What do I need to do when we go to a place that we're considering for our wedding/reception?

Question

My fiance and I are going to a place where we want to have our wedding tomorrow afternoon to meet with the lady in charge. It's a restaurant that has a terrace with a great view. The lady said it should only take about 15 minutes for the meeting, but that seems fast to me - don't you normally want to look at the prospective contract, talk about what is/isn't allowed (for decorations, times, etc.)? Or do you normally go back and do that when you actually plan on signing the contract? They have a few dates available next May and June, so I'm sure we'll end up having our wedding there (not worried about getting a date).

Anyway, I guess what I'm wondering is what I should ask the lady when we're there tomorrow, and what I should look for about which room we decide to have the reception in (there are 2 options) (for example, I've heard I should look at the restroom situation - what else?).

Here's a link to their wedding info:

http://www.cocopalmrestaurant.com/weddings.htm

Answer 1

-What type of decorations are allowed
-What are the restrictions so far as your photagrapher and DJ's should they be insured?
-Capacity
-How will the ceremony/ reception site be set up are they flexible with that
-Are outside rentals allowed say if you don't like their china
-Will the bathrooms be stocked with toilet paper, handtowels, attendants
-Will tipping be included in the rental price
-Are there any additional fees
- How much access will you have to your cite for prep
The site looks beautiful and the lady in charge probably thinks that you are going to immediatley sign a contract , but restrain yourself and politley (really politley) take her through the ringer ask her as many ?'s as you can think of do not let her intimidate you into thinking that you have to select this place make sure that after you sign that contract that there is someone there that is reliable to answer any ?'s or concerns that may arise after you've sined your contract ... and it will most likely take more than 15 minutes
Oh yeah aske her about your alcohol options... if you are planning on letting them provide the liquor it will probably be pricey but if they will let you provide it and set it up and just use their bartender you should save some $$$$
Congratulations

Answer 2

Congratulations! I am getting married next year also, and the lady at the reception place that we ended up choosing was very helpful. She actually told us what we should be sure of no matter where we go (whether or not we chose them) so that the price we were originally quoted would not change. The things that I thought were most important that she told us was 1) to ask about packages they offer. Many times the a la carte items (drinks, chair covers, table linens) cost more than if you include them all in a package. 2) ask if they will guarantee the price of the food quoted now for the day of the wedding. She said in many contracts, it states they can raise the price of the food (that the prices change about 2% each year), so you want to make sure the price they quote for you now is the price you will get when you go to make the final deposit. I hope that this made sense and was helpful! Good luck finding the place for your special day!

Answer 3

Since it is a restaurant. You should find out if they are open to the public as security becomes an issue, gifts, guest safety etc. Also do you like their food? I'd eat there a couple of times especially when it's busy to see how the quality is. Since you'll probably be getting married on a Saturday and that is a restaurant's busiest day. The prices for that area don't look extremely high . But they sure had a lot of little things that add up fast. The place is beautiful in the pictures and all inclusive packages can be very convenient but only if you're happy with the quality and pricing.

Answer 4

I would make sure that the "lady in charge" is really the one that makes the final decision of you being able to rent the place. I booked a place and signed a contract gave $450 deposit, to find out later that we were not going to be able to have our reception there, because the real person in charge did not think this place was the correct place for us. (i'm still mad and think he was prejudice) It took over 3 weeks to get my money back. Hope everything goes well, good luck!

Answer 5

Make sure you find out what the price per person includes. Sometimes, tax and gratuity are extra. Find out exactly what they will do for you the day of the wedding (do they charge for cake cutting service, centerpieces, etc.). Also, I agree with one of the previous answers, DO NOT let them talk you into anything before you've checked out different places to compare. You'll regret it if you get stuck in a contract and can't get your deposit back. Good luck!!

Answer 6

You should ask her everything you want to ask. Just because she estimated it would only take 15 minutes, doesn't mean you should limit yourself to that amount of time. If it runs over 15 it is not your problem. Weddings are a big business and I highly doubt she'll ask you to leave and say your time is up. Go in knowing what you want to ask, and then if you book it there, you stay in touch with her and can always ask more questions. I had a ton of questions here and there throughout the months of planning my wedding. Our reception hall was helpful every time I emailed her.

Answer 7

Go to the knot.com they have a list of very helpful questions to ask...some of which I would of never thought of and ask for a copy of the contract. The knot's list had every detail and you can print the list out! They should cover most of the questions just showing you around but the are so many more little details that seem to appear after you have left.

After you leave make a note of any question you have on a piece of paper (I used the back of the knots list) and called later to ask them.

Best wishes and good luck finding your hall!!

Answer 8

Ask her about how the place would be setup, ask her how people have done it in the past. Ask her how many people it holds and how the tables are usually set up. Ask her about parking and the security of the parking lot. Make sure there will be room for all of the tables you need (guest tables, buffet, gift table, sign in book, etc.) and for people to move around comfortably. See if they have any other events going on that day or even that weekend that could affect yours. THat should get you started.

Answer 9

Luminous Mini Lanterns might artwork out super for this and can be used for wedding ceremony favors in case you mandatory to. i at present stumbled on for a shopper the hot illuminating candles they're battery operated or maybe flicker like genuine flames. reckoning on your room lighting fixtures those might additionally be used for the tables. And no worry approximately flames. I even stumbled on them at between the craft shops and that they seem to be genuine wax with a melted ingredient and all. Michaels or any stable craft save have them because of this very situation further and added places are carrying this type of candle. They lead them to small and that they'll drift additionally. interior maximum historic residences museums etc they do no longer enable a flame. I even have used those stumbled on below. i comprehend you have your coronary heart set on the cohesion Candle yet check out the cohesion Sand. comparable theory it Unites and you have a appealing centerpiece for you residing house with your wedding ceremony colorations. No 2 are ever alike. they're very unique and a few thing which you will view dailey to remind you of your ceremony. you additionally can create small boxes of sand decorations for table centerpieces to your travellers. stable success

Answer 10

take a tour of the place. and dont forget to ask her " is this the best price u can offer me?" also go with a gf so that they think that u are both interested and can give u a better deal since they think that u both are interested. and another thing dont feel pressured into putting money down on anything!!