STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Karina · Chanel

Going tonight to book the hall...

Elle · Hermes

Here's a checklist from The Knot:

There's a lot to consider before you choose and reserve a reception site. Here's what you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.

How much will it cost to use this site? What's the payment plan?

Is there a reception package? What's included, and how much does it cost?

Does the site have liability insurance? (If someone gets injured during the party, you don't want to be held responsible -- if the site doesn't have insurance, you'll need to get your own.)

How long will you have the site? Is there an overtime fee if you stay longer? Must you rent the site for a minimum amount of time?

Will there be another party just before or just after yours? If so, will there be enough time to clean up and redecorate before the next wedding begins, or is an awkward overlap possible?

Are tables, chairs, plates, and glasses available, or will you have to provide (rent) them yourself or get them through your caterer? This can send your costs sky-high.

Is there an in-house caterer (or a list of "preferred" caterers), or must you provide your own? Can you choose to use an outside caterer instead?

Are there kitchen facilities? Caterers charge extra if they have to haul in refrigerators and stoves.

Must you leave everything as is, or can you move things around and decorate to suit your purposes? Are there decoration guidelines?

If there's parking, is it free? If not, what are the rates and gratuities for valets? (You can and should pay this up front so your guests don't have to tip.)

Will there be, or can you set up, a coatroom? Are there sufficient restroom facilities?

If there's no bar, can one be set up? Does the place even have a liquor license?

Is there a dress code -- coat and tie after 6 p.m., for example?

Does the site have restrictions on what kind of music you can play, or a time at which music must be turned off?

Will someone who works at the location supervise your wedding? This should be the person you plan with, not someone you won't meet until the wedding.

How about security? Must you hire your own security guards, or does the site hire them or have them on staff? You should feel comfortable with the security level.

What's the cancellation policy? Some places will refund most of your deposit if you cancel far enough in advance (often 60 days), since there's still a chance they can rent the space. After a certain date, though, you may not be able to get a refund -- at least not a full one.

Feel like you've found the perfect place? Be sure to review these contract points before making it final.

Here's what should be in your written location contract. Don't sign *anything* until you're satisfied!

Total cost and a line-item breakdown of what's included.

Amount of deposit and when it was paid.

Balance outstanding and when it's due (a payment schedule).

Exact date and time of your wedding.

Exact location of your wedding (e.g., "In Main Gallery," "In Presidential Ballroom").

Detailed list of everything the place will provide (tables, chairs, linens, amplifiers, whatever).

The name of the site representative who will be on hand on your wedding day, and the name of an acceptable substitute.

Proof of liability insurance and liquor license.

Cancellation/refund policy.

Anything else you agree to orally that you want to set in stone.

Andrea Julia · Coach

How exciting! Which hall did you book?

Karina · Chanel

blah

-- Edited by Karina at 13:50, 2005-09-23

Andrea Julia · Coach

I think we had Cotillion (this big formal we had every year to introduce the new members of all the sororities) there every year. Was it called something else previously? I remember it going through a name change at one point, but I can't think of the old name and think the new name was Excelsior. Is it pretty near to Route 46?

Karina · Chanel

blah

-- Edited by Karina at 13:50, 2005-09-23