Copyright 2019 - M.E. Studios Photography. All rights reserved.
These checklists will help you in making arrangements to book your ceremony and reception. Best wishes!

Questions to ask when visiting a potential reception site:

What is the rental fee? What exactly does it include?

What is the maximum attendance the room or area can handle - for a seated dinner, buffet, or hors d'oeuvre reception?

Is the reception site to be shared with another wedding group? How are the facilities divided? How is privacy ensured?

For how many hours does the rental fee reserve the space? Are there charges for overtime? When do they begin?

Are there any restrictions on when the site is available? Any price discounts for certain time periods, days of the week?

Do you have a piano, other musical instruments on the premises? Is there any charge for use?

Are there any regulations concerning the type of music; number of musicians; duration of the music?

Are there regulations on decorations, flowers, photography?

Do you have air-conditioning (for warm weather weddings)? Adequate heating (for winter and early spring nuptials)?

Do you have an in-house caterer or preferred list of caterers? Can I bring in the caterer of my choice? What are your liquor requirements?

Do you have any liability insurance in the event a guest is injured?

Do you have enclosed, adequate kitchen facilities? (Caterers may add surcharges for appliances - a stove, refrigerator, etc.)

Can the site be used for the ceremony?

Is there a dance floor? Is dancing allowed? Where?

Are there any additional charges for required services (i.e. security guards, parking attendants, doormen, lawn workers, etc.)?

Can you confirm the reservation in a letter that will outline all the details, including the room assignment?

What are the deposit and refund requirements?

Is there adequate parking for my guests? Will they be charged? Can these charges be waived?

Are there rooms available where we can change into wedding attire, going-away clothes?

Do you have a microphone?

Can we review staging, lighting, audio and video needs?

Is there a comfortable area for guests to await our arrival from the ceremony site? Can hors d'oeuvres and drinks be served there?

Where is the best place to set up the receiving line?


Is a security deposit required? How much is it? When can I expect a refund?

Do you provide tables? What kind - round, oblong, and how many to a table? Chairs?

Do you have a floor plan available for sketching the reception layout? Where will the cake table, gift table, bride's table be located?

Are table covers/skirts available? Colors available?

What are the colors of the facility?