Whether you are interested in event centers, outdoor locations, lodges, hotels, country clubs, castles, or mansions – finding your wedding reception venue is a thrilling time in the wedding planning process! It’s also the biggest expensive you will incur for your Big Day! Today we are sharing some tips to help ensure you are asking the right questions while you embark on your venue hunting.
The last thing you’d want to do is add stress to your planning plate. Knowing the right questions to ask from the beginning will allow you to eliminate any headaches later down the road. This will also ensure that you and your venue are both on the same page when it comes to those oh-so-important details.
• What date, packages, and time slots are available?
• How many other weddings/events are booked on the day you are interested in booking?
• What type of deposit is required and what is the schedule of payments?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• What is the maximum capacity of the reception site?
• Is the venue handicap accessible?
• Can the space be reserved until you have seen other sites?
• How many hours are provided in the package for load-in, setup, teardown, and clean-up?
• What time can vendors arrive for setup?
• What are your decoration rules?
• Do we need to obtain a permit for anything?
• Who will be in charge of our wedding – both leading up to it and on the day-of?
• Do you work with an exclusive list of vendors?
• Do you provide tables, chairs, and linens? What style and sizes of linens are available if provided?
• Do you provide china, glassware and flatware?
• When is the final guest count due?
• Will you set out any décor? (DIY brides make sure to ask if the venue coordinator will place out centerpieces and any décor elements you are providing. If not, can you enter the venue the day before or how much setup time is allowed prior?)
• Are there any columns or obstructions in the room that can block guests’ views?
• Do you have any photographer/videographer limitations?
• Is there a changing room or bridal suite available? Is that included in the package? Fee?
• If there is a piano is it included? Fee?
• If there are any fireplaces, firepits, fountains, etc., are they included? Fee?
• Are fireworks or sparklers allowed?
• Can we view the site when another wedding is being set up?
• Is rehearsal time included?
• How many restrooms are there?
• Do you provide any music or sound system? Mic? Video?
• Are there any rules or restrictions in regards to music?
• What type of electricity and power is available?
• Is security required?
• Is coat check provided? Fee?
• How much parking is included?
• Is valet provided? Fee?
• Is the venue easily accessible by limos, trolley, shuttle bus, etc.?
• If the venue is outdoors, what is the backup location in the event of inclement weather?
• Will the premises be sprayed for bugs prior to the wedding day?
• Do you allow rose petals or candles?
• What time do guests have to leave the venue?
• Is wedding insurance required?
• Can any items be left here over night or do we need to pack everything up following the conclusion of the reception?
• Are there any other rules or fees that we have not discussed?
Photo by Chris Kim Photography
We’ve put together this free, printable list of questions to ask each wedding venue you consider. Just click below! With this list in tote making your decisions will be that much easier.
Have any questions? Comment below or email us! We’d love to hear from you.
We hope this helps you get answers to all of the important questions so you can have the most memorable wedding day imaginable!
Until next time,
The L’s