is spent on your reception venue and catering. Therefore you want to make sure you choose the right place for your day and you get as much information as possible. Here are some questions which might be useful to ask:
- Are there other weddings booked for the same day?
- When will we need to provide final guest numbers?
- How many staff will be provided on the day - waiting and bar?
- Do they have equipment you can use or will you have to hire tables, chairs, linens, plates, glassware, etc.?
- How many can each table seat - how many tables are there?
- Can we have a round/long 'top' table?
- What table layout do you recommend?
- Will there be someone I can liaise with who will be there on the day?
- What are the arrangements for greeting guests as they arrive?
- Whose responsibility is it to clear up?
- Do you number/name the tables or do we?
- Can you play music during the reception - CD?
- Will a staff member handle this, or will we need to find someone?
- Is there a stand for the table plan?
- Can a member of staff act as 'toastmaster'?
- What is the payment schedule?
- Who will be supervising on the day of the wedding?
- What costs are incurred if the guest numbers change last minute?
- Is there flexibility on the cost of the bar extension/ can we have one?
- Is there a limit to the number of evening guests?
- Are there any noise restrictions, e.g. for the band?
- How can we ensure that rooms are reserved for our guests - does this require a deposit?
Food and drink - What kind of wedding packages are available?
- When do we need to decide on the menu?
- What alternatives can we have?
- Is there a vegetarian alternative? Can they accommodate special dietary requirements?
- Can we have a free bar or will guests pay for their own beverages?
- Can we have a chocolate fountain?
- Can we provide our own alcohol? Is there a corkage charge?
- When does the bar open/close?
- What happens to un-used wine and champagne?
- Can the cake be cut and distributed?
- What is the children's menu - how much is it?
- Is there a cheaper food option available for photographer/band etc?
- Is there a cake stand/knife? What is it like?
- Is service charge included in the price?
- Will we be able to taste the food before we choose the menu?
- When should the wedding cake be delivered, and where will it be stored?
Decorations
- Who is responsible for decorating the venue - when is the room available?
- Who will decorate the tables?
- Can we have tea-lights/candles on the tables/in the room?
- Can chair covers be provided?
- Do you have any restrictions on decorations?
- What is the china/glassware like?
- Is confetti allowed outside of the building?
- What flowers/decorations etc are provided?
- Do you provide flowers for the top table?
- Will there be linen table cloths and napkins? What colours are available?
Timings
- How long should we allow for reception drinks, meal etc?
- What is the best time that the evening guests should arrive?
- What time should the wedding cake be served?
- What time will you serve the evening buffet?
- How long will the meal take to be served?
Guest Information - What is the check-in/out time for overnight guests?
- How will people buy additional alcohol during the meal?
- Is there anywhere for guests to store coats, bags etc?
- Will there be someone on hand to arrange taxi's for departing guests?
- What time is breakfast served in the morning?
- What are the room tariffs?
Additional questions
- Does the venue suit your theme? Is it big enough to accommodate all your guests?
- How far away from the ceremony venue is it?
- If you are bringing a caterer in, will they have access to a kitchen, power, running water, etc?
- Is there a sufficient power supply for any entertainment/sound systems you may require?
- Does the venue have a public address system available for speeches?
- Are fireworks allowed?
- Visit your venue at the time of day your reception will take place. Is the lighting suitable?
- Discuss table layout, seating arrangements and the position of the cake table.
- Discuss where you would like flowers and other decorations placed.
- Is there a safe place for gifts?
- If you are having outside staff or decorators in, what is the earliest they can have access?
- Does the venue have disabled access?
- Are there adequate parking facilities?
- Is there a private room available for you to change into going-away outfits?
- Can you come and see the room when it is set up for another wedding reception?
- Does the venue have public liability insurance?
- What is the cancellation/postponement policy?
- How much is the deposit to secure the date and when is it due?
- Is VAT included in the final price?
- Confirm dates, times and details with a written contract
Simply Brides of Didcot
01235 815110
SimplyBrides@tiscali.co.uk
www.SimplyBrides.net
Registered number: 5921571