CELEBRATION LOCATIONS | receptions
particular attention to how quickly the venue coordinator
responds
to
your
requests,
whether via phone or email. If they’re not responsive now when they’re still trying to win your business, it may be a sign of how they will respond after you’ve already signed a contract. Once you’ve arrived at the venue, there are plenty of things to note. Pay attention to how you felt when you first walked into the venue—your guests will have that same feeling. If it made you feel excited and inspired, that’s a good sign. If you felt confused, lost or bored, maybe you should move on to the next locale.
Step Four: Ask the Right Questions According to Abigail Olaya of Venue at the Grove in Phoenix, there are two important, but often overlooked questions you need to ask. First, will there be any other events or bookings taking place at the same time as your wedding? “It’s better to know in advance than to be surprised on your big day,” she says. Second, are there any vendor requirements? “Knowing vendor requirements upfront is always helpful in planning,” she says. “This will keep you from booking a vendor, such as a caterer, first, and then later finding the wedding reception of your dreams has a restriction on caterers.” Other important questions to ask, what’s the maximum number of people that the venue can comfortably hold? Who will I be working with while planning and will that person be at the wedding (from beginning to end)? Is the date I want available? “The couple should make sure that they get accurate information regarding the capacity of the venue. If they love a venue that cannot comfortably accommodate their expected number of guests, move on! It is not in anybody’s best interest to squeeze guests in,” says Jane Frankel of The Clayton on the Park in Scottsdale. “If the venue is love at first sight, the couple may opt to trim down the guest list, or at least create an ‘A’ and ‘B’ list—there are bound to be some declines.”
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