Wedding First venue meeting on Saturday!!!

[Shoopy]

Ok ladies put on your thinking hats and help me with questions I should ask. Don''t hold back, I have a printer

This is one of my "dream” locations

. I really want a laid back, casual wedding (which is why I was hoping for a DW). The Rusty Pelican is a restaurant that has a killer view of Miami and performs ceremonies. It’s very laid back but can be so beautiful too. We’re going on Saturday to chat with the Caterer and scope out the location. I have a few magazines with questions to ask but figured nothing is better than hearing it from people that have experienced/are experiencing planning.

Just so you know, they do the ceremony and reception. Reception includes meal, dessert (one of the things we’ll negotiate since we really don’t need cake AND dessert

), and open bar. I’ve attached some photos just cause I know you all like photos

First photo is of the ceremony (obviously) but this is one way to set it up

 

[Shoopy]

Love the view

 

[Shoopy]

View out on the patio. These are photos of an actual wedding that took place a few weeks ago.

 

[meresal]

Fiery... it''s absolutely stunning!!!

I have my first venue visits this weekend as well, so I''ll bo looking at this thread for everyone''s input as well!!

 

[CJ2008]

Fiery - just pick the ones that makes sense to you/are relevant. ETA: The location is GORGEOUS. I'm excited for you, I hope it goes well!

1. How long have you been in business, and how many events have you hosted?
2. Have you handled events of my type and size before?
3. What is the capacity of your room(s)?
4. What makes you better or different than another reception location?
5. What are the reasons you think we should hire you?
6. Do you have all the necessary licenses and health permits?
7. Are you properly insured?
8. Do you allow outside Caterers? If so, is the kitchen fully equipped?
9. If the reception location is also the caterer: Do you provide tasting consultations/food tastings?
10. Is there a fee for such tastings?
11. How many people can I bring along with me to the tasting?
12. What is the staff to guest ratio?
13. What is the staff dress code? Formal or casual?
14. If buffet style is offered, are servers provided or will it be self-serve?
15. Is there an extra charge for buffet servers? If so, how much?
16. Do you have a liquor license?
17. Is there an extra charge for bartenders? If so, how much?
18. Who is supplying the liquor, water, ice, etc.?
19. Do you provide cake cutting/serving service? Is it part of the basic package? If not, what is the additional cost?
20. Do you provide the wedding cake, or should I hire an outside baker?
21. If you provide the cake, is there an extra charge? If so, how much?
22. Is the champagne toasting service included or is that an extra charge? If an extra charge, how much?
23. Does the headcount include wedding professionals at the event (photographers, DJs, etc.)?
24. Are there special prices for feeding our DJ, band, photographer and other wedding professionals?
25. Are there special prices for children?
26. Is there a dance floor and, if so, how many people can it handle?
27. May our DJ or other professional(s) have access to your electrical outlets? Are there enough?
28. Is a deposit required? If so, how much?
29. When is the deposit due to reserve the room?
30. When is the final headcount due?
31. May I make partial payments?
32. When is the final payment due?
33. Is gratuity included in the price?
34. If not, what is the percentage of the service charge?
35. What percentage are the taxes?
36. What is the overtime charge?
37. Is the set-up and clean up included in the final price?
38. What are the costs for alcohol and beverages?
39. Do you provide linens, tables, chairs, china, glassware, silverware, serving accessories, etc.?
40. What equipment do you provide?
41. Do you have Audio/Visual Equipment?
42. Are the above items included in the basic price or are they extra? If extra, how much?
43. Do you provide rentals, or are they from another company?
44. Is there adequate parking?
45. Is there a charge for parking? If so, how much?
46. Do you offer valet parking? If so, how much?
47. Do you allow outside Valet companies?
48. Is there a coat checkroom? Is staff available for the room? If so, what are the fees associated with that service if not already included in the basic charge?
49. Are there any additional charges not mentioned?
50. Do you provide a written contract and guarantee?
51. What are the refunds/cancellation terms?
52. What is your leftover policy?
53. How far is your facility from our ceremony location?
54. How far is your facility from our guests’ hotels?
55. If the reception location is a hotel:
55A. Do the bride and groom receive a bridal suite included in the package?
55B. Are discounts available to our guests for their accommodations? If so, how much is the discount and/or how much are the rooms?
56. How many hours will we have the room? Beginning time/end time?
57. How long before the event can we have access to the room so that we may prepare it?
58. Are there any other events taking place at the same time as ours?
59. Package 1:
60. Cost of Package 1:
61. Package 2:
62. Cost of Package 2:
63. Package 3:
64. Cost of Package 3:
65. A question to ask yourself: Has the facility addressed your personal concerns satisfactorily?

 

[Shoopy]

Thanks for that list

The location is beautiful but its insanely popular. I don''t want to sign on the spot but we have to decide soon because it gets booked at least a year in advance

 

[WishfulThinking]

I cannot think of anything to add that claud didn''t cover in that amazingly comprehensive list!

Just wanted to stop in to tell you good luck witht he venue- I hope you love it! The pictures are gorgeous!