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Wedding Reception Selection
By Susan M. Keenan ©2006
When visiting a potential site for your wedding reception,
it is a good idea to have a list of questions handy. In fact, keeping notes in
a small copybook is a terrific way to organize the information.
Although it is true that most reception locations provide
colorful and informative brochures, there is nothing like first hand
information. Take notes on your initial impression of the place. Remember to
include your fiancé’s impressions as well.
Jot down what you think of the individual who presents the
reception location to you. If the individual is brusque and delivers short
answers to all of your questions, consider that this might be something of a
problem when trying to coordinate the details.
Make a notation as to the appearance of the reception
location. Is it everything that you want? Is the coloring going to clash with
the bridesmaids’ dresses? Is the color your fiancé’s least favorite color?
Although this may seem like a petty detail, sometimes it may come down to only
one or two minor things when trying to decide between two excellent choices.
Besides the obvious question as to whether the reception
site has your date available, many other questions are also necessary. If you
are hiring the reception site to provide all of the amenities necessary for the
reception with a per person fee, it is still important to ask about any
additional fees that might not be mentioned up front.
For instance, is there a cake cutting fee? Does the place
charge a separate fee for the bartender? How much is charged for the
gratuity? Is there a separate clean up fee? Are there any other hidden fees
that you should know about?
Financial details should be attended to as well. Discuss
what the payment policy is. Find out what the cancellation policy is in the
event of a change in plans for whatever reasons. Are credit card payments
acceptable or must a personal check be used?
Practical considerations should be discussed at this initial
meeting as well. Are there any supplies, decorations, or other amenities that
you will be expected to provide? What is the room occupancy limitation? What
restrictions does the reception facility have in place regarding music or
alcohol? Does the facility allow rice tossing, bubble blowing, or rose petal
tossing?
Finally, consider the needs of your guests. If you have a
number of handicapped or elderly guests, are there sufficient parking spaces?
Are stairways or steps going to present a problem? Do the bathrooms provide
sufficient amenities for each of your guests?
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your
life. Take the time to do a little bit of research to ensure that your wedding
reception is a pleasantly memorable occasion.
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