Planning Checklist

There are many elements of the wedding day which need consideration, from the ceremony and photographs, to speeches, food, wine and entertainment. With Continental, you are assigned a specialised wedding event coordinator to assist you in all elements of your reception from the venue to the menu – ensuring the success of your day.

The following points have been listed to help you in planning your wedding reception, with key considerations for hiring a venue, setting a marquee and catering.

The Venue

• What is the venue’s capacity?

• How far in advance should I book this venue?

• Is there a dance floor option – and for how many?

• Are the bathroom facilities adequate?

• Is there a private room for the bridal party to freshen up?

• What is the equipment on-site at the venue and what will need to be hired?

• Is there a PA system for speeches?

• What are the facilities available for the caterer?

• Are there any noise or alcohol license restrictions?

• Is there a specific closing time?

• Is there adequate parking and good access for the disabled?

• Is there somewhere for people to hang their coats?

• Is there a safe place to store or display gifts?

• When is the deposit required, and how much?

• Are there refund or cancellation terms?

The Marquee

• Will a marquee go in our chosen location (will the marquee hirer pay a site visit)?

• Sizes available and capacity - see our marquee capacity chart  

• How far in advance should I book a marquee?

• What are the colour options for marquees, silk linings.

• Do I need flooring and what type?

• What style walls, doors and entrance ways can I choose?

• Are tables and chairs included in the price?

• Will the caterers need their own marquee and is that an extra cost?

• Is there a power supply at our site or will we need a generator?

• Can walkways be covered?

• Can we theme the marquee ourselves? 

• Or, if we don't want to do the theming ourselves, can this be organised for us?

• What is the process for building permits?

• Do we need extra lighting, heating and portable toilets?

• Will Continental set up and dismantle the marquee? 

• How long will this take either side of the day of the function?

• How long can we keep the marquee?

• Who do we call in the case of an emergency?

• What is the refund and cancellation policy?

 Your Catering

• How far in advance should we book?

• When do we need to provide final guest numbers?

• How much food does one person need?

• How much beverage should we allow per person?

• When do we finalise our menu and wine selection?

• Should we organise a menu tasting?

• How many staff will be required?

• What will the serving staff be wearing?

• What is included in the quote?

• How much is the deposit, and when is it due?

• What are the refund and cancellation policies?

• Are children part of the guest list and will they need a special menu?

• What time will the catering team need to have access to the venue?

• Will the caterer lay out the furniture, set the tables and assist in decoration?

• What are our options for crockery, cutlery, glassware and linens?

• Will we need to allow food for the photographer, band, DJ or other entertainment?

• What style of food service do we want (canapé, buffet, seated served, bowl food ...)?

• Are we supplying the beverages or the caterer?

• What is the overtime charge?

• Is there any fee for breakages?

• What happens to leftover food and beverages?

For the answers to these and any other questions you may have, the Continental Event Catering team are happy to assist.