Afterwork, I met Dave at our jeweler because our setting was suppose to be finished. There were a few issues that needed to be ironed out but we did hand over our precious diamond to be set. It's tough to leave something so valuable with someone else... but we trust them! We were told it would take a few more days to get the diamond set. So, hopefully I'll have my ring soon... It's not like two months is a long time or anything hahaha. The whole process has definitely been a roller coaster ride, filled with loops and spins, and surprises around every corner but with my fingers crossed I hope the end product will be definitely worth the wait.
I know it hasn't been easy for Dave because everyone including myself has given him such a hard time about the ring and there were a lot of things that were out of his control. Dave is such a trooper for putting up with everything and I love him so much because he always just want to make me happy. He's the sweetest fiance anyone can wish for! 
-Quality of food.
-Space and flexibility of the venue.
-Our impression of the banquet coordinator.
The top two factor is quite obvious but we felt the third factor is also pretty important. Considering how this is the largest cost of our wedding, I would not have been happy to hand over such a large amount of money so someone who didn't care or appreciate us as their clients. There was one venue that stood out above the rest. It met most of what we were looking for and we felt this was the right place for us. Phil met us here after work, we asked a few more clarifying questions, he made sure we didn't miss anything. Then, Dave and I made the first and biggest commitment as a couple! We signed the contract for the venue where our wedding reception will be held. After everything was set, we had a great dinner with Phil. What a wonderful way to end the week.
If you're looking for questions to ask a caterer, here are some to keep in mind:
1. What types of food do they offer for hors d'ouerves? For the main course? For dessert?
2. Can I sample the menu?
3. Is there a fee for a sample tasting? How many people can we bring along?
4. What are the prices for custom menu?
5. What is your leftover policy?
6. Will you provide special meals for any children who attend, and is there a discounted charge for them?
7. Will the caterer provide any necessary rentals: tables, place settings, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, serving pieces, lazy susan, etc? Is there a dance floor? are lighting included? other equipment/charges?
8. What color and style of linens, glasses, plates, and accessories are available? Ask to see samples.
9. Are they catering other weddings on my wedding day?
10. How many types of staff will the caterer provide -- waiters, bartenders, bussers, etc.? How many servers per guests? What is the dress code for the staff? What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.)
11. Are you able to supply a full bar? What is the fee for liquor? If we want to provide our own wine, champagne, and liquor, do you charge a corkage fee? are sodas for each table included?
12. If we provide the cake, do you charge a cake cutting and serving fee?
13. Will food be provided for the other vendors -- the photographer, planner, videographer and band? Is there special prices for these vendors?
14. When will I need to finalize the menu?
15. When will they need a final head count? Does the headcount include wedding professionals at the event (photographers, DJs, etc.)?
16. Are tax and gratuities included in the food prices? If not, what is the tax and gratuity charge? Is the set-up and clean-up included in the final price?
17. What is the length of the facility rental? When can we start set-up? When is the last song? Is there an overtime fee if our wedding reception lasts longer? Dimensions of Dance Floor: Dimensions of Room: Separate Cocktail Room:
18. Is there a fee for security personnel?
19. How much is the deposit needed to hold the date? When is the first payment? When is the final balance due? What type of payment do you accept?
20. Can we see a copy of your standard contract?
21. What is the cancellation/refund policy? Do you offer restaurant credit?
22. Can we see pictures of previous events, and speak to former clients for referrals?
23. Will you be the person personally handling my wedding on my wedding day? If not, what is the name of the person who will, and when can I meet them?
2. Can I sample the menu?
3. Is there a fee for a sample tasting? How many people can we bring along?
4. What are the prices for custom menu?
5. What is your leftover policy?
6. Will you provide special meals for any children who attend, and is there a discounted charge for them?
7. Will the caterer provide any necessary rentals: tables, place settings, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, serving pieces, lazy susan, etc? Is there a dance floor? are lighting included? other equipment/charges?
8. What color and style of linens, glasses, plates, and accessories are available? Ask to see samples.
9. Are they catering other weddings on my wedding day?
10. How many types of staff will the caterer provide -- waiters, bartenders, bussers, etc.? How many servers per guests? What is the dress code for the staff? What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.)
11. Are you able to supply a full bar? What is the fee for liquor? If we want to provide our own wine, champagne, and liquor, do you charge a corkage fee? are sodas for each table included?
12. If we provide the cake, do you charge a cake cutting and serving fee?
13. Will food be provided for the other vendors -- the photographer, planner, videographer and band? Is there special prices for these vendors?
14. When will I need to finalize the menu?
15. When will they need a final head count? Does the headcount include wedding professionals at the event (photographers, DJs, etc.)?
16. Are tax and gratuities included in the food prices? If not, what is the tax and gratuity charge? Is the set-up and clean-up included in the final price?
17. What is the length of the facility rental? When can we start set-up? When is the last song? Is there an overtime fee if our wedding reception lasts longer? Dimensions of Dance Floor: Dimensions of Room: Separate Cocktail Room:
18. Is there a fee for security personnel?
19. How much is the deposit needed to hold the date? When is the first payment? When is the final balance due? What type of payment do you accept?
20. Can we see a copy of your standard contract?
21. What is the cancellation/refund policy? Do you offer restaurant credit?
22. Can we see pictures of previous events, and speak to former clients for referrals?
23. Will you be the person personally handling my wedding on my wedding day? If not, what is the name of the person who will, and when can I meet them?
woohoo! are you ready to announce this place? soooo excited.
ReplyDelete