You only have ONE chance to make the most important day of your life perfect. What questions should you ask to make it an absolutely memorable wedding reception?

Location

• Can my guests get to this site with ease?
• Are there sufficient overnight accommodations nearby? - Michaud's , for example, is located in the Southwest Suburbs of Cleveland. They are 1.5 miles from major hotel and guest accommodations, 2 miles from Interstate 71 and the Ohio Turnpike, 7 miles from Cleveland Hopkins Airport, and 15 miles from downtown Cleveland.

Atmosphere

• What do the common areas of the facility look like?
• Are there ample places for my guests to park?
• Are there sitting areas for my guests and members of my bridal party to relax and take a breather from the crowd?
• What is the room itself like?
  Take into consideration the activities that will take place inside the room.
  1. You will meet and greet guests. Is there an open space for a receiving line?
  2. How big is the dance floor?
  3. What is the area like around the bar?
  4. Will your guests be able to move comfortably in the room and enjoy the "wedding rituals" that take place?
  5. How will the room be decorated?
     --Will the banquet facility do that for us?
     --Can we bring our own decorations in?
     --What is the charge for them to do it for us?
  6. What will the flow of the room be like?
     Most places have a banquet manager or hostess in charge of running the room for the evening. This is the person that should greet your parents, your wedding party and be the "go to" person for any answers you may need throughout the night.
  7. You will need tables for the cake, gifts, name cards, card box etc.

Food

• Is the food prepared in-house or by an outside caterer?
• Can I bring my own food?
• Can the caterer accommodate special diet requirements of your guests?
• If so, what notice is required?
• Can I sample the food before choosing my menu? Is there a charge? Most places, such as Michaud's have an in-house professional chef available to meet with couples for their menu selection. Many times, the price of a facility that has the capability of providing more in-house services is less expensive.
• What happens to the leftover food?
  Check to see if this is available to you or if they throw it away. Most of your better services will package your leftover food for you as long as you provide the aluminum containers.
• What are my menu choices?
  Many places have an "a la carte" menu, where you can select from a group of entrees, then side dishes, salads, deserts and pastries. Others have packages that will accommodate the style of your wedding and is an inclusive package.

Price

• How do I know what is reasonable?
• What should be included?
  Evaluate the total cost of the reception and ask many questions. A good package should include, security, tax, tip, food, beverage and room rental.
• What factors affect the price?
  Your price should be a guaranteed price. Since you are planning 18 - 12 months in advance, protect yourself from price increases by having the reception site guarantee your price.
• What happens if people come to the reception that do not RSVP?
• Does the hall charge per person or per plate?
  Michaud's prepared for 5 % over to eliminate uncomfortable situations with surprise guests. Each facility is different so be sure to ask about an overage policy.
• How much of a deposit is required?
  Most places require a fixed rate down (such as $500.00) Others request a percentage of your estimated person count. For example, if you plan on having 200 people, and the cost is 20.00 per person, and your deposit is 10%, you would pay $400.00 deposit.
• Don't forget to ask how payments are made?
  Monthly? Credit Card? Check? Cash?
• Will you be billed or will you pay during certain months?

Alcohol

• Does the site provide alcohol and bartenders?
• What is the price to prepay for the alcohol?
• Do you get to keep the alcohol you did not use?
• Is it a "pay per usage" structure (also called a running tab) ?
• If they do not provide alcohol, does the reception site provide the wash (mixers, fruit, soda, etc.)?
  --This should usually be included in the overall price if the site does not provide the alcohol.