With summer right around the corner, brides-to-be everywhere are making decisions (some easy and some not so easy) on many details to make the big day perfect. A wedding reception often accounts for more than half of the bride's total budget and choosing the right venue can be overwhelming. It is very helpful to have a list of questions in hand to ask the facility director. Here are 10 questions to get started: 1) Location, Location, Location. How far is the reception venue from your ceremony and the hotel block? You don't want to require your guests to travel too far (especially if alcohol is served at your reception). 2) What about parking? Is your venue in a safe and comfortable location? Is there complimentary on-site parking? If the only option is paid parking, can you make arrangements to cover the cost? 3) Size of reception. How many guests do you plan to invite to your wedding and reception? Is the size of the venue appropriate to accommodate? Are there any size restrictions? 4) Will the venue provide a professional event staff or facility director to help with the details? Having professionals on your side will increase the chances of everything running smoothly on your big day (so you can relax and enjoy your day). 5) Are you planning to serve alcohol? Make sure it is allowed in the venue of choice and ask about extra fees (bartender, security, etc). Are you having a hosted bar, a cash bar, or both? 6) What are the hours? How long will you have the space and will there be a fee if you exceed your time? How early can you come in to set everything up? Make sure this is clearly stated in the contract before you sign it. 7) Make sure you are clear about all services included in the cost of the rental. Assume nothing. Do they have on-site catering facilities and services? Do they allow outside food to be brought in? If they do, are there fees associated with bringing in outside vendors of your choice? 8 Can the venue provide dance floors and accommodate musical entertainment along with audio & visual services? Find out what guidelines and restrictions (if any) the venue has on entertainment vendors. 9) Ask them to go through all of the fees involved. Make sure there are no surprises. Find out specifically what services are included in the rental fee- does it include set up? Break down? Cleaning? Tables/chairs/linens/etc? 10) Find out if there are other weddings booked at the same venue on your day (if so, how many?). It is not uncommon for larger venues to host more than one wedding reception on the same day, but smaller venues typically will limit it to one wedding. Best of luck with your search! For additional questions, you are welcome to check with The Salem Convention Center and these helpful online resources: www.weddings.about.com www.realsimple.com www.perfectweddingguide.com When planning your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner, every detail is important. From menu selection, place settings, room layout and overall décor, the Salem Convention Center will ensure your wedding day will be everything you envision! Formal or informal, small or large, full attention to detail by our experienced professional staff will enhance your wedding and create unforgettable memories. So leave the event planning worries to us and focus on celebrating your joyous wedding event with your family and friends!
