Once you know these things, and you have a few places in mind that fit that budget and size, then it's a question of balancing a number of different considerations, including the following:
- What's the decor like? Does it fit your wedding style? Will you have to spend a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful?
- Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? While an in-house caterer makes things easier, and usually cheaper, sometimes the hall can be beautiful, but the food ho-hum. Do they have a limitation on which caterers you can use?
- Do they have adequate coat check and bathroom facilities?
- Do they have a liquor license?
- Will they allow you to bring your own liquor? (This is usually cheaper, even with the customary corkage fee.)
- What's the cancellation policy?
- Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?
- Are there any hidden costs? Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.
- What are the overtime charges?
- Is there room for a band and/or dancing?
- Is there a space for the bride and groom to change and/or relax?
- Where will you take photographs?
- Who will be supervising and troubleshooting before the day of your wedding? Who will be supervising and troubleshooting on the day of your wedding? Can you meet them now?
- Where can your guests park? Are there extra fees for parking? Do they have valet parking?
- Especially if you're considering museums or private clubs, what are the limitations on what decor you can have?
- If its an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rainy days? If not, is there a place that you can put up a tent? Of course, if you are getting married in the backyard, these are still good questions to think about!
