Reception  Hall Reception Halls typically charge by the person and require a minimum amount of guest to be guaranteed at signing of contract. The dollar amount per person can range from $30 to $110, and for more exclusive halls can be as high as several hundred dollars per person. Time of year will also be a factor in the per person rate. The prime months for weddings tend to be April, May, June, September, October, and December. The remaining months can cost $5 to $10 less per person than peak time, and may be as much as $20 less per person during the winter months of January and February.   Packages offered by halls tend to include Champagne toast Cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and choices of two or three carving/chafing stations Open bar during cocktail hour Main entree with two choices Desert, fruit, coffee and tea Valet parking Choice of tablecloth color Additional items that can cost extra but are included in standard package by some halls Wedding cake Vienesse hour Three choices for main entree instead of two Centerpieces made of real or silk flowers on each table Intermezzo Open bar throughout the night Premium liquor at bar Seafood selection at chafing stations or hors d'oeuvres platters Champagne and fruit at door French white-glove service Other things to be aware of Food tastings given by halls may be deceiving, since the preparation process used for a few guest during a tasting, may not be the same preparation process used for 200 guests. If a hall includes a restaraunt on the premises, you may want to have dinner there to get an idea of the food preparation, especially if the restaraunt menu is similar to wedding dinner menu. Gratuity  may or may not be included in package. This can be 8% to 15%. Large dome-shaped ceilings, or walls made out of wood from top to bottom, can create very poor acoustics for bands. If the quality of the sound is  important to you, get some feedback from local bands who have played at your hall.