10 Questions to Ask a Potential Venue
Selecting the ideal venue for your wedding is a decision that truly sets the tone for your big day, and makes it feel real: you’re getting married! Here are 10 questions to make sure you ask during venue tours!
DOES THE VENUE EVER SCHEDULE MORE THAN ONE EVENT ON THE SAME DAY?
Sometimes a venue will schedule more than one event on the same weekend, or even the same day, especially when they have more than one event space. Although not necessarily a bad thing, it is important to know, especially if the two spaces share bathrooms, entryways, or any common areas!
WILL IT BE POSSIBLE TO HAVE A REHEARSAL THE DAY BEFORE?
If you are having the wedding ceremony and reception in two different locations, this may not be as important. However, if both are happening in the same venue, it is very important to make sure that they allow time the night before for a quick rehearsal!
IS THERE A PREFERRED VENDOR LIST?
Are there certain vendors they recommend, and have worked with in the past?
IS EVENT LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIRED, OR DOES THE VENUE PROVIDE?
Typically if the venue does not provide event liability insurance, they will require that you provide your own. This is important in case something happened not only to the venue, but even a guest.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY, AND WHAT IS THE FLOOR PLAN LIKE FOR THOSE CAPACITIES?
It is important to find out the maximum capacity, and what the floor plan is like for those capacities. For example, large round tables that seat 8 guests, long lines of rectangle tables, or even conference seating. Different floor plans will hugely change the feel of the space!
ARE THERE ANY DECOR RESTRICTIONS?
Do they allow command strips, nails, tape? What about hanging additional lights or strings of lights? Important to know ahead of time, to allow for planning!
DOES THE VENUE HAVE ANY PHOTOS OF RECENT WEDDINGS IN THE SPACE?
Since the space will likely be empty when touring the first time, this can really help you envision what the space would look like during an event, in different lighting, decorated, and full of guests!
DO THEY CHARGE A CAKE CUTTING FEE?
If you plan on bringing a wedding cake from a vendor other than the venue, do they charge a cutting fee to cut and serve the wedding cake?
IF IT IS ALL-INCLUSIVE, IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO A TASTING BEFORE BOOKING?
It definitely streamlines the planning process if the venue is all-inclusive (provides chairs, tables, linens, catering, and even decorations.) However, it can be important to do a tasting before booking, especially if you are unfamiliar with their menu!
IS THERE A DISCOUNT ON OFF-SEASON OR WEEKDAY WEDDINGS?
Often, the same venue could have a significant discount when booking in the off-season (November-February) or on a day other than Saturday! Something to consider!