Reception Hall Booking How-to

Because the date we are planning on getting married on occurs during a long weekend, some of the halls that we want to use for a reception were already booked. I know this because my mother looked into it for me. What the hell??? And I thought I was starting too early for 2008!!

I sent en email with at least 25 questions regarding the rental of the hall. If anyone knows of someone who may need this advice in the future, feel free to copy and use at your leisure:

-What is the deposit required on the Hall?
-Is a security deposit required? If so, how much?
-When is it refunded?
-Is clean up of the facilities included in the rental fee?
-Can we decorate all rooms in the Hall? If so, how early can we
arrive to decorate?
-Which rooms are available for rental?
-What is the maximum number for each room?
-What are the fees associated with this?
-For how many hours?
-Are there overtime charges?
-What is included in the rental (tables, chairs, linens, china and
silver wear?)?
-Is there an additional fee for any of the aforementioned items?
-Can we use our own caterer, or must we use an in-house one?
-Are there restrictions concerning the type of music or the length of
time it may be played?
-Is there a piano or other musical instruments on site?
-Is there a charge to use them?
-Are there regulations on videotaping or photography?
-Are there rooms available for the mother/mother in laws to change
into for formal wear during the dinner, or rooms for the bride/groom
to change into going-away clothes?
-Are there restrictions on alcohol?
-Can hard liquor, beer, wine, or champagne be served?
-Can we provide our own liquor?
-With wine or champagne, is there a corkage fee?
-If you provide liquor, what is the per drink, or per person charge?
-Is there an adequate kitchen?
-Is there a dance floor (approx size?)?
-Do you provide a microphone?
-On the balcony, are there heaters and lights?
-If not, is there sufficient electrical power to be able to use them there?
-Are there adequate restroom facilities? Can we decorate them before
the reception?
-Is liability insurance, including liquor liability included in the rental fee?
-Do you provide a coat check? Is there a fee associated with this?
-Are we allowed to decorate the parking lot/walk up to the mess hall?
-Do we need to notify the MP's that we are having a reception, in case
of incidents?
-Is there a special area for guests to wait for the arrival of the
Bride and Groom?
-Is there a good location for the guest book and gift tables?

So, as you can see this gets very tedious and time consuming. I am going to assume that the person who receives this will think that I am the to be bride Nazi from hell.

The reason as to why one would want to look into this stuff is to ensure that there won't be extra charges that will pop up on a bill. Thriftiness is definitely the way to be.

And to think, I am doing this 2 YEARS (Almost) in ADVANCE!!! ;o)