| When considering all inclusive wedding packages for | | | | reducing the number of people serving reduces the |
| your wedding reception, you need to make sure you | | | | wage bill. This may be a good one to ask if you need |
| ask all the right questions. You won't want to be | | | | to lower the costs a little, particularly if you don't mind a |
| caught out with any nasty surprises! | | | | slightly slower service. Bear in mind that some hotels |
| Whether with numbers, costs, corkage or freebies, | | | | may state that they have a reputation to uphold and |
| these questions will set you on the right path to a clear | | | | may not budge, others will. |
| quote for your all inclusive wedding package. | | | | Is it possible to try the food and wines on the sample |
| What kinds of package are available? | | | | menus? |
| There will be numerous of all inclusive wedding | | | | Most hotels will offer this service free of charge to |
| packages available at each venue. Make sure you find | | | | help you select your menu for the big day. It's always |
| out what's available, and more importantly what's | | | | worth checking, as you shouldn't assume the food is |
| included and what's not. | | | | any good, just because it's a 3, 4 or 5 star hotel. Doing |
| Do you have a marriage licence? | | | | a tasting session is great fun, particularly if you happen |
| If you want to be married in the same venue as your | | | | to be having a reception in 5* hotel and the restaurant |
| reception, it's best to check this upfront. Many hotels | | | | has a Michelin star! |
| do not have marriage licences, so it's worth checking. | | | | Is there a set amount we must spend in the bar? |
| Are there minimum numbers that need to attend? | | | | Some hotels will set a minimum spend on the bar. If |
| Some venues set a minimum number so that they can | | | | this is not met, then you'll foot the bill. Best to ask |
| maintain revenue levels. So if you're planning a cosy 40 | | | | beforehand, so you don't get a nasty surprise. |
| guest reception you may not be able to do this without | | | | Is it possible to supply your own alcohol? |
| being charged for the minimum number of guests, | | | | Some hotels will allow you to bring in your own drinks, |
| which may be set at 100. | | | | but since much of their profit is made on food and |
| Is there a minimum fee that will be charged? | | | | beverages, you'll be charged a hefty corkage fee. |
| Some venues will charge you for all the facilities, even | | | | Also worth noting, that sometimes corkage can be |
| if you don't use them. For example, you only have 75 | | | | negotiated. |
| guests which fit nicely into the main function room; the | | | | Will we have exclusive access to the venue? |
| venue may then charge you additional room space | | | | Some venues pack them in and pile them high. You |
| available, but not used. Afterall, it's lost revenue for | | | | may find that there are three other weddings in the |
| them. | | | | hotel on your big day. Ask in advance if this is the |
| How are the costs broken down? | | | | case, so you can take this into consideration when |
| If the costs aren't clear, ask for them to be broken | | | | choosing your venue. If you have your heart set on a |
| down. Don't just accept what you see on the bottom | | | | particular hotel and package, perhaps they can |
| line. There maybe elements included within in a | | | | dedicate a floor to you, so that it feels exclusive and |
| package that you don't need. Ask for a break down | | | | you get some privacy. This very much depends on the |
| and double-check all quotes. Some questions to ask | | | | set up of the hotel though. |
| here: | | | | Do you have a music policy? |
| - Is there a charge for the room? | | | | Make sure you ask if there are any policies with |
| - Is there a service charge included? | | | | regard to music. The last thing you want is your disco |
| - Is VAT or sales tax included? | | | | finishing at 11.30pm, just as everyone is getting into the |
| - Is insurance included? | | | | 80´s classics. Ask if the music needs to stop at |
| Are there additional costs for use of the venue's | | | | a particular time or do you have to use certain |
| equipment? | | | | musicians, bands or DJs? |
| Most hotels will charge you a 'per head' cost for each | | | | Is there outdoor space available to use? |
| guest; however some hotels or venues will also | | | | Some hotels have very well maintained gardens, which |
| charge you a cost for using their equipment. So you | | | | make a perfect overflow or additional space to your |
| could get charged for the use of, and the washing up | | | | reception. Check if you can use this space, if the use is |
| of, each fork, spoon, plate, glass etc. A friend found | | | | exclusive and if there's an additional cost for the use. |
| this out about her venue and was charged 20% more | | | | Do you offer special discounts if guests stay in the |
| on her bill. As this was a couple of months before her | | | | hotel? |
| wedding, the venue had her over a barrel as the | | | | Many hotels will offer special room rates for guests |
| invites had been sent out and it was too late to | | | | staying overnight in the hotel. It's always good to try |
| change! Always ask! | | | | and negotiate this as it's a nice perk for the guests |
| Can the wedding planner manage my reception | | | | staying. |
| budget? | | | | What complementary elements are there for the bride |
| Some wedding planners will stick to a budget that you | | | | and groom? |
| give them. Others may try and 'up-sell' services to you | | | | Many hotels offer special privileges to the happy |
| all the time. Ask them if they will honour your wedding | | | | couple, including free spa access, free accommodation, |
| budget. | | | | free parking, free champagne all day/night and much |
| How many staff will be waiting on? | | | | more. If free stuff is important to you, then it's worth |
| Sometimes the costs can be lowered by reducing the | | | | asking. |
| number of people waiting on during the reception. | | | | With these questions in hand, the planning of your all |
| Some venues may have one server to five guests, | | | | inclusive wedding packages should be easy. |
| others as few as one server to twenty. Simply put, | | | | |