Similar to dating, there’s a lot more to venue selection than choosing based on looks alone. You may find what appears to be the venue of your dreams, only to discover they don’t allow alcohol on premises and have a whole slew of other rigid policies.
The key here is to uncover any limits before contracts are signed and the deposit has been handed over.
To help guide you on your search, here’s a comprehensive list of questions that can help you decide if the venue you fall in love with is indeed as perfect as it looks.
Before Beginning Your Venue Search
Tempting as it may be to rush out and secure a venue right away, you have to be clear about the details of your particular wedding day celebration.
You need to know:
- How big of a wedding is it going to be?
- Do you want indoor and outdoor space?
- Do you need a venue with a bridal suite?
- How about an onsite kitchen?
- Will your reception require a dance floor?
- How late into the night are you hoping to celebrate?
When you know your non-negotiables (again, just like dating!) it makes it much easier to choose a venue that meets each of your wedding day requirements.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Venue
Each wedding is different; thus, the venue must-haves aren’t the same for everyone.
As you go through the questions here, make a list of the relevant ones.
Venue Availability & Capacity
Choosing a venue that is available and can comfortably accommodate your guests on your wedding day is important.
Too big of a space can feel uncomfortable—like a lot of people didn’t show up. A cramped space can feel uncomfortable too, with long lines to the restroom, and elbows jostling drinks.
These questions will help determine if the space can comfortably accommodate you and your guests:
- Is the venue available on (insert wedding date)?
- What’s the venue capacity, and how many seats are available?
- How many hours does the venue rental include—from when to when?
- How many parked vehicles can the venue accommodate, and if there’s an overflow area, is there a shuttle for guests?
- Are there any noise ordinances, and if so, what are they?
You want enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably. Plus, you may need space for you and your bridesmaids to get ready.
You’ll need help getting into your gorgeous dress, and you want to be there with your bridesmaids as they slip into their stunning Bella Bridesmaids gowns.
Rental Costs & Payment Protocol
Be clear about your budget, and try to only view places that you can comfortably afford. Ask questions like:
- What is included in the venue rental?
- Are there different wedding package options?
- What is the deposit amount, and what does the payment schedule look like?
- Are there any additional costs or fees?
- Is there a cancellation or postponement policy, and if so, what?
Over half of couples go into debt to pay for their wedding, which is not the ideal way to begin married life.
Wedding Vendors & Service Providers
You’d be surprised to know the restrictions some venues impose when it comes to the vendors you can use and what you can serve.
Be prepared with questions like:
- Is there a preferred or required vendor list?
- Are there any restrictions for outside caterers?
- Is there an in-house wedding planner or event coordinator?
- Are there any alcohol restrictions, for example, are guests able to drink alcoholic beverages outside?
- Who is responsible for the wedding day set up and breakdown?
- Are tables, chairs, and linens included with the venue rental?
Make sure that any existing policies don’t interfere with how you plan on celebrating your big day.
Venue Features
The sprawling grounds are perfect …but are they part of the venue, or someone else’s property?
- What space is available for the ceremony and/or reception?
- Is the kitchen fully stocked and able to accommodate a meal for a large group of people?
- Where is the temperature control panel?
- Are there outdoor heat lamps if it gets chilly?
- What type of lighting options are there?
- Is there an in-house PA, projector, etc.?
- Are there enough restrooms on site to accommodate guests?
- Is there WIFI?
- How early before the celebration can the venue be set up?
- What time does everyone need to leave by?
- What is the clean-up protocol after the event?
- Are there separate spaces for the bride and groom to get ready?
When you find your ideal venue, be sure to share the relevant information with each of your vendors so they’ll know what they’ll need to provide.
Venue Restrictions
Questions like these ones can help you make your final decision, and save you the heartache of losing your deposit:
- Are there any rules for what type of décor is allowed?
- Are candles permitted?
- Are there any noise ordinances?
- Is there a list of rules and regulations?
- Are there any specific things that are prohibited?
- Is there anything else that hasn’t been asked that’s important to know?
Be mindful of any restrictions that could put a damper on your wedding day dreams.
Conclusion:
The venue you choose is incredibly important. It sets the tone of your wedding day, and is likely one of the things that you’ll spend the most on.
If you arrive prepared with questions like these, it can help save you from making a decision you’ll later regret.
