Is it proper to ask for a food- tasting prior to booking my Reception Hall?

As a great resource to Real Detroit Bride's Guide readers and brides, I encourage people to ask questions about your wedding...If you are wondering about something there is a good chance someone else out there is too!
I recently was asked the following question from a very cool couple I met at a recent bridal show: (paraphrased)
"Is it proper to ask for a food-tasting prior to booking my Reception Hall?"

Here's my answer: The simple answer is, yes, you have the right to inquire whatever you would like of any of your vendors. You after all, are paying them money and hiring them to do a service, so you should be able to gather all the necessary information you require. Food quality is one of the biggest deciding factor when choosing a hall or reception location, so you should definitely have an opportunity to try the food that will be served at your wedding.

​Kristan Cheers, Director of Sales & Events at Cherry Creek in Shelby Twp. had this to say: "It is not common to serve food prior to the couple booking, however we can arrange for them, by appointment, to come in and order whatever food they are interested in having on their wedding menu. They can come in at a scheduled time, and we can serve them as many entrees as they would like, which they do pay for...but if they end up booking our venue, the price that they paid for their entrees is credited back to them. So in essence, they end up having a free food tasting if they decide to book, and if they don't then at least got to have a very good meal!"

Some places hold "food-tasting" events that even are like mini-bridal shows, complete with select vendors such as photographers and DJs. Often these events are open only to couples who have already booked with the hall. Kristan also says that she has heard of other venues that may allow you to show up early on a Saturday night to get a taste of the food in the kitchen.

Ultimately, each venue will be different as far as how they handle food-tasting, so you should ask these questions when you are dealing with Reception Halls.
But as far as politeness, or what is proper etiquette, it never hurts to ask, and a good hall will do everything in their power to accomodate you. If a hall down right refuses to offer you a chance to try their food until the day of your wedding, I would beware.
(Thank you to Kristan Cheers from Cherry Creek for help with this question. Check back to the Detroit Wedding Examiner's "Ask the Examiner" series, which will include the following topics in upcoming articles: Proper amount of time to take off work for your wedding, and the best Reception Halls in the Sterling Heights area).