General information

We recommend that if possible, both bride and groom will attend all interviews. First things first! Always carry a note pad and pen to write down important information and questions that may arise during your interview.

Whether the wedding takes place in your geographical location or is a destination wedding, some people may need accommodations.

• Are you planning to have your wedding reception in a resort or hotel ball room?
• Will any family or guests travel to your wedding?
• How many will any need a place to stay?
• What are the date of arrival and the date of departure?
• Will you stay longer than your guests?
• Who will make the arrangements for the lodging accomodations for the bride and groom?
• Who will make the arrangements for the lodging accomodations for the guests?
• Who will pay?

Whether you interview with representatives of bed and breakfast, resort, hotel, inn or other lodging facilities, the answers to these questions are actually a preparation for your interviews with them.

What to expect of the representative of the lodging facility:

• A business card of each person you may work with within the facility.
• A brochure that explains what is offered and any exclusions, rules, regulations and options.
• References
• A tour of the facility including guest rooms, so you may check their amenities. Will your guests be comfortable?

Questions for the representative of the lodging facility:

• How long have you been accommodating wedding parties ?
• How many wedding clients have you served?
• Do you offer any guarantees?
• What are your rates for the different accommodations (rooms - suites) you offer?
• Do you offer a bridal package?*
• Do you offer discount for a block of rooms?
• Do you offer a free room for every so many rooms?**
• Do you provide transportation from and to the airport?
• Are any meals included as part of the stay?
• Do you provide roll away beds to accommodate children?
• Will you deliver small welcome gifts, we provide, to our guests' rooms?
• What additional expenses may be charged?
• Do you provide an insured and bonded babysitting service?
• How much and by when will we need to put down the deposit?
• What is the latest time frame for making changes?
• Will you provide us with a written contract?
• Does the contract include a 3 day cancellation clause?

* If you plan your reception to take place at a bed and breakfast, resort or hotel, it is most likely that they will accommodate your stay for the night before and/or the night after the wedding. If you ask, you'll find out that many hotels and resorts provide bridal accommodations as part of the package, though it may be presented as their wedding gift to the newly weds. ** Some resorts and hotels offer a free room for every so many rooms. (For every X number of rooms you get one free.)

You made your choice! Now you need to receive a written contract signed by the person in charge, and dated. The contract must include all of your responsibilities and all of the responsibilities, warranties and guarantees offered by the facility. Caveat Emptor - Buyer beware! Read each contract very carefully, on, under and above the line. Be sure that you understand it fully and agree with all the terms. If you have questions, concerns, or are uncertain, contact them for clarification. In most parts of the USA you have 3 days to examine the contract and if you need to, cancel.

Copyrights © 2004 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser, A-wedding Day and Gan Publishing