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Dazzle: A Newsletter for the Stylish Bride
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Think
saying "I do" is going to be the most emotional moment in your
wedding? Probably so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding
venue could be a close runner-up.
Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which
these days means you can expect to lay out almost $13,000, including
food. And the venue you select can not only limit your choice of
caterers or bakers, it's sure to affect how much you spend to
"cover up" its weak spots or accent its highlights. Most
stressful of all, the popular venues book far in advance, forcing
brides to make the big decision almost as soon as they set the date.
For that reason, the savvy venue-hunter wants to know what questions
to ask before she walks in the door, much less signs the
contract. Here are a few ideas:
Do you have a pre-set list of caterers I can use, or can I choose my
own?
Some venues -- high-end ones with their own catering staff, or
small-town ones with little competition -- require you to use the
in-house caterers or choose from a small list of "approved"
vendors. It can be difficult to get taste-tests or otherwise put this
type of vendor through its paces. If you're stuck with such a list,
search high and low for brides who have "been there, done
that" and can give you their honest opinions.
Any restrictions on decorations?
Many venues have them, but rules vary widely from place to place. Common
restrictions include: no open flame (or no flame whatsoever), no tape or
tacks on the walls, or no confetti. When linens are provided, some halls
will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide any
decorations themselves, especially around holidays. Useful centerpiece
items such as hurricane lamps or Eiffel vases are not uncommon.
Can we bring our own liquor, is there a "corkage" fee, and
do we need a license?
If the liquor's to flow freely at your wedding, you'll save an immense
amount of moolah by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this and
require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue that says
"yes" to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a
mandatory "corkage fee" to serve it -- which typically starts
at an unbelievable $10 per bottle or more! You'll want to be
crystal-clear on the fine print regarding alcohol before you commit to a
venue.
As for licensing, many states consider wedding receptions to be
an "unlicensed social function," meaning you don't need one as
long as you're not charging anyone for the alcohol. But be sure to check
your local regulations before moving ahead -- and ask your venue
if they know of any licensing requirements.
Is there a cake-cutting fee?
Some venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most don't. A more
common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting fee, which
like corkage fees, can really add up -- often at $1 per slice!
DIY Detective Work
These, of course, are only a few of the questions you'll want to ask
a prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you're checking out
the place:
- Bring a tape measure. Get the dimensions of the room, the tables, and
the distance between any features that might impact your decor, like
windows. How many outlets are there and where are they located? What
kind of climate control is available to you?
- Check the kitchen. Does it look clean, roomy and suitable for your
catering staff to work from?
- Check the hall itself. Where will you put the band, the cake table,
the coffee service? Are there coat racks for your guests? Is a sound
system available?
- Check out the parking. Is it ample? Is it paved, or can it get muddy
in the case of rain? Is there handicap access?
One final thing to get clear before you autograph that contract is your
venue's cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips,
you'll have done enough homework to rest easy in your choice and not
worry about having to cancel. Now that you've signed, take some time to
sit back and relax ... before you tackle the next task in that thick wedding
planner!
Blake Kritzberg is editor at "FavorIdeas.com." Stop by http://www.favorideas.com
for wedding favors, theme ideas, Save-the-Date eCards, free wedding screensaver,
free wedding templates and
Bridezilla's weekly adventures.
Copyright Blake Kritzberg - http://www.favorideas.com
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