Welcome to our new series WEDDING 101 where we share with you tips and tricks about planning your wedding so you can be successful, hit your target budget, and create magical experiences for your guests!
TODAY’S FEATURE:
What questions should I ask my potential Wedding Venue?
Photo by Khariza Rae of The Barns at Cooper Molera
Venue Site Visit Questions
These are great questions you can ask your venue either over email as you are considering them, or during the venue walk through. We suggest prioritizing the most important questions to you FIRST based on your Venue Wishlist, then ask the nitty gritty questions during the venue site visit.
Capacity & Space:
- What is the max capacity of the space? – Options are normally Reception style (aka standing room), Seated at rounds, or Theater Style (aka your ceremony)
- What are the different locations we can utilize as part of the venue rental?
- Is there space onsite for dressing rooms for the couple?
Hours:
- What timeframe comes with the package?
- What about load in/out time?
- What is the latest time we can end?
- What is the earliest time we can arrive?
Catering & Bar:
- Can we bring our own Caterer?
- Is there a kitchen onsite?
- Do you allow cooking onsite?
- Can we bring our own alcohol?
- Do you allow sterno? Candles?
Music:
- Do you have a cut off time for music?
- Can we bring our own DJ?
- Can we bring a live band?
Vendors:
- Can we use any vendors we want?
- Do you have any vendor restrictions?
- Do you have any Preferred Vendors that you suggest we use?
Rentals:
- Do you have rentals onsite?
- Does your team manage the setup of those rentals?
- If so, what specific rentals are included?
Parking & Valet:
- Is there parking available onsite?
- What about loading for elderly people?
- Are there parking lots nearby that we can book? Do you have a relationship with them already or a contact?
- Do you allow valet or have a referral?
Bathrooms:
- What bathrooms are onsite?
- Would you be ok with us changing bathrooms to Gender Neutral for our wedding? (optional)
Payment:
- What deposit will be due upfront?
- When will the final balance be due?
- Do you accept credit card?
Other:
- Are we required to hire Security?
- Are there any other extra fees? (i.e. additional people, outside vendors, taxes, other Staff?
- Do you have a minimum cost that we must meet?
- What other restrictions do you have, if any? Noise, decor restrictions?
- What are some typical mistakes that you see Clients making in the space that you’d suggest we NOT do?
SUMMARY & TIPS
- Remember, venues are looking to get YOUR business so don’t be afraid to ask ALL the questions you need to make sure it’s going to be a good fit!
- If a venue doesn’t meet the needs of your vision, don’t feel pressured to book it. Stick to your vision and keep looking.
- Create a Cheat Sheet that summarizes all the top qualities you’re looking for in a venue, and track each venue you visit with this sheet. This will help you make a decision in the end.
Feeling overwhelmed? Need help planning?
Reach out to us to book a Planning Package so that we can manage all of these details for you!
