Think saying "I do" is going to be the most emotional moment in your
wedding? Probably so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding venue
could be a close runner-up.



Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which these days means you can expect to lay out almost $13,000, including food. And the venue
you select can not only limit your choice of caterers or bakers, it's
sure to affect how much you spend to "cover up" its weak spots or
accent its highlights. Most stressful of all, the popular venues book
far in advance, forcing brides to make the big decision almost as soon
as they set the date.



For that reason, the savvy venue-hunter wants to know what questions to
ask before she walks in the door, much less signs the contract. Here
are a few ideas:



Do you have a pre-set list of caterers I can use, or can I choose my own?



Some venues -- high-end ones with their own catering staff, or small-town ones with little competition -- require you to use the in-house caterers
or choose from a small list of "approved" vendors. It can be difficult
to get taste-tests or otherwise put this type of vendor through its
paces. If you're stuck with such a list, search high and low for brides
who have "been there, done that" and can give you their honest opinions.



Any restrictions on decorations?



Many venues have them, but rules vary widely from place to place.
Common restrictions include: no open flame (or no flame whatsoever), no
tape or tacks on the walls, or no confetti. When linens are provided,
some halls will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide
any decorations themselves, especially around holidays. Useful
centerpiece items such as hurricane lamps or Eiffel vases are not
uncommon.



Can we bring our own liquor, is there a "corkage" fee, and do we need a license?



If the liquor's to flow freely at your wedding, you'll save an immense
amount of moolah by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this
and require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue that says
"yes" to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory
"corkage fee" to serve it -- which typically starts at an unbelievable
$10 per bottle or more! You'll want to be crystal-clear on the fine
print regarding alcohol before you commit to a venue.



As for licensing, many states consider wedding receptions to be an
"unlicensed social function," meaning you don't need one as long as
you're not charging anyone for the alcohol. But be sure to check your
local regulations before moving ahead -- and ask your venue if they
know of any licensing requirements.



Is there a cake-cutting fee?



Some venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most don't. A more
common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting fee, which
like corkage fees, can really add up -- often at $1 per slice!



DIY Detective Work



These, of course, are only a few of the questions you'll want to ask a
prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you're checking out
the place:



- Bring a tape measure. Get the dimensions of the room, the tables, and
the distance between any features that might impact your decor, like
windows. How many outlets are there and where are they located? What
kind of climate control is available to you?



- Check the kitchen. Does it look clean, roomy and suitable for your catering staff to work from?



- Check the hall itself. Where will you put the band, the cake table,
the coffee service? Are there coat racks for your guests? Is a sound
system available?



- Check out the parking. Is it ample? Is it paved, or can it get muddy in the case of rain? Is there handicap access?



One final thing to get clear before you autograph that contract is your
venue's cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips,
you'll have done enough homework to rest easy in your choice and not
worry about having to cancel. Now that you've signed, take some time to
sit back and relax ... before you tackle the next task in that thick
wedding planner!



About the author:

Blake Kritzberg is editor at "FavorIdeas.com" Stop by
http://www.favorideas.comfor wedding favors, theme ideas, Save-the-Date
eCards, free wedding screensaver, free wedding templates and
Bridezilla's weekly adventures.