Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Wedding Venue

I recently wrote a blog post on how to find your wedding venue. I discussed a number of questions about the costs of the venue — which I think are important enough to reiterate! I also am adding questions to this list that you should keep in mind before actually signing any contract with a venue. If you’re looking to double check questions that you should ask, be sure and check out the Here Comes the Guide questions to ask when evaluating a wedding location.

Photo from The Wedding Lens

General questions on costs/facilities to ask

• Seating/guests
  • How many people can they seat/fit?
  • How much is the deposit/down payment? Is it refundable?
  • Does the venue provide chairs? Do you need to rent chairs?
  • Do they charge for the chairs/setting up chairs?
• Facilities
  • Is there a dressing area for the bride & groom?
  • Are there bathrooms accessible to guests?
  • Is it wheelchair accessible?
• Food, drinks, & catering
  • Does the venue provide food, drinks, or other catering? Do they have preferred vendors?
  • If they have food & drinks for weddings, then find out a price range, you will select your final food/drink options later. Most venues give a per person rate. (Be sure to check whether each price option includes a buffet, a seated dinner, an open bar, limited drinks, etc.)
  • Can vendors use the kitchen facilities? (Are there kitchen facilities on site?)
  • Is there a per-person cake charge?
  • Is there an additional charge for linens and utensils?
  • Is there a service charge for serving the meals?
• Music, Dancing, Flowers & Decorations
  • Does the venue have a dance floor? Does it cost extra?
  • Does the venue permit amplified music?
  • Is there a sound system? Can an outside DJ or band use it? Is there a cost
  • Do they permit decorations/flowers? Can you bring in decorations from outside or does it have to be done through the venue? What is the charge?
• Miscellaneous
  • Do they charge for clean up
  • Does the venue require wedding insurance? (Check out the blog post on wedding insurance if you have no idea what this is!)
  • Are there restrictions on the site? (no confetti, etc)
  • Do they have any other costs and fees? (service charges, etc)

Specific Questions to ask yourself to make sure the venue is right — at the right time

• Go to the venue at the time of day you want to get married to make sure the lighting is right and sufficient.
• Is there sufficient lighting? Ask the venue if there is additional lighting available.
• If it is outdoors, are there coverings or tents that can go up if it rains? Can you bring in umbrellas? (Are there charges for tents? What is the charge?
• Do you like the people at the venue? Can you work with them?
• If they require a certain vendor, is that okay with you? Do you like the vendors?

Questions to ask about the contract before you sign

• What happens if one side or the other has to cancel? Do you still have to pay fees? Can you get reimbursed if it’s their fault?
• Is there a contingency plan if it’s outdoors and it rains?
• Are they requiring you to do something you do not want to do or incur costs that you dont want to incur?
• READ it thoroughly! Make sure you understand it. Take your time, don’t feel strong-armed into signing it. If you can, have someone else who isn’t involved in the process read it too. They might see something you didn’t.

~ Natasha

What wedding questions do you have?

Instead of the traditional weekend polls, I want to know what wedding questions you have that we can answer for you! We always have a link above this post that says “Wedding Questions” and you can always email me…. (see? I like to talk!)

photo by Living Photography

BUT if you have a question right NOW that you need an answer to and you want a blog post written, answering that question, post below or email me: natasha@theweddinglens.com!