Venue and Caterer Hunt Guidelines from GT

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Last night, I posted our EB with GT girls. As you all know, I have been quite active in the group for a while now, which I am really enjoying. Just wanted to share this with the rest of the world, as I find this very informative. I got this from a reply from one of our sisses (thanks sis mystiqshannen for sharing this to the group), when everyone else was looking for a venue. I just made a few edits for the benefit of our friends outside the Philippines.




Things to ask when scouting for venue:

1. Ask if how long could you stay in the venue.Clarify if 4 hours means 4 hours use of the venue or that includes ingress and egress.
2. What time is the allowed time for the suppliers like caterer and stylist to start the preparation?
3. Do they charge extra for additional equipment like lights, sound system, and band/string?
4. Maximum electricity load (this is to make that the venue's electricity circuit can hold your photo/video, lights, sounds and other electrical requirements, or there would be extra charges if you go beyond what's included in their package)
5. Parking. Does the place have enough parking space, or if not, where else can your guests park?
6. Security, both for the venue and the parking area
7. Check the restrooms, ask if the venue will provide soaps and toilet papers.
8. What time will the air-conditioners be turned on, if available?
9. How many weddings/events do they hold in the venue per day?

Things to clarify when interviewing potential catering suppliers:

1. Study and check the package. Ask what are the inclusions and the details of the whole package. Every detail is important, such as, if the package includes flowers, what kinds of flowers can you use, or are you free to choose whatever flower you like, or would there be extra charges if the flowers you like is not included in their options. Ask for samples or their arrangement portfolio that are applicable to your package, for your reference. If your package comes with hotel accommodation, ask what hotel or where. If it includes bridal car, ask what car, or better yet, ask if you can see the car.
2. If there inclusions in the package that you feel you wont need, or you simply want to remove it from the package, ask your AE if you can deduct that from your total bill, or have it exchanged with other freebies.
3. Corkage for wines, and if serving the wine will cost you too
4. Confirm if they will provide table numbers (it's better if I keep the original text for this one... love sis' comment) yun iba kasi wala susmiyo. kami pa gumagawa ng table number on the wedding day gosh!
5. Does making the down payment  lock the rate?
6. Will they provide suppliers' meals or do they have a different package for that? What's in it? Also ask if you can have sample serving of their supplier meal just to make sure that your wedding team will not starve to death after helping out on your D-Day.
7. If the wedding cake is included in the package, ask if you can have free tasting of the cake, what flavors are available, or if possible, ask for their supplier. Clarify all the details of cake designs, such as layers, dimensions, color, etc. Also verify if you customise the cake design or if you have a preferred flavor or design not included in their options, will there be additional charges?
8. Drinks. Caterers usually have unlimited drinks, but in case yours dont, negotiate if you can go with unlimited drinks at no extra cost, since not everyone asks for another round of iced tea, and would opt for water instead. 
9. How many times can you have the courtesy food tasting, and are they going to serve the same food on your wedding day. (For this item, I would suggest you a attend a grand food tasting event of your potential caterer, so that you can try what they have to offer, prepared for more than a hundred guests. This will give you a more accurate gauge on how the food will be come your wedding day, since food tastes different at times when prepared in large quantities).
10. How many waiters will be assigned to the VIP table for buffet set-up?
11. How many buffet tables will be they provide?
12. How will they go about left overs? Will they provide take-out packs for those, or you'll have to bring your own?
13. Many couples don’t get a chance to eat much or really enjoy the food during the reception because they're so busy with their guests. So, ask your caterer to prepare a "leftover basket" with a sampling of all the delicious hors d’oeuvres, main dishes and even dessert. Late that night, the bride and groom can enjoy a wonderful, romantic picnic for two! (I love this idea!)
14. How many days before the wedding day do they need to confirm the final headcount?
15. Do they bring extra chairs and tables for extra guest? Some don't kasi.
16. For ribbons and linen to be used, ask if you can have this match your color motif. If possible na meron sila mg swatches the better 

There you go... quite a lot, I know, but it's better to ask than be clueless, or worse, have the wrong assumption. This list may not be even complete for some OC brides, but at least, we have an idea of what to ask. Just make sure that before you sign that contract, you have reviewed all the details, especially the small ones, down to the last word, and you agree with it.

c",)