Make it a day to remember, not regret

Page 15

It should be the most wonderful day of your life, but if you don't do your homework your wedding might just become a nightmare.

By researching the people you are doing business with, by asking the right questions, you could avoid much of the trouble a big day like this sometimes brings.

You've heard the stories ? the band didn't show or the photographer took the deposit and left town. Don't let such things destroy your perfect day. It's a matter of simple planning, being cautious and trusting your gut instincts.

Ask questions

Deciding you will, when he asks you to marry him, is the first in a long line of decisions you'll have to make when preparing for your wedding day.

Decisions from the kind of wedding you'll have ? formal or informal, large or small ? to the type of food you'll serve and the photographer you'll use will all require research and savvy.

The best advice going is to ask questions. Her are some of the questions you will require answers for when choosing the people who will help you get through your wedding day.

Food's the thing

Caterers play a pivotal role in any wedding event and, while it's important the food be good, it's also important that the caterer have enough staff to help feed the number of guests you've invited and have experience with getting the food to the people on time and hot. To avoid problems, ask:

What items and services are included in the caterer's price?

How many courses does that price include and can courses be added and at what cost?

If you have guests with special dietary restrictions, can the caterer accommodate a small number of guests with special orders?

Is there a charge for the china, silverware and glassware if the banquet hall does not provide these? I you get these items from some other place, will the cost of the catering be reduced?

The standard for staff-to-guest ration is one server for every 10 to 12 guests. What is the ration of the caterer you are considering?

What types of receptions and what sizes has your caterer handled in the past?

Who will oversee and be responsible for the staff and food on the day of the event?

What will the staff wear?

How long will it take to set up?

What information will the caterer need in advance of the event?

How many hours of staff time does your fee cover and are there provision for overtime?

What are the arrangements for serving alcohol? Do the wine bottles go on the tables during the meal or do the servers "do the rounds?'

Will the food be prepared on-or off-site? Is there an additional charge with the management of the banquet hell to use their facilities?

Another thing to consider:

What if a guest or guests becomes sick as a result of the meal. Does the caterer have liability insurance, what kind and how much?

And finally:

How do I pay? How much is the deposit and when is it due? When is the balance of payment due?

Dress her up

Similar questions need to be asked of the bridal salon that will be used.

When will the bride receive the first fitting? How long will alterations take and will there be a charge?

How far in advance will the wedding dress be delivered?

What happens if the gown that is chosen is out of stock or not available?

What is the salon's refund policy? What is the payment schedule? How much is the deposit, when is it due and when is the balance due?

Play it again, Sam

A reception is hardly a reception without music. So what are the questions you ask a DJ or a band??

What experience have they had playing for wedding receptions? Are they insured?

Is there a recording of the band available that, you can listen to? Better yet, find out where the band is playing next and go have a listen.

Can they handle last-minute requests from guests?

Will they be able to play or learn to play certain songs that will be requested in advance?

What will the DJ or musicians wear?

Does the DJ or band have a tape that can continue the music while the DJ takes a break?

Again, always ask about payment, and how payment sould be made.

Some of this information has been provided courtesy of Wedding Bells Inc.