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Understanding Our Information

Explanation of Main Headings

Each location description in Here Comes The Guide follows the same format. To help you understand the information presented, we’ve provided an explanation of the main headings in the same order as they appear.

Description

Once you’ve selected a geographical area and you’re clear about your needs, then thoroughly review all the sites listed in your area of preference. The descriptions are written to give you a good idea of what places are like, from ambiance to physical layout. However, before reading the descriptions, you may want to check the Capacity and Fees & Deposits sections to determine which places seem to be a good fit from a size and budget perspective. If a facility is still a viable option after you’ve read the entire two-page editorial, bookmark it for easy reference when planning phone calls and site visits later on.

Ceremony Capacity

Standing and seated capacities are included for ceremonies since these numbers may be totally different than the corresponding numbers for receptions.

Reception Capacity

By now you should have a rough idea of how many people will be attending. If not, you may be in trouble, since many facilities want a deposit based on an estimated head count. Look at the capacity figures for each event location. Seated or sit-down capacity refers to guests seated at tables. Standing capacity refers to a function where the majority of guests are not seated, such as a champagne/hors d’oeuvres reception. Bookmark those facilities that are compatible with your guest count. If you’re planning well in advance and don’t have your guest list whittled down yet, then you’ll just have to estimate and refine the count as the date draws near. There is a world of difference in cost and planning effort between an intimate party of 60 and a large wedding with over 200 guests. Pin down your numbers as soon as you can.

Meeting Capacity

In general, the seated capacity for meetings is listed as a range or a maximum. Sometimes, specific spaces are named along with thier individual capacities. Occasionally, seating configurations are also provided: theater-style (auditorium row seating, with chairs arranged closely together), classroom-style (an organized table-and-chair arrangement, usually in rows) and conference-style (seating around tables).

Fees and Deposits

We’ve tried to make the information regarding costs as accurate as possible. Where we haven’t mentioned the price, it may be because the facility’s fee schedule was in flux when we asked for the information, or too complicated to fit into our format. Some facilities want the flexibility to negotiate prices, and prefer not to state them until they know exactly what kind of function you have in mind.

It’s a good idea to confirm the information in Here Comes The Guide with the facility you’re calling, just to make sure it’s still valid. Look at the information regarding fees and deposits and remember that these figures change regularly and usually in one direction—up! Read more about fees and costs.

Availability

Some facilities are available 7am to 2am; others offer very limited “windows.” If you’d like to save some money, consider a weekday or weeknight reception, or think about having your event in the off-season (November, or January through March). Even the most sought-after places have openings midweek and during non-peak months—and at reduced costs. Facilities want your business and are more likely to negotiate terms and prices if they have nothing else scheduled. Again, read all the fine print carefully and bookmark those facilities that have time slots that meet your needs. If the date you have in mind is already booked, it doesn’t hurt to ask if someone actually confirmed that date by paying a deposit or signing a contract. If they haven’t, you may be in luck.

Services/Amenities and Restrictions

Most facilities provide something in the way of services and many have limitations that may affect your function. For instance, they may not allow you to have amplified music outdoors or bring your own caterer.

We’ve attempted to give you a brief description of what each location has to offer and what is restricted. Please see our Key to Terms if you are wondering what we mean by anything in these sections.

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