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Think saying “I do” is going to be the most emotional moment in your wedding reception? Possibly so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding location could be a close runner-up.

Reception costs take almost half the funds for the wedding, which usually these days indicates you can assume to lay out almost $13,000, including foods. And the venue you choose can not only minimize your choice of caterers or bakers, it’s sure to affect how much you pay to “cover up” its poor spots or accent its highlights. A lot of tense of all, the famous locations book far in advance, forcing brides to make the serious final decision almost as soon as they set the date.

For that reason, the intelligent venue-hunter would like to find out 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 locations — high-end ones with their own catering staff, or small-town ones with very little competition — require you to use the in-house caterers or choose from a small list of “approved” providers. It can be tough to acquire taste-tests or otherwise put this type of vendor through its paces. If you’re stuck with such a checklist, search high and low for brides who have “been there, done that” and can give you their reliable viewpoints.

Any restrictions on designs?

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 to have a license?

If the liquor’s to move freely at your wedding, you’ll save an immense quantity of moolah by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this and require you to buy coming from them. Even worse is the location that says “yes” to having your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory “corkage fee” to serve it — which usually starts at an unbelievable $10 per bottle or more! You’ll want to be crystal-clear on the fine print related to alcohol before you commit to a location.

As for licensing, a lot of states think about wedding receptions to be an “unlicensed social function,” meaning you don’t need one as long as you’re not charging anybody for the alcohol. But be certain to verify your local regulations before moving ahead — and ask your venue if they know of any licensing requirements.

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