Are you thinking about holding your reception in a banquet hall? Cross your i’s and dot your t’s by asking these nine questions before making your decision.
1. Do you have a preferred vendor list?
A preferred vendor list is a vetted, exclusive list of parties the banquet hall works with, and they don’t always venture outside of it. This could be a problem if you like a particular vendor, but it saves time from researching outside suppliers if you don’t. Regardless, you want to be comfortable with the hall’s approved vendor list before going ahead.
2. What time do we have to be in and out?
Banquet hall hours aren’t exclusive to just dinner and dancing; they include set-up and take-down. Ensure the caterers have enough time to load in and out; you have enough the travel time between the ceremony and reception; and everything will be cleaned up on time. The last thing you want is to be charged overtime.
3. Will there be other events on the same day?
Banquet halls consist of multiple spaces: It’s unlikely that your wedding is the only event scheduled that day. If this is the case, you want to ensure you’ll still be taken care of. You want your guests to make it to the right hall while other parties’ guests don’t crash yours.
If you think several events in one day will impact the service you receive, you may need to look elsewhere.
4. Do you provide A/V equipment?
Renting a banquet hall often includes basic A/V necessities, but you never want to assume this. Speakers and microphones may be a part of the package, or you could be responsible for bringing everything.
Ask for an inventory list or any customizable options you can take advantage of.
5. Do you supply other rentals?
Wedding planning advice includes essential money-saving tips. Are tables, chairs, linens, and glassware provided? What about tables and chairs? Anything not provided will be your responsibility to rent, but if they’re included, you’ll have more money in the budget.
If the venue does cover all rentals, ask to see the furniture first. You’ll be disappointed to discover those chairs aren’t what you envisioned.
6. What is the absolute maximum capacity?
All venues have a maximum capacity. This number directly impacts your guest list, floor plan, and budget. If the hall is amazing but its capacity is too small for your guest list, you may have to decide what’s more important on the big day.
7. What’s your cancellation policy?
Review the cancellation policy prior to signing. It’s not a fun surprise to discover you misread it. You want to be completely sure that you can recover any losses should the worst occur, whether it’s because you cancel or the venue does. Nobody loves looking over a wedding venue contract, but it’s in your best interest to read and understand its terms.
8. What kind of aesthetic features does it include?
Is there anything unique about the hall, such as a grand foyer or outdoor garden? A banquet hall likely has most of the décor built-in, where you just need to enhance the space with complementary touches.
9. What other amenities are included?
You want specifics. Is there enough parking available for the drivers? Are the restrooms in the hall or do guests have to step into a common area? Is a bridal suite available for any wardrobe changes? Confirm if a coat check is available for fall and winter weddings.
Think of it as wedding planning for dummies. Before you say “I do” to the venue, make sure to ask these questions.
