Putting together the various aspects of planning your wedding is all about becoming informed. If you come prepared when you meet the people who will provide the services and products for your wedding, you'll be building an information base that will help to ensure that your end product, your special day, will run smoothly and meet your expectations. If you have decided to rent the use of a banquet hall for your wedding, there are questions well worth asking.

If you get the answers you want, the next step is to get references. The venue manager should be willing and pleased to provide you with a list of recommendations from previous clients. Take the list and make the calls. What seems to work best is to begin the conversations on a positive note with, "Please tell me three of the best things about working with this person," followed by "Please tell me three things that made you unhappy." If the referrals pan out to your satisfaction and you decide to book, get as many of the details written into your contract. If the venue manager is uncomfortable with putting things in writing, that alone should be a warning sign that tells you to go elsewhere. Before you leave, get a contact name and phone number and agree on a schedule for connecting with one another up until your wedding day.

Here are some questions to get you started. Of course, you should feel free to add queries that may not have been included.
1. Is there be more than one wedding at a time in the venue?
2. If there is a second wedding that day, and if so, how will it impact our time schedule, particularly overtime?
3. If there's another affair going on, how are the parties "separated" and is our privacy ensured?
4. Can you hold your ceremony there as well and, if so, is there an extra fee?
5. Are there any improvements, renovations or changes being made before your wedding date? Will the they be completed before that date?
6. What is the maximum and minimum number of guests the site can accommodate? What are the ideal minimum and maximum number? If you need to add guests, what's the top limit? Is the room you are seeing the one you will be using? Can you come back to see the space when a party is in progress?
7. Is there a parking space? For how many cars? Do they provide valet parking? Is there a fees? Will the parking area be impacted negatively by rain or snow? How do they deal with these issues?
8. Is the space, inside and out, wheelchair accessible? If not, are there accommodations they can make on a temporary basis?
9. Are the employees bonded?
10. Are they fully insured?
11. Is there a bridal room and what amenities, are in it (e.g., restroom, sink, full-length mirror, comfortable chair, chair to sit on while you are wearing your wedding gown, hanger for a wedding gown, sink, etc.)? Will there be an attendant? Is there another space for the bridal party to use?
12. Are there areas which they cano make available for photo shoots?
13. How large is the dance floor? Is there a setup charge?
14. What decorations may you and may you not use? Are you responsible for taking down the decorations after the party?
15. What arrangements have been made for unusual circumstances such as power outage, heavy rains, snow, etc.?
16. Who will be available to act as your host? Who will handle special problems or issues on the day of the wedding?
17. Does the venue provide staff and, if so, what is the staff-to-guest ratio?
18. How will the staff be attired?
19. What services does the venue provide and what do you8 need to provide (e.g., Setting tables? Linens service? Centerpieces? Tent? Flatware? Glasses? Table cards, etc.)?
20. What is included in the site fee? (e.g., Chairs? Gazebo? Wedding cake? Cake cutting charge?, etc.)?
21. Are gratuities included? If not, how is that handled? Is there jar for tips at the bar?
22. Are there any regulations and/or parameters such as the volume of music, start and end time, etc.?
23. What is the payment schedule and terms?
Deposit? How much? Refundable? Balance due? Credit Card?
24. When is the final head count due?
25. What dates are available and is there a difference in price relating to season, time of day, time of year?
26. Review the contract before signing it. Add into the contract the items that are "missing."
Venue managers are professionals and, as such, should be perfectly at ease answering any questions you have, so ask away.

© The right to download and store or output (e.g., print) materials found in Hudson Valley Weddings Web Site is granted for personal use only. Materials may not be reproduced in any edited form. Any other reproduction or editing by any means mechanical or electronic without the express written permission of Hudson Valley Weddings is strictly prohibited. Certain names, logos, and/or phrases on these pages may constitute trademarks or tradenames of Hudson Valley Weddings or its clients.