What should I ask?
Getting engaged and starting to plan your dream day is exciting for any couple. We're overwhelmed as we think about all the beautiful moments and fun things ahead, but as you book your venue showarounds, you start to wonder: "What questions should I ask"? This is the part where lots of couples panic. No need to! We've all been there. It is completely natural and goes with the whole wedding planning rush. At the Glenview Hotel we've been planning weddings for decades and with so many diverse clients we've been asked all kinds of questions.
Below I'll enlist all major questions and answers you need to know before you get to your venue. Depending on many aspects, answers on your questions will differ. I will suggest our version of it. 1. What is the capacity of your venue?
This is important information that will help you determine whether a certain venue can accommodate and cater for your guests. At the Glenview Hotel we have 70 bedrooms, including twin, double, family, executive rooms and a penthouse suite. As for our Glenview Suite, we can cater for weddings for up to 160 guests.
2. Do you have one wedding per day policy?
Matters can go very wrong if there are two couples getting married in the same venue. Always ask that questions and yes, in our hotel it is strictly one wedding per day, regardless of the size of the wedding. It is all about you!
3. Do you have any changes planned for the venue?
It's important to know whether what you see is actually what you are getting for your wedding day. Changes can include refurbishment of reception area, bars, accommodation or any renovations that might directly influence your wedding.
At the Glenview Hotel we have started refurbishment of our guestrooms. New TV's, carpet, furniture and other upgrades will be completed soon. This won't affect any of the weddings, only that we will offer better quality stay for your guests.
4. How flexible are your packages?
Make sure to ask this questions as you might like a package and book it, but if changes occur closer to your wedding, there might be problems with the "fine print" that wasn't discussed. In our hotel we are happy to tailor each package to make sure it matches your exact requirements. Talk to us about your priorities, specific ideas, number of guests, children, anything different you've seen abroad or at other weddings. We can cover it all.
5. Are you licensed for ceremonies and if so, does ceremony take place in the same room as reception?
Civil and humanist ceremonies are becoming more and more popular. If you are planning on one, you need to make sure your venue is right. We are fully licensed to hold civil and spiritual ceremonies and we have stunning gardens as well as indoor facilities. You can talk to us about your ideas and inspiration.
6. Do you cater for children? Special dietary requirements? Special needs?
These are important points as you need to make sure all of your guests will feel comfortable in the venue you choose. We are a child friendly hotel and for all our junior guests we offer a special menu and price. We also offer Garda vetted babysitting services. All our functions rooms, ballroom and bars are wheelchair accessible and our chefs cater for all dietary requirements: Vegetarians, Vegans, Coealics, Diabetics and so on.
7. Do you allow any food to be brought in?
Venue policies vary, but most of them, including us, don't allow any other food than a wedding cake due to insurance policies and high risks. However you can also bring cupcakes, cake pops or sweets in case you're planning to have a treat table for your guests.
Only thing to remember is: No fresh cream on anything (EU law).
8. What facilities do you have for our guests?
You need to know all hotel has to offer to you and your guests.
Our facilities include exclusive bar for drinks reception, private bar for your dinner reception, ceremony garden, main garden with private bar for your outdoor drinks reception, separate bathrooms for the ballroom, terrace, leisure club and spa rooms, which offers special rates to wedding party members, on-site parking.
9. What decor is included do you provide?
Weddings are so colorful and beautiful, especially when you have a color scheme or theme for it. We include full set up of tables and 1st centerpiece on the grid below. However our florist Vita Floral is always open to suggestions. We can provide breathtaking floral decor from wide range of centerpieces. You can check photos below.
Colorful chair covers and sashes are also included, but if you wish to follow newest trends, we can provide Chiavari chairs for your dinner reception.
10. What kind of deposits are required and is there a payment schedule?
Financial side is always important. Make sure to get as much information as possible. We usually require deposit of €1000 to secure your date. However this can be paid in two installments if it is more convenient for you. After this, we can set up a payment schedule to suit you. Full payment is required 5 days prior to your wedding, with final numbers 48 hours prior. Additional extras can be paid during your check-out. We do understand that every couple will have different questions and I'm happy to answer them all for you.
Please feel free to email me on sayido@glenviewhotel.com if you have any queries or simply want to enquire about fabulous weddings that we do.
Kate Straume
Wedding Planner
