41 Questions to Ask Your Venue
HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO people. P and I are beginning to plan our wedding (ah that still feels so weird to say!) and ya girl is learning a LOT. I knew there was a lot involved with planning a wedding, but I didn’t realize just how many moving pieces there are! Because of this, we have decided to have a year and a half engagement so that we can be able to enjoy being engaged without stressing ourselves out with all of the details. That being said, we HAVE picked a date and we are in the process of securing a venue! I could not even tell you how many different venues we have contacted and driven past — it’s insane. We are still trying to find the perfect one for us, but we have been able to make a list of all of the essential questions to ask!
Thankfully, most of the places we’re interested in have been pretty upfront in answering these questions before we even have the chance to ask, but here are 41 questions that you NEED to know the answers to before securing your venue!! CLICK HERE you can download and print these questions take with you when you tour a new place. I definitely have wedding brain at this point, so leave a comment and let me know if I missed anything!
Essentials:
Is my date available?
Do you offer all-inclusive services or am I responsible for booking each vendor?
What is the rental fee? If inclusive, what specifically does that cover?
Do you provide wedding planning services or just day-of planning?
How much is the deposit? When is it due/how is it due/is it refundable?
Do you offer space for the ceremony AND reception?
Is the rehearsal the day before or the day of the ceremony?
How much time is set aside for the rehearsal?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you have a rain plan? If so, can we see it?
Do you offer insurance or are we responsible for providing it?
What do you think is the most important thing for us to know?
Food:
Do you provide catering in-house or do you have a list of preferred vendors or can we bring in our own?
If I bring in a caterer, is there a kitchen available for them?
If you provide catering, what all does it include? Is the cake included?
Do you put together a to-go box for the bride and groom?
Do you provide tables/chairs/plates/silverware/glassware/napkins?
What is the cost of in-house catering? Taxes and fees?
Do you offer a complimentary tasting before the menu is finalized?
Do you provide a bartender? Do you provide alcohol?
Are you licensed to provide alcohol services/do you have insurance covering alcohol?
Is there a separate space for cocktail hour?
Do you provide appetizers and drinks for cocktail hour?
Details:
Can we bring in our decorations? If not, do you have an inventory of decorations?
Do you provide florals?
Can we move furniture around?
Are we allowed to use sparklers/confetti/fireworks/etc. for the send-off?
Do you provide signs?
Do you provide heaters/fans/umbrellas/tents for outside?
Is there a specific place for the bride and groom to get ready?
Do you allow over-night stays?
What security services do you offer?
Do you provide a DJ? If so, does your DJ work the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception?
Do you have a sound system and/or microphones available for speeches?
Do you assist in packing gifts and cards?
How many restrooms do you have? Are they indoor?
Is there parking on-site? Valet?
Is your space handicap accessible?
Are there local hotels?
Do you offer a shuttle service? Do Uber and Lyft come to your property?
Do you have a recycling policy?
