Questions for venue

-cancellation policy for both sides (when can they cancel it and when can you cancel it)

-insurance

-can you have sparklers/rice/whatever you want as a send-off

-when can you get in?

-what's the latest you can leave

-are there any additional fines/fees that might happen (i.e. leave too late, fine!)

What kind of venue is it?

@ EricaTx This is the venue http://lfbcatering.com/weddings_ethnic.html

Wow - that's gorgeous.

Maybe make sure that all the pricing is up front and scan the contract/ask if pricing of food will go up (I've heard that some venues do that).

Thanks for the tips. Since is it an Indian fusion wedding, I may have to get both Indian/Caribbean foods as well as the other catered options. Should I ask if I can use my own centerpieces if it will cut costs down or is that a no no. From their reviews, it looks like they do work with the budget for the wedding.

It wouldn't hurt to ask. If they're all inclusive they might not budge.

-Also ask about any service charge and tips expected. Service charges and tips are not always the same thing.

- I would ask about leftover food - i.e. can they put some in to-go containers for some guests (or even you - you guys might get hungry afterwards).

- Do you have to hire security or is that included/not necessary.

I don't think we will need security. Is that something that I should look into? They have 3 menu's for cultural weddings plus their regular wedding menu's. I will see if they can combine from both. Do places include the service charge/tips in the price or do they calculate that differently?

Also ask about decorating restriction. Some venues are very picky about what you can do.

Some places require security if there is going to be over a certain # or alcohol is being served. I'd ask to be safe.

Thanks everyone, I am writing all the suggestions down. You all are a super bunch!!!

Also, be wary of some event coordinators. I went to visit one venue and the coordinator there spent 45 mins telling me everything I COULDN'T do. It was very off putting. I wanted to scream at her by the end... seriously has anyone ever wanted to release doves INSIDE a 100 year old cathedral?

She went as far as to tell me how the groom and groomsmen were going to be ushers before the ceremony cause she thought he would be bored waiting for yhe ceremony to start.... needless to say my wedding wont be there lol

These are the questions we asked:

The Wedding Date:

•Is mine available?

•How many weddings will be booked that day?

Payment:

•What are the rates for different days or times (Friday, Saturday, Sunday; afternoon, evening)?

•Is there a payment schedule?

•What kind of deposits are required?

•Are there hidden costs like a service charge, gratuity, cleaning fees, or overtime charges?

•What's the cancellation policy?

•What's the last possible date that we can make changes?

Logistics:

•Must I use vendors of your choosing?

•Is there room for a band and/or dancing?

•Does the venue own sound equipment and speakers, or will that need to be rented?

•Are there any noise restrictions?

•Are there adequate bathroom facilities? Is there a coat check?

•Is the site handicap accessible?

•Is there ample parking? Will guests be charged for parking?

•Is there a backup plan for rain or inclement weather?

•Are there any decoration limitations? Can we use candles?

•Are there restrictions for the photographer in terms of flash usage?

•When can my vendors arrive for setup?

•What time will my guests have to leave the venue?

•Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down the decor, and when will it be completed?

Food & Drinks:

•Is there an in-house caterer?

•Do we have to use that caterer? If not, is there a limitation on which outside caterers we can use?

•Do you have a liquor license?

•What is your pricing for alcohol?

•Will you allow us to bring our own liquor?

•If so, is there a corkage fee?

•Are there any consequences for not fulfilling the food and beverage minimum?

Staff:

•Who will be our point person be before the wedding?

•Who will be our point person on the day of our wedding?

•Can we meet them now?