Weddings are a big deal. There’s no way around it. They require a lot of planning, coordination, and work from many people in order to be pulled off successfully. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re asking all the right questions when interviewing banquet managers.
If you have already worked with a banquet manager, then the following questions should be easy for you to answer.
If not, then hopefully they will help guide your decision as you interview potential managers.
1) Ask what makes this company’s services special and different from the others?
2) Will I have a single point of contact throughout my event? Who is that person and what are his or her qualifications?
3) What other companies do you work with regularly? Who are they, and how long have you been partnered with them? How does that help me as a customer?
4) What kind of service do our clients receive onsite during the event (i.e., layout/set-up)? Do we set up tables, chairs, linens, etc.?
5) How are you paid? Is it a commission or flat rate? What are the terms of my contract with you?
6) What is your refund policy? If I cancel, what are my obligations to you?
7) Are there any hidden costs involved in using your services (i.e., travel fees)? Can you provide an estimate for these costs before signing a contract?
8) Will anyone other than our approved caterer be bringing food and drink to the room during the event (i.e., bartenders who may not yet have been approved by you)?
9) How do you work with last-minute changes to our plans that need to be addressed right before guests arrive?
10) How do you handle last-minute guest cancellations? What are my obligations to you if this happens?
11) Will our onsite banquet manager be handling the set-up of the room, or receiving deliveries? If so, will he or she also monitor the event and deal with any service issues during the cocktail hour and/or reception? If not, who on your staff is responsible for these tasks during the event, and how can I contact him or her in case of an emergency?
12) How many events do you handle at once (i.e., weddings, banquets)? Can I visit one of your other venues to see how things run there before booking with you?
13) How do you handle special requests (i.e., dietary restrictions, equipment needs, layout changes)?
14) What is the latest time I can arrive for my event (i.e., serving time), and what are your cut-off times?
15) Do you provide an onsite contact number during our event in case of an emergency? If so, who will be available to answer it throughout the night?
16) What is your policy regarding smoking in or around our venue after hours? Will there be additional fees involved with this request if it is outside of regular operating hours?
17) Can I bring unapproved vendors onto site the day of the event without paying any extra fees? Can I pay someone outside of your company to do any work associated with the event (i.e., photography, wedding planning)?
18) What forms of payment do you accept?
19) If our guest count changes after a contract is signed, what will additional costs be if we increase or decrease our budget?
20) Do you have insurance/what does it cover? What happens if something goes wrong during my event and I am not covered under your policy?
21) How far in advance should I contact you for a quote on a new date/time for an upcoming event?
22) Can I speak to references from previous clients who have used your services recently? What kind of feedback have they left about their experience with you and your staff?
23) Do you have any additional fees for your services (i.e., cake-cutting, late night snacks)? Will there be any room rental or catering fees if they are not included in my contract? Can I negotiate these costs down?
24) What is your policy regarding our preferred caterer’s use of an outside bar service (i.e., the caterer is responsible for paying bartenders; however, he or she wants to hire his or her own bartenders instead of using yours)?
25) How many events do you plan on handling during my wedding weekend (i.e., rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception)?
When it comes to planning your wedding, the details can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We’ve summed up most, if not all, the questions you need to ask your banquet manager. Preparing these ahead of time will help you ensure a perfect wedding!
Thank you for reading my post. I hope it was helpful. If you have any questions or would like more information about my services, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to help make your wedding day perfect.
