Answers to Brides Most Frequently Asked Questions

Today is day 5 of us answering your most frequently asked questions! Here are questions 7 and 8.

Question 7: What Should I Know About Venue Contracts?
First and foremost, make sure you know what time set up can begin and what time you need to be out by at the end of the night. Are there additional charges like coat check or restroom attendants? Does the venue require that you use exclusive vendors? Is gratuity built into the contract? Is the venue insured? Get a detailed list of all items included in the contract, such as tables and chairs, linens, staging, extra tables needed for gifts/cake/escort cards/favors, dance floor, sound equipment for a ceremony. If a full bar is part of the contract, find out what is included and if accompaniments are part of the bar. Find out what the payment schedule is and when you need to have your final head count turned in.

Photo Credit: 513 photography

Question 8: Is a Seating Chart or Escort Cards Necessary?
Absolutely! This will ensure a smoother transition from cocktail hour to dinner, when your guests are being seated. It also alleviates any awkwardness that may occur if guests aren't sure where to go when there is no seating chart. It also is a time saver when having assigned seating by tables because guests know exactly where to go.

Photo Credit: Jeff Schaefer Photography

Comments

Does a "Day-Of Coordinator" only show up on the wedding day?

"I've done all my own planning and want a "day-of" coordinator but can't find one who will show up on the wedding day only ! Why?" There's probably a lot of confusion amongst engaged couples because of the term "day-of" coordinator. If you end up speaking to someone who says they will only show up on the wedding day and save you lots of money because of it, please stay clear of them! Many wedding planners may label their coordination as "day-of" wedding coordination, but there is far more involved than just showing up on the wedding day when it comes to a professional wedding planner who knows what she/he is doing. Photo Credit: Estes Images Here are some reasons why a wedding coordinator shouldn't show up only on the wedding day: Many planners begin their coordination services 4-8 weeks out because many venues request the wedding day timeline one month prior. A 1 1/2 to 2 hour timeline meeting typically kicks off

A Venue Coordinator vs. A Wedding Coordinator

Unfortunately, things haven't changed much in the wedding industry regarding the confusion between a venue coordinator and a wedding coordinator. Couples still seem very confused between these two roles and end up not hiring a wedding coordinator after speaking with their venue. Their day ends up in disappointment because they assumed they would have that one, key person to go to and rely on for their entire wedding day. Instead, they have to wait until they walk through their venue doors to receive some coordination by their venue coordinator or banquet captain, who's primary responsibility is to the get the meal out on time and at an ideal temperature. Photo Credit: Leppert Photography So, when you begin visiting venues and you learn that a venue has an event coordinator who tells you that you do not need to hire a wedding coordinator/planner, ask them if they will show up at the hotel while you and your girls are getting ready earlier in the day. Ask if they will be w

Hyatt Regency Chef's Table

I was invited to a Chef's Table luncheon yesterday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the luncheon was absolutely fabulous! If you are thinking of having your wedding reception at the Hyatt, you can expect to have a scrumptious meal for you and your guests! Thought I would share the menu that we had yesterday! "The Taste of Winter" Amuse Roulade of Chicken with Caramelized Mushrooms, Ricotta Salada and Spinach over a White Bean Stew First Course Pumpkin Seed Crusted Snapper, Parsnip Puree Carrot and Green onion Sauces Intermezzo Blood Orange Sorbet Main Course Rioja Braised Short Rib with Sweet Potatoes in three ways: Sweet Potato and Panchetta Ravioli, Bravant Sweet Potatoes and a Crispy Sweet Potato Nest Trio Dessert Chocolate Bread Pudding with Cherries, Macadamia Nuts and Port Syrup Salty Caramel Parfait Hazelnut Mocha Espresso

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