When looking for a place to have a wedding reception, what are some things to look for?

There are a lot of things to consider such as whether all or a portion of your deposit is refundable, what is all included in the quoted rate (i.e, food, beverages, linens, china, rentals), the number of hours for your reception, number of hours of your cocktail hour, how long food will be served or passed during cocktail hour, how long your bar will be open/whether a last call will be made before it closes, etc. But the most important thing is to never accept verbal agreements. Make sure all agreements are written in your contract. Read the contract thoroughly before signing and provided a deposit. If changes are made, make sure your written contract is amended to reflect this.

Well, whatever the vendor tells you at your first meeting, make sure it's IN the contract before you sign it! Seriously, you must read every little detail before giving a deposit and signing. The only really "sneaky" thing I have heard of, is when they quote you a price, and don't tell you that tax and/or gratuity are not included. That alone could blow your budget! Also, ask if there is a fee for the matre' d and valets, as well as bathroom matrons and bridal attendants. That sometimes get hidden in the contract.

They shouldn't really be charging you for a champagne toasting service or a cake cutting service. If they have these charges, ask them to comp them and I almost guarantee you they will. They also should not charge both gratuity and a service fee, as these are the same thing.

Also they need to be willing to do a tasting BEFORE any contract is signed, whether or not it's complimentary. Other things to look for depend on what you want from them. I looked for places that would customize a menu bc I wanted specific dishes prepared to go with my theme. I also wanted them to decorate the place, including with ones that I provided. I wanted to be able to afford to provide alcohol, so I looked at those prices. I made sure parking was free. I made sure they would work with my budget. I made sure we had an oceanfront view and a dancefloor. Etc.

Make sure how many hours are included. For example mine is for 5 hours, if I want I can extend an hour for $400 each hour. See if they have a seperate charge for security or the bartender. I also had to put a $500 deposite that will be returned after my reception. Check how they are about deocrations, some places don't allow candals, ballons, ect. I hope this helps.

Location, Parking, Do they have a sound system, will they be supplying the tablecloths, will all of the chairs match, will there be another party in the same building that will take away from the parking for your party. Is there a smoking section, will there be enough room and all provisions for your caterer. do they provide clean up service or will it cost you extra...and so on...

if you are serving food or want alcohol, you need to find out if they will let you bring it in from an outside source or will it have to be from them. find out what time you have to be out also. some places required that you have to be picked up and out by 12 midnight.

hidden charges,....a golf course is the bomb....lovely