The Wedding Hall

The hall is perhaps the most important decision for the arrangements of the wedding and the wedding date. Without a hall you cannot really start anything. Btw. We were told not to mention that our wedding date was final i.e. the wedding will be on xyz date - apparently once you have set a date it's halachically difficult to change it.

Until you are very sure that you have the hall you want and the date you want, try to say that the wedding is scheduled at this point on this date but we haven't set the date as final - that way you have an exit strategy. We managed to get a great location - "The Prima Palace" a.k.a. The Malon Hamercaz Le-sheavar (Central Hotel) in Rechov Pines. We got a reduced price of 8000.00 shekels for the night and that includes up until 11.00pm but they are flexible until 11.30 - 11.45 after which there is an additional charge per hour starting from the first minute past that time. The reduced price was because we chose a preferred caterer - it's usually 9000.00 shekels. The price is for the hall and the caterer is a separate expense. Not all halls do this, some quote for the hall and the caterer together, so make sure you understand all the details before booking. The booking comes a kallah chair which we did not use as we used Sharon Miller's chair (see Flowers) and also a Yichud room. They have a security guard and will open a separate entrance for men or ladies at an extra cost. There is a big box on wheels for presents and a safe (make sure the safe is downstairs in the hall where you can see it, and it's locked - that is very important). There is also a Mechitzah included and tables and chairs which the caterer will setup. We also paid 1000 shekels to get the courtyard for the Chuppah - which was really worth it since it's really beautiful and also a great place for photos afterwards. We could have the chuppah in the parking lot in the back for free - but we felt it wasn't pretty enough for the occasion. There is usually a deposit required for the hall with the balance payable either by cheque the week before or cash on the actual night of the wedding. The deposit is negotiable and they were quite accommodating with us - I suppose they felt we were a good risk.

Also included was parking for 5 cars in the back of the hotel and a reduced rate on a room for the chattan and kallah (450.00 shekels) - you must ask for this if you want the room. We used the room to store all our things and have a home base to change, have make-up put on there etc. It was well worth the expense. The chattan and kallah did not use this room and hey, we would have loved to be able to collapse and sleep there after the wedding! You can get more rooms at approx 600.00 shekels a night. This may be useful for mechutanim or if you have other guests that would like to stay in the hotel overnight. The food in the hotel (not the caterer!) is under the Agudah as far as I remember. I think the price includes bed and breakfast. We were satisfied with the hall, the yichud room and the hotel room. Contacts: Feizel or the manager Mr. Motty Nahmias Tel: 02.531.1811 Fax: 02.654.4388 email: palace (at) prima (dot) co (dot) il. The only complaint we had was that it was difficult for some to find parking. There is a small lot next to the hotel with free parking after 6.00pm and meters on the street - also free after 6.00pm. I managed to find parking at the weddings I went to - you can park nearby in Guela and walk and apparently you can find a covered parking somewhere nearby, but I'm not sure where.

Okay, it's wedding season again and we are planning another wedding! I hope to update this post with some upated information that may be helpful.