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When considering all inclusive wedding packages for your wedding reception, you need to make sure you ask all the right questions. You wont want to be caught out with any nasty surprises!

Whether with numbers, costs, corkage or freebies, these questions will set you on the right path to a clear quote for your all inclusive wedding package.

What kinds of package are available?
There will be numerous of all inclusive wedding packages available at each venue. Make sure you find out whats available, and more importantly whats included and whats not.

Do you have a marriage licence?
If you want to be married in the same venue as your reception, its best to check this upfront. Many hotels do not have marriage licences, so its worth checking.

Are there minimum numbers that need to attend?
Some venues set a minimum number so that they can maintain revenue levels. So if youre planning a cosy 40 guest reception you may not be able to do this without being charged for the minimum number of guests, which may be set at 100.

Is there a minimum fee that will be charged?
Some venues will charge you for all the facilities, even if you dont use them. For example, you only have 75 guests which fit nicely into the main function room; the venue may then charge you additional room space available, but not used. Afterall, its lost revenue for them.

How are the costs broken down?
If the costs arent clear, ask for them to be broken down. Dont just accept what you see on the bottom line. There maybe elements included within in a package that you dont need. Ask for a break down and double-check all quotes. Some questions to ask here:
- Is there a charge for the room?
- Is there a service charge included?
- Is VAT or sales tax included?
- Is insurance included?

Are there additional costs for use of the venues equipment?
Most hotels will charge you a per head cost for each guest; however some hotels or venues will also charge you a cost for using their equipment. So you could get charged for the use of, and the washing up of, each fork, spoon, plate, glass etc. A friend found this out about her venue and was charged 20% more on her bill. As this was a couple of months before her wedding, the venue had her over a barrel as the invites had been sent out and it was too late to change! Always ask!

Can the wedding planner manage my reception budget?
Some wedding planners will stick to a budget that you give them. Others may try and up-sell services to you all the time. Ask them if they will honour your wedding budget.

How many staff will be waiting on?
Sometimes the costs can be lowered by reducing the number of people waiting on during the reception. Some venues may have one server to five guests, others as few as one server to twenty. Simply put, reducing the number of people serving reduces the wage bill. This may be a good one to ask if you need to lower the costs a little, particularly if you dont mind a slightly slower service. Bear in mind that some hotels may state that they have a reputation to uphold and may not budge, others will.

Is it possible to try the food and wines on the sample menus?
Most hotels will offer this service free of charge to help you select your menu for the big day. Its always worth checking, as you shouldnt assume the food is any good, just because its a 3, 4 or 5 star hotel. Doing a tasting session is great fun, particularly if you happen to be having a reception in 5* hotel and the restaurant has a Michelin star!

Is there a set amount we must spend in the bar?
Some hotels will set a minimum spend on the bar. If this is not met, then youll foot the bill. Best to ask beforehand, so you dont get a nasty surprise.

Is it possible to supply your own alcohol?
Some hotels will allow you to bring in your own drinks, but since much of their profit is made on food and beverages, youll be charged a hefty corkage fee. Also worth noting, that sometimes corkage can be negotiated.

Will we have exclusive access to the venue?
Some venues pack them in and pile them high. You may find that there are three other weddings in the hotel on your big day. Ask in advance if this is the case, so you can take this into consideration when choosing your venue. If you have your heart set on a particular hotel and package, perhaps they can dedicate a floor to you, so that it feels exclusive and you get some privacy. This very much depends on the set up of the hotel though.

Do you have a music policy?
Make sure you ask if there are any policies with regard to music. The last thing you want is your disco finishing at 11.30pm, just as everyone is getting into the 80s classics. Ask if the music needs to stop at a particular time or do you have to use certain musicians, independent bands or DJs?

Is there outdoor space available to use?
Some hotels have very well maintained gardens, which make a perfect overflow or additional space to your reception. Check if you can use this space, if the use is exclusive and if theres an additional cost for the use.

Do you offer special discounts if guests stay in the hotel?
Many hotels will offer special room rates for guests staying overnight in the hotel. Its always good to try and negotiate this as its a nice perk for the guests staying.

What complementary elements are there for the bride and groom?
Many hotels offer special privileges to the happy couple, including free spa access, free accommodation, free parking, free champagne all day/night and much more. If free stuff is important to you, then its worth asking.

With these questions in hand, the planning of your all inclusive wedding packages should be easy.

Nicola Ray is the owner of Cheap Wedding Success, a website dedicated to planning and creating the perfect cheap wedding. With lots of advice, tips and ideas to lower the cost of your wedding, Cheap Wedding Success is the perfect place to start. You can find more articles like this one in the Wedding Packages section.