NJ Wedding Reception Halls: 20 + Questions to Ask the Manager

You are engaged! Now the fun begins. You get to plan your dream wedding with your fiance and those that will be involved in the decision making process. Be sure you take plenty of time to discuss your ideas with your fiance and parents as to how you invision your very special dream wedding. Be sure to include your budget in those discussions and who will pay for what. It is best to take care of this in the beginning so you won’t have any misunderstandings later on in planning your NJ wedding. With your parents, make a tentative guest list so you will know what size of a wedding reception hall you will need. This also affects your budget planning.

Choosing a New Jersey wedding reception hall is largely based on personal taste and what your budget allows. A great way to get an idea of what New Jersey offers in the way of wedding reception choices is to attend bridal shows. Even if it might not be where you are interested, you may see some things they offer that you would like to request from your reception caterer. When you find NJ wedding reception halls that meet your preferences, schedule a private meeting with the wedding reception manager to discuss their packages and amenities. Don’t be shy to let them know what you need and want. If they want your business, they may be able to accommodate you. You won’t know if you don’t ask. Right? Yes.

To help you make the right decision for your very special NJ wedding reception, print the following list and take it with you to help you remember what you want to discuss with the wedding reception manager. Be sure to add additional question at the end and be sure to take notes during your meeting.

20 + Questons to Ask When Meeting with a NJ Reception Hall Manager:

1. When you call for an appointment, ask to have the reception rooms decorated in their wedding themes so you can easily see what they have to offer. If they have only one room deocrated, ask if they have more than one theme and to see pictures. If they are not accommodating, make a note of this. Every wedding reception hall caterer should have either professional photos or those of previous weddings for customers to view.
2. What are your choices for linens? Will they be able to decorate in your color theme? What choices are included in the package price? What are not?
3. Are centerpieces included? If so, is there only one or are there more to choose from? May you have a florist deliver and set up your own centerpieces? If so, how early can the florist do so?
4. How many guests will each wedding reception dining room seat? Can it be expanded or made smaller?
5. Will the cocktail hour be held in the same room or in a separate area?
6. Is the wedding cake included in the packages? Are there choices of design and flavors? How far in advance can you meet with the designer? Can you have a cake by a different baker delivered? How early can it be delivered?
7. Wedding Reception Menu Packages: What is included in each package? Cocktail hour: What are the menu choices? How will the appetizers be served? What are your options to save on the cost? Dinner hour: Do you have a choice between sit down and buffet style? What are the menu choices for either? Are there any additional costs not listed? What are they and what are the costs?
8. Is there an area where early arrivals may relax and have cocktails?
9. How are the servers dressed? Who will be supervising the reception?
10. Do you have a separate cocktail area for the bridal party? Do you have a room in which the bride and groom may change before they leave?
11. What is the size of the dance floor? Where will the DJ or band be set up? How will the tables be set up for a wedding reception with our number of guests? How close will the guests be to the speakers?
12. How many cars does your parking lot accommodate? Do you offer valet service?
13. Will you have other wedding receptions at the same time that we choose? Will this affect the parking availability?
14. Is the wedding reception room handicapped accessible? Where is the ramp into the building located?
15. Where will the gift and cake tables be located? Do you have a sweetheart table? Where will that be in the room? If we have a table for the wedding party, where will you place that?
16. When will you want the final wedding reception guest count, favors, seating chart, and placecards delivered along with the toasting flutes and cake knife?
17. Do you allow for the wedding reception to go overtime? What is the additional charge?
18. Are you insured? Do you have first aide and mending kits available?
19. What amenities do you offer? What will our guests say after they leave about your wedding reception facility? What makes you stand out compared to other NJ wedding reception halls?
20. What is the total cost of what we have selected? Is tax and gratuity included? What is the payment schedule you require? Do you take credit cards or checks?

Now, add questions of your own. If you take the time to plan before you visit New Jersey wedding reception halls, you will be able to eliminate much of the stress. You will have the confidence of knowing you made the right choice for your very special wedding day.