Planning a wedding is a huge task and we’re hoping to make it a little easier by having some of our favorite vendors share some information. (We also think they are some of the best in the business.) Be sure to check back every Monday for another installment which will include info about flowers, transportation, venues, entertainment, wedding planning, videography and more!
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This week Loretta from Fratello’s has some advice on choosing your wedding venue. Loretta is the Director of Sales & Wedding Coordinator at Fratello’s and has 17 years of experience!
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Choosing a venue for your celebration
So you are newly engaged and just gushing with love and emotion. It is such a wonderful and exciting time for couples looking forward to their new beginning as they prepare to build their life together.
The Wedding Day is a day to celebrate all that these dreams hold.
Before the planning begins, you must first start asking yourself some very important questions with regard to this magnificent celebration. While there are many decisions to be made for this day, some are bigger than others and should be tackled first.
Style – vision – budget
Let’s elaborate a bit on the choice of venue, as this is one of the most important decisions to be made. Most brides (and some grooms) have thought about this day for a very long time and have a good idea as to the style of wedding reception they are looking to create. It is important that you select venues for consideration to serve as your host that clearly defines your vision, as well as fit your budget. Venues and their offerings can vary drastically. Most venues have pictures on their web site for you to review and this is a great tool to start the selection process. However, you should visit each location that you are considering to get a true feel of the atmosphere and the staff that you will be working with throughout the planning process.
Make an appointment
Be sure to make an appointment rather than dropping in so that time can be reserved to answer all of your questions and give you a complete picture of how the venue runs events such as yours. Visiting the venues is so exciting (and sometimes daunting) and can be a bit overwhelming. It is always best to have a list of questions, general and specific, to each venue that you are visiting. Write your answers down so that you don’t get confused on the details when you are back at home reviewing all of your options.
Some of the important questions to ask might be:
• What is the capacity of the venue
• Is my date available
• What are the hours contracted for wedding receptions
• Will there be another event going on at the same time as my wedding
• What is required for securing the date
• Is there a Room Rental Fee
• Who will I be working with throughout the planning process
• Is this the same person that will be my day of on-site wedding coordinator
• Will the wedding coordinator be with me for the entire wedding reception
• How long has the coordinator been employed at this venue
• What is the server to guest service ratio
• What are the service standards
• What does the wedding package include
• If I offer a choice of more than one entrée to my guests, will I be charged a premium
• Do you offer children’s meals
• Can I use my favorite vendors
• What are the guidelines for choosing vendors
• Can I supply my own wedding cake
• Is there a cake cutting fee
• Can I bring in food and beverage for my guests to enjoy that is not provided by the venue
• What are the guidelines and options for the bar
• Are linens included in the package
• If so, what are the linen options
• Are there any restrictions with centerpieces
• Can I use candles
• Can I have my ceremony on-site
• What are the guidelines for an on-site ceremony
• What is the fee for an on-site ceremony
• Discuss family traditions/rituals/foods
• Can the venue accommodate special requests for specific dietary needs
• Is the venue handicap accessible
• What are any additional fees not mentioned yet
• When are payments due
• Have I missed or overlooked anything that is important in my decision making process
Making your decision
Don’t be afraid or too shy to ask questions. A good and reputable venue and their staff will be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions. It is in everyone’s best interest that you are fully informed to make your best decision.
The best advice I can give to an engaged couple is:
“Take some time to think about the issue/decision at hand. If it will matter to you ten years from now, take the necessary time to think it through until it feels like the right choice/decision for you. If it will not matter to you ten years from now, let it go.”
Take a Deep Breath, Relax and Enjoy!
Best Wishes,
Loretta DeMarco
Director of Sales and Wedding Coordinator
Fratello’s ~ Weddings & Events in the Millyard
155 Dow St. Manchester NH 03013
www.eventsinthemillyard.com 603.641.6776
Loretta has been happily and successfully employed with the McDonough Family Restaurants for seventeen years. (Fratello’s and Homestead Restaurants)