Cake Knives, Guest Books, and the Whole Nine Yards
Some packages offer some, if not all, of the specialty items you will need on your wedding day, such as:
* Place cards
* Matches
* Guest book and pen
* Cake knife
* Wine toast glasses
A few even offer invitations. In truth, many of these items come from the package plan photographer. And if you don't use that photographer, you may not get the goodies that go along with the plan. But don't panic. You will most likely wish to view a wider variety of styles when choosing your invitations, place cards, and matches. And as far as guest books, toast glasses, and cake knives go — you will probably receive these as gifts. Besides, the quality of the package plan equivalents is not always that great. If you don't get any or all of these necessities as gifts, you can easily locate what you need at any fine party supply or gift store.
Prices and Payment Procedures
Keeping in mind that your wedding is several months to a year or so away from the date of your appointment, be sure you know the following:
1. Are the package plan prices guaranteed? Most brochures will indicate the valid price dates, but always ask!
2. If you are not working with a package plan meal, when can you be quoted final prices from the regular dinner menu?
3. Have all applicable taxes and gratuities been thoroughly explained?
4. Are there anyt other additional fees for services such as room setup, bartender, or cake-cutting?
Have your sales rep provide you with an estimate of your total wedding reception costs. Remember, of course, that if you are interested in a personalized buffet menu, the sales rep will most likely not have an exact price quote for you as such menus must first be costed out by the head chef and/or the food and beverage manager. And an open bar, if you are considering one, can be only an approximation at best.
Just get as many prices quoted as you can that day. If there are any items needing to be priced out, ask that these figures be given to you as soon as possible in order to make your final decision.
And Speaking of Final Decisions...
Don't forget, the bottom line is:
* How much and when is the first deposit due?
* What is the schedule for all other payments?
* What is the cancellation policy? When is any or all of your money no longer refundable?
* When is the balance due? Must this payment be made by certified check?
* How are any additional charges on the wedding day handled? (Such as extension of the open bar, the last-minute addition of guests, etc.) Is a credit card or personal check acceptable for such charges?
And one last thing. If you feel in your heart of hearts that you might be interested in having your reception at this facility, ask how you may secure a "hold" on your requested room and time. Most places will offer to hold the space for you anywhere from three business days to two weeks without obligation (i.e., deposit). Of course, if you are given limited time to decide, and there are still items to be price quoted, you should insist on having a few days' extension in which to decide properly.
There! You have just concluded your first banquet facility consultation. Congratulations, bride-to-be! And now, to make things easier for you, I have compiled a summary of the questions you should be asking without all the "whys" and "wherefores" attached. You may want to make a copy of this and clip it to the inside of your notebook for easy reference.
Your Wedding Reception Facility Questionnaire
Name of facility:
Contact person:
Phone number:
Date of first appointment:
Name of banquet room(s) available for reception:
General appearance of room:
Rug color:
Wall color:
Are lighting fixtures working properly?
Appearance of table linens (if applicable):
Is the tone of the room too formal, or not formal enough?
Where would the head table be placed?
What is the maximum seating capacity for the head table?
Would all guest tables be set in view of the head table?
Where would the band or DJ be placed?
How many guest tables are placed in close proximity to the music?
Where would the dance floor be placed?
Can the dimensions of the dance floor accommodate approximately_ guests?
If the number of guests increases, would the dance floor have to be made smaller?
Where would the bar be placed?
Where would pictures be taken?
Color of draperies in picture room:
Color of walls in picture room:
Dimensions of photography area:
Does the facility have any plans to renovate any of these areas prior to the wedding date?
Guarantee of Room
Can the establishment change the room assignment without your knowledge if your guest count changes drastically above or below your estimated number?
Are any or all of the function areas handicap accessible?
Guarantee of Hours
* How many hours are allotted for wedding receptions?
* What is the fee, if any, for additional hours?
Food
* What are the popular package plan entrees?
* What are other possible entree choices?
* What are some of the choices for a buffet?
* If you choose a buffet, would a head waiter or waitress serve the bride and possibly others at the head table?
* Will a buffet table and standing area fit comfortably in the banquet room with approximately_guests in attendance?
* Is it possible to try the food?
* Will this food be prepared by the banquet chef?
* Would it be possible to arrange an evening to view the banquet room set for a wedding reception? When?
* If not wedding season, is there a formal dinner party setup you could view? When?
* What would be the cost, if any, of trying these meals?
* Obtain menus for hors d'oeuvres, deli tables, and sweet tables for future reference.
Bar Service
* Obtain information in writing regarding open bar service, if interested.
* What are the liability laws in regard to alcohol? (Check this also with the proper outside sources.)
* Are "call" brands poured only when requested by name?
* Are special request items available?
Bands (When Provided in Package Plan)
* What is the name of the band and how many hours are included in the package plan price?
* Approximately how many weddings has this band performed at?
* Are all members consistent?
* How many in the group actually sing? Is there a male and a female vocalist available?
* Is a video- or audiocassette of the group available?
* Who is the emcee or band leader?
* What is the rep's opinion of his or her presentation and personality?
* What will the band's attire be?
* Is prerecorded music played during band breaks?
* Will the band learn any special request music? Must sheet music be provided for them?
* Is there any place in which to see this band perform live?
* What is their policy and fee for overtime?
* What happens if a band member becomes ill or has an emergency on your wedding day?
* What is the credit off the package plan if the band is not used?
DJs Provided in the Plan
* What is the name of the DJ and how many hours are included in the package plan price?
* How long has this DJ emceed weddings at this particular banquet facility?
* Is the DJ always consistent, or is it an agency that sends out various artists?
* Is there a videocassette for you to consider?
* What is the sales rep's opinion of the DJ's presentation and personality?
* What would the DJ's attire be? Does he or she bring an assistant? If so, what does the assistant wear?
* Does the DJ play prerecorded music during breaks?
* Is there anywhere you can see this DJ perform live?
What are the policies and fees for overtime?
What happens if the DJ becomes ill or has an emergency on your wedding day?
What is the credit off the package plan if you decide not to use the DJ?
Does the facility have any policies regarding bands or DJs brought in by the bride?
If the music is not provided through your package plan, does the sales rep have any possible suggestions?
Photography and Videography (When Provided in Package Plan)
Is there a sample album to view?
How long has this company been in business?
Roughly how many weddings have they photographed at this particular facility?
What exactly is included in the wedding plan?
How many photographers (and, if applicable, assistants) are included in the package plan price?
What will their attire be?
How many cameras will they bring?
Will the photographer be at the bride's home, the church or chapel, and the whole reception?
Approximately how many pictures will be taken?
Does the facility have a price listing for extra prints, etc.?
May proofs and/or negatives be purchased?
What happens if the photographer becomes ill or has an emergency on your wedding day?
Does the photography studio also offer videography?
What is the price for videography?
Are quality cameras and tape used?
Can personal pictures and video footage be edited into videographer's material? What would the fee for this service be?
Can you keep the raw footage after editing?
What is the credit off the package plan if photography and/or videography is not taken?
If photography and/or videography is not offered in your package plan, can the sales rep recommend any reputable companies or individuals?
"Service Help" Meals
Get suggestions and prices for meals for your band and/or DJ, photographer and/or videographer.
Limousine (When Provided in Package Plan)
* What is the make, year, and color of the car?
* Is it possible to upgrade the make or the color of the limo? What would the additional cost be?
* What will the driver's attire be?
* Is there a discount available for additional car rentals?
* Is there a television in the limo?
* Is champagne included? If not, can it be arranged?
* What happens if the driver becomes ill or has an emergency on your wedding day?
* What is the credit off the package plan if the limo is not taken?
* If limousine transportation is not included in your package plan, does the sales rep have any suggestions for you?
Wedding Cake (When Provided in Package Plan)
* Are pictures available of the various styles?
* Is the top tier real, or merely decorative?
* May something other than white or vanilla cake be ordered? What are the costs?
* How much in advance of the wedding day will this cake actually be made?
Is there a credit off the package plan if the cake top is not taken?
What happens if the cake is dropped during delivery or setup?
What is the credit off the package plan if the cake is not taken?
If the cake is not included in your package plan, can the sales rep refer you to any reputable bakeries?
Floral Centerpieces (When Provided in Plan)
Is there a choice of table centerpieces included in the package plan price?
What florist supplies centerpieces? (Get contact name and phone number.)
Can you get a credit on the centerpieces, or put that allowance towards an upgrade?
Are candles allowed in the banquet room?
If floral centerpieces are not offered through your package plan, can the sales rep refer you to a quality florist?
Wedding Toast
How much more costly is champagne than wine?
Is it possible to serve champagne at the head table and parents' tables and wine at the guest tables?
Will waitstaff offer guests a nonalcoholic toast as well?
Linen
What colors are available in tablecloths and napkins? Are linens fresh, crisp, and colorfast?
Will the head table (and buffet table, if applicable) be skirted?
Reception Coordinator
Who will act as host or hostess on your wedding day?
If not the banquet sales rep, is it possible to meet this person? What will that person's duties be on that day?
Safe-Deposit Boxes
Is there a secured safe in which gift envelopes may be placed during the reception?
Is this safe shared with other guests, or are individual lock boxes provided?
Wedding Night Accommodations (Hotels only)
Is there a complimentary changing and/or overnight room for the bride and groom?
What is this room like? Is it possible to see it?
Is there a discounted rate for sleeping rooms for your wedding guests?
What is the procedure for reserving a block of rooms?
Miscellaneous Accessories Are any or all of the following provided through the package plan?
__Yes __No Invitations
__Yes __No Place cards
__Yes __No Matches
__Yes __No Guest book and pen
__Yes __No Cake knife
__Yes __No Wedding toast glasses
Is a credit available if you provide your own accessories?
Prices
Are all prices guaranteed for the date of your wedding? If not, when can exact quotes be given?
Have all applicable taxes, gratuities, rentals, service fees, etc. been thoroughly explained?
Payment and Cancellation Policies
How much and when is the first deposit due?
What is the schedule for all other payments? What is the cancellation policy?
When is any or all of your money no longer refundable?
* When is the balance due?
* Must this final payment be made by certified check?
* How are open bar charges handled?
* If there are any additional food and/or beverage charges on the wedding day, can they be covered by check or credit card?
* At this time, have your sales rep quote your approximate total wedding reception costs based on your estimated guest count.
Tentative Reservation of Wedding Date
* How many days can this date be held without obligation?
* Will a time extension be granted if certain requested prices have not as-yet been quoted?
No comments:
Post a Comment