Photo by Team Photogenic

It is Valentine’s weekend!  What do you and your sweetie have planned?  My husband and I are having a quiet weekend planned, and I actually might cook for once in a very long while.

In this weekly post, What to Ask, we go through each vendor category and I will try to give you a comprehesive list of what to ask.  This week we are starting with venues. 

So you’ve have sat down with both parents and discussed who is paying for what and the final budget.  You have your wedding date selected and guest count fairly locked in and now you are ready to go out and look at venues!  But what do you ask?

First call the venues you are looking for and find out if they are available on your date.  If they are available then set up a time to walk through with the venue’s sales and/or catering department

Now before you go to the meeting print out this list and as you are touring the venue and the person that is giving the touring is giving  you the information, go ahead and fill it out and at the end of the tour sit down and go through any of the questions that have not been answered.

How many people can the facility seat comfortably?

 Is catering in-house, or can you bring in your own caterer? 

Do they provide tables, chairs, dinnerware and linens?  Is there additional cost for these?  Do we need to rent equipment? (dance floor,  A.V. votives)

Is the site appropriate for live music?  Is there proper spacing, wiring and equipment?

Can you see photos of receptions setups in the room you are looking at? 

How long is the site available for? 

Is there a food and/or beverage minimum you must meet? 

Are there overtime charges?

Is there free parking?  If not, what is the cost for parking and parking attendants?  Or do you have to provide valet service? 

Does the facility have more than one reception site on the premises?

If someone else is occupying another room at the site, will there be adequate parking available:  Is there enough space between two rooms to ensure privacy?

Are there any other receptions scheduled?  Is there enough time between to get set-up?

Where can you change into your wedding dress/going away clothes? 

Will the deposit be returned in the event of a cancellation?

Are there any other possible reception-related charges?

How much do they add for tax and service?

How early can we get in for setup?

If at a hotel, is a bridal suite included?

Are there any restrictions for music, candles, photographers, videos, flower, décor?

When are you able to book our ceremony rehearsal?  If your ceremony and receiption are at the same location

What is the retainer deposit amount, when are the other payments due?

Are they willing to put together a proposal/contract?

Could you stop by and view a similar event at the facility?

Do they have an open house or do they offer a private menu tasting?

Here is what they say about themselves – “Novelty Hill • Januik Winery is an ideal location for a contemporary, intimate wedding celebration. From casual to elegant, our staff specializes in creating rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions that reflect the unique personality of each bride and groom.” 

The food is another unforgettable experience, Chef Dan Koommoo is dedicated to fresh cuisine from sustainable resources, including organic fruits and vegetables from nearby Oxbow Farm, designed to complement Novelty Hill’s and Januik’s award-winning wines.  The menus are changed seasonally to reflect what is available and custom menus are available for your special day.  Speaking with experience this is the case, the staff truly loves to see the couple have an unforgettable experience and become a part of the Novelty Hill • Januik Winery family.

They are open daily from 11am to 5pm for wine tasting and on the weekends they do have brick oven working overtime with fabulous homemade pizzas.  So stop by for a glass of wine or two and a pizza and take a look around.  If it is nice outside the bocce balls will be ready.

Below are some photos of what it looks like set up for an event.

Luna Bella Event Photography

 

Luna Bella Events Photography

Luna Bella Events Photography

                                                         

Attention Future Brides & Grooms!
You Are Invited To Experience Woodinville’s Top Wedding Venues
January 30th, 2011:  Noon to 5:00 PM

“WEDDINGS IN WOODINVILLE” • 7 Venues • 80 Vendors• 18 Wines

“Weddings in Woodinville” is a boutique wedding show and wine tasting experience for brides and their wedding party to enjoy while viewing and visiting with the best vendors in the industry.  Take your tour in luxury transportation with Butler Transportation between locations that include The Woodhouse Wine Estates, Columbia Winery, DeLille Cellars, JM Cellars, Novelty Hill/Januik, Russell’s Barn and Willows Lodge.

Gather your friends and families to join this exciting afternoon tour of wine tasting, catered food, music and live entertainment during a special open-house of six of Woodinville’s top wedding venues. Ticket holders for this event will board chauffeur-driven luxury transportation for a half-day tour that will escort your group to each venue.

This extraordinary event has been designed to give couples, their families and friends a sneak preview of each fully-decorated venue to better envision their special wedding day and meet with industry professionals that can help them put it all together.

“Weddings in Woodinville” was voted one of the top three wedding shows in Seattle Bride Magazine, 2010.  Last year the event sold out within three weeks!  350 guests were in attendance.  This year “Weddings in Woodinville” is hoping to increase that number to 600 guests.

Make your reservation today and purchase your tickets online!  If you are making plans for your very special wedding day you won’t want to miss this fantastic bridal event!

Stop by and see us.  Visions of Romance will be among one of the first wedding professionals you meet.  We will be located at the registration site.

Check out last year’s event: Weddings in Woodinville 2010, video courtesy of Edit1Media