5 Questions for Your Venue Before You Book

These days there are many wedding venues, all with different styles, prices, and sizes. But how do you know if you are asking the right questions? Let me help. Aside from the basic questions, there are some things you need to ask to make sure you are well informed during your venue visit.

1. When is move-in time?

You need to know when your rental starts. Just because you rented the venue for your wedding, does not mean that you can arrive at any time or before your contracted rental time.

2. When do we have to be off-premise?

The same as above, each venue has rules on when you need to be off-premise, including your guests, vendors and your décor.

3. Is there a select list of vendors to choose from or are you tied down to one?

When it comes to food, décor, and other services. You want to know if you can choose your own or if you are obligated to use one or pick from a list. Neither is good or bad but will help you figure out budgeting.

4. Are they a planner?

Although some venues have an onsite coordinator, it is important to note that they are in charge of the venue running smoothly. They manage the facilities, like making sure the building is open on time, the bathrooms are clean and the bar is operating as requested. So, you want to make sure you understand not only their duties but what they do and don’t do. This will help you determine if you need a planner at least to manage the wedding day.

5. What is included with the venue and what do those items look like?

Does your venue include linens? Do they include china and silverware? Then you want to know what those items look like. You can also get a better understanding by looking at their gallery and asking if what is pictured is the standard provided by the venue or a rental brought in. This way you know exactly what you are getting on the wedding day or the venue can provide you with the correct vendors to provide the rest. Knowing move in, move out, obligated vendors, venue duties, and what’s included will help you see the overall agreement and what your next steps are. Take this info to your next venue visit!