Wedding Reception Venue Tips That Could Save Your Day
In almost every occasion, your wedding reception venue will be your first and largest financial investment you make towards your wedding. This is true if you live in Cleveland, Ohio or Cleveland, England – reception venues are a big deal. The stress comes in because there is a very real pressure to hold your ideal date at your ideal location and it’s also very difficult to do any other planning without knowing your venue.
Our mission is to enable you to have the experience of your dreams while making the entire planning process as stress free as possible. As event professionals, our job is to educate you first before you make any decisions. So while we’re not in the reception venue rental business, we’ve spent many years in many spaces. More than that, we’ve surrounded ourselves with a network of planners and coordinators who make venue selection their business. We asked a few of our professional friends three questions. These three questions should make you more prepared than most in your position. Reception venues are a big investment and they set the tone for every other decision you make after that. We hope these insights arm you with knowledge that will make the rest of your journey less anxious, more organized, and better prepared for the day of your dreams!
3 Questions for 15 Ohio Wedding Reception Venue Experts
Nina Filler, Banquet Manager – Dinos Catering
Take a tour of the venue so you have a chance to see every aspect
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
Most commonly, couples are not entirely sure of what they are walking into when they first tour our space. Once we have been able to show them around, and create the visual experience of their reception, the pieces start to fall into place.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
The best question to ask is in regards to how many guests the space/venue will actually comfortably hold. I think that getting the venue sales person’s opinion can make a big difference for couple’s and their guests on the day of their wedding and reception.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
I think my favorite Part of working with my Clients is seeing how Happy they are when they 1st walk in the room and seeing how happy they are at the end of the evening.
Bekim Sylaj, Sales Manager – A Taste of Excellence Catering
When visiting a venue be sure to bring a list of questions with you so you will know what extras are provided or not provided
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
That not all venues have an all inclusive package price. They don’t realize the amount of customization that each venue may require.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
A personalized question regarding the clients most important wedding desires. We want to know more about what you want.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
The surprise and excitement when they first walk into their dream space.
Medeana Hobar, Sales Manager – Taste of Excellence Catering
Don’t just assume something will be cheaper because it’s “easier”, always ask!
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
How many guests will fit that venue comfortably is a common misconception. Also what kind of meal they would like to serve their guest. example: buffet, family style or action stations or a plated served meal. Most people assume a buffet is less costly. It all depends upon the items on the menu.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
How many hours do they have for set up, reception & clean up afterwards? Does the venue provide tables & chairs or do they need to rent from an outside vendor?
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
I love to see their personal touches they add to create a one of a kind reception. My favorite part is also the ceremony. I still get goose bumps when I witness a union! I think because I have been happily married for 24 years & I’m excited for their future adventures together!
Nancy Zaroogian, Catering Sales Manager – The Union Club
Just because it’s a package doesn’t mean everything is included.
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
The most common misconception couples have prior to meeting with us is that they have to be a member of The Union Club. All weddings do need to have a member sponsor a wedding, however the couples don’t need to be members.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
The best question would be to ask what is and isn’t included in the wedding packages. We offer our wedding packages inclusive of gratuity, tax and valet parking.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
The favorite part of working with couples on their special day is seeing it all come together. All of their hard work has paid off when all of the vendors come together to make it very memorable!! Priceless….
Bobbi McCartney, Sales – Windows on the River
Have your vision ready when you go to book your venue.
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
That they need to know exactly what they want to do at the time of booking.
What’s the best question to ask a reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
If their wedding date is open.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
Getting to know the couple and seeing their happiness to get married.
Julie Solomon, Event Manager – Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center
For many venues, pre-built packages can always be added to so that your wishes and/or needs are met.
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
The most common misconception that couples have about booking a venue is that just because they have pre-built packages, doesn’t mean that there can’t be one customized specifically for you and what you want for your special day!
What’s the best question to ask a reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
The best question to ask a venue sales person when determining if this is the right space is if your event is the only one taking place that evening.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
My favorite part of working with couples on their big day is when I show them the ballroom all setup for the first time. It is a display of months and months of planning that have been put to life. It is one of the most rewarding moments through the whole process!
Katie Coach, Marketing Coordinator/Lead Planner – Mooreland Mansion at Lakeland Community College
A venue coordinator and wedding planner are two different entities.
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
Meeting me is not necessarily the issue, but couples certainly want to see the space; I think that is the more relevant as we are transparent about our role versus that of a wedding planner.
What’s the best question to ask a reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
What is the capacity of the space and what are some of the caveats or unique aspects of booking here versus other venues.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
I personally love the journey of getting to know them–likes, dislikes, origin stories, love story, their jobs, their connection to Northeast Ohio, their families, their pets–this all helps in assisting with bringing their vision to life.
Chris Winter, Vice President – Taste of Excellence Catering
Make sure you understand what extras may not be included at each venue
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
I think the biggest misconception is what each venue offers, as some have tables, chairs, china, glassware and flatware all in house. While other venues you have to bring those items in separately.
What’s the best question to ask a reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
I think there is more than just one question in determining what venue is the best fit for you and your guest. But I think the biggest one is does this venue fit your style and vision of what you want for you and guests on your wedding day.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
My favorite part of working with couples on their big day is developing those personal relationships and bring there vision to reality.
Taylor Amsden-Winter, Sales Manager – Taste of Excellence Catering
Ask many questions and then ask again. Do not book a venue until you have a full understanding of what is provided and what you will still need to get.
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
Budget- sometimes they will jump the gun and book a space without fully understanding the load-in procedures/rental items needed, etc.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
Additional costs that may be involved. Same as above- but what additional equipment, procedures, etc could affect the total cost outside of just the rental fee
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
The connection- we’ve made a lot of friends over the years!
Melanie Tindell, Founder – Oak & Honey Events
Understand what you are paying for and what else you may have to pay for later that’s not included at your Wedding reception venue
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
There are two items that couples have a misconceptions with: that the venue has a coordinator who will be on site all day for their wedding and if the cost of a venue can work within their budget.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
Having an understanding of what is included in the cost is key. Knowing what rentals are included, if they have vendors you are required to use, and if there are any hidden costs.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
I love creating the vision with them for their big day and seeing their faces when they see it come to life.
Molly Coyne, Director of Sales – Windows on the River
Always remember that it is your marriage that is the most important thing.
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
That we are more expensive than we really are.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
What, if any, are the hidden costs.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
Working with those couples that just want to be married & aren’t all about the frills. The marriage is the most important part of the day. The reception is just a big party to celebrate.
Karen Levin, Sales Manager – Taste of Excellence Catering
Research from a Taste of Excellence for cleveland wedding reception
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
The actual cost.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
The price.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
Seeing all of our planning coming together and their smiles when they see the finished product.
Meredith Masaveg, Owner – Rain Wedding Planning
Be sure your wedding planner and venue coordinator work hand in hand for the best outcome. The wedding reception venue will be amazing
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
That venue coordinators and Wedding Planners do the same job. Where there are some similar aspects; we do two completely different jobs. Venue coordinators are only responsible for what happens in their space and first and foremost their job is to do right for the venue. Wedding coordinators over see and direct the entire day along with team of vendors. Your wedding Planner’s focus is on you and will champion for you. Venue coordinators and Wedding Planners can and often work together very well, giving their clients the best experience.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
Ask to see various floor plans so you know how many guest you can accommodate, as well as other fun add on’s such as photo booth, or special tables you want to add. Sometimes there is not enough space to give you the feel you want for your guest. Also, ask if their pricing is all inclusive or if you need to account for other fee’s. Knowing what your reception budget is will help determine if this is the right fit for you. On average receptions will take about 50% of your over all budget. Before you look it’s best to know how much money you have to spend. Last, never be afraid to ask questions. You want to feel that your venue sales person understands you as a client.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
When they get to be guest and enjoy their day with friends and family. Not having to micro manage your wedding day is truly priceless. If a problem does come up, you have a person who is their to champion for you and make decisions that are in YOUR best interest so you can make memories and enjoy.
Madeline Repidonis, Event Planner; Certified Wedding Planner – Landerhaven
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
The price.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
Location for guests.
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
Completing their vision
Anthony Verdone, Owner – La Vera
Be sure your venue salesperson will be at your reception just in case something needs to be taken care of on the fly.
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
In most cases it is the cost.
What’s the best question to ask a reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
Will you be at my reception?
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
To see their dream come to life.
Jennifer Hartman, Owner – Heart 2 Heart Occasions
On site coordinators are typically obligated to the venue itself; make sure someone will be there for you as well. wedding reception venues
What’s the most common misconception couples have about booking a venue for their reception before meeting you?
The misconception about venues that I see the most is that the “on site” coordinator will take the place of a wedding coordinator. Where many venues have great on site coordinators (I have a list of my favorites), their primary obligation is to the venue, not the couple. So if they are short staffed, or need help plating up food, that is where they will be. Not tending to the couple. And beyond that, the on site coordinator will not be assembling welcome bags for the guests, booking transportation, tracking RSVPs, etc.
What’s the best question to ask a wedding reception venue sales person when trying to determine if this is the right space for your guests?
I have to pick just one? Here are a few….
1. What is max capacity with a dance floor?
2. What tables/chairs/linens are include?
3. Is catering in-house?
4. Do you book other weddings on my wedding day?
5. Do I get the whole day to setup, or is there a specific time I can’t setup until?
What’s your favorite part of working with couples on their big day?
My favorite part is the process getting to the wedding day. Working with the vendors, ironing out the details, mentally walking through the day and foreseeing any needs/issues that may come up. Everything leading up to the wedding day is what MAKES the wedding day so amazing. But if you really want one thing specific on the wedding day…. it would be watching the couple see the reception room for the first time. Second would be watching the grooms face when the bride walks down the aisle. By just this alone, I can see SO much about the type of couple they are.
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