We would always advise in asking the relevant questions below and asking for confirmation in writing before putting a deposit on any potential venue.  Hotel  managers may have a lot of weddings during the time you are getting married, and it would be impossible to remember everything off the top of your head.

Here are the standard questions you may like to ask.

• What are the arrangements for greeting guests as they arrive?
• Is there a drinks reception?
• Will you have a red carpet?
• What is included in their Wedding package?
• Is there complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom?
• Is there any reduction for wedding guest accommodation?
• Are there special reductions for off peak times, i.e Mon – Thurs and certain months.
• How do they display and organize the table plan?
• Are Place name cards included?
• Are menu’s supplied? How many per table? Are they personalised?
• What flowers/decorations/Centre pieces are on the tables?  Can they be upgraded?
• Do you provide flowers for the top table? Can these be upgraded?
• How much can you incorporate your colour scheme/theme into the room?
• Can you instruct them on setting the tables? Are there any restrictions?
• Will there be somebody to put out the favours/table accessories?
• What types of Cake stands and cutters do you have?
• What type/shape of tables do you have?
• What ideas do they have for placement of the tables/top table?
• Do they do a table plan printout?
• Can the hotel play music from a CD, or is there piped music in the hotel/venue complex?
• What time will the meal be served?
• What happens if there are delays with the wedding party?
• Do they come around with more vegetables during the meal?
• Will there be tea or coffee served after the meal?
• How much wine will be needed?
• Can you instruct on what can be ordered if having an open toast?
• Do they allow you to bring your own wine? How much is charged for corkage?
• Is there a vegetarian/special dietary requirements option?
• Is there a children’s menu?
• What wine would suit your chosen meal?
• Can you have menu tasting?
• When should the cake be left in, and where is it stored?
• What time is the wedding cake served?
• How much of the wedding cake is cut?
• What is the best time the evening reception guests should arrive?
• What time do you put out the evening reception food?
• Is there a limit to the amount of evening guests you can invite (room size)?
• How much evening food would they recommend?
• How long after dinner/cutting the cake will the room be ready for the band?
• How do we confirm the booking?
• Payment – What percentage is paid before, and after the day?
• How many rooms are allocated to the wedding party?
• When do they ask for final numbers?
• What costs are incurred if the numbers differ on the day?
• Is service charge included in the overall price?
• What is hotel policy on weddings? i.e one wedding a day.
• How many waiters, bar staff are assigned to the wedding reception?
• Bar extension, how to go about setting it up? How much does it cost?