Reception Venue

We looked at a Best Western for our reception. What I liked was they did the set up of the tables and dishes (we would have still had to do our own decor/centrepieces--which is typical), the buffet was set up in the hallway instead of taking up room in the reception area (since most people only go through the line once), the tables did not cover the dance floor (I don't like when tables have to be moved to make room for the dance floor).

There had been a mix-up with who was supposed to show us the rooms, so no one was there. The Front Desk staff did find someone to help and another staff member also came so it was nice to see the staff step up and do something that wasn't in their job description. They did try to find the answers to our questions.

What I didn't like was the carpet. It was going to be in almost all of our pictures and it was not a good design. It was new, but it had this big, gawdy design on it.

This was for a Best Western in Edmonton, so every one could be different. Another nice thing about booking with them is we would have gotten a complimentary room.

Some things we were very careful to remember to ask were:

-time limit
-guest limit
-what the price completely includes
-any additional things to add on or things to take off
-booze rules
-set up/tear down

Literally there are so much small things people don't even think of so talk to friends, family, take all suggestions and use them! That's what I did and I have no regrets

We are not having our wedding there, but some of the things you want to ask is:

- What is exactly included in the price (ie.. is catering included - what food, is there a drink limit, do they help do set up and tear down of decorations, do they supply a day of coordinator?)

- What time do you get the venue, what time do you need to be out of the venue

- What is there staff to people ratio. How many bartenders are there?

- Do they allow shots (a lot of venues don't).

- Take a look at the contract to understand all the commitments and pricing.