So you have got your Fiance and now you are busy scouting for wedding venues at various locations. It is of utmost importance to always make an appointment with the venue coordinator or have your wedding coordinator make the appointment for you before you plan to visit the venue as the venue may be busy with venue viewings and may not be able to assist you with out an appointment.

By ensuring you have an appointment you know that you will have enough time to ask questions and explore the venue to its full potential.

So what questions do you ask when you visit venues, here is a list of the most important questions to ask a wedding venue:

The Basics

    1. What dates are available in the month I’m considering?

TIP: Some venues offer a discount for booking an off-season date or a Sunday through Friday wedding.

    1. How many people can this location accommodate?
    2. What is the rental fee and what’s included in that price?
    3. How many hours does the rental fee include, and is there an overtime fee if I stay longer? We really like to party.
    4. How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable?
    5. What’s the payment plan for the entire bill? What forms of payment do you accept?
    6. Can I have my ceremony here, too? Is there an additional cost?
    7. Are there changing areas for the bride, groom, and/or wedding party?
    8. Can we have our rehearsal dinner here? What about a morning-after mimosa brunch?
    9. How much time is allocated for the rehearsal?
    10. What’s the cancellation policy?

TIP: Some places will refund most of your deposit if you cancel far enough in advance, since there’s still a chance they can rent the space. After a certain date, though, you may not be able to get a refund—at least not a full one.

    1. What’s your weather contingency (backup) plan for outdoor spaces?
    2. Do you have liability insurance?

TIP: If drunk cousin Steve gets injured during the dance party, you don’t want to be held responsible—if the site doesn’t have insurance, you’ll need to get your own. 

Food + Drinks

    1. Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of “preferred” caterers, or do I need to provide my own? Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead?
    2. If I hire my own caterer, is there a kitchen available for them?

TIP: Caterers charge extra if they have to haul in refrigerators and stoves.

    1. Is there a food & beverage minimum?
    2. What’s the tax and service charge?
    3. Can we do a food tasting before we finalize our menu selection? Does it cost extra?

TIP: Be sure to ask if they’ll accommodate dietary restrictions and/or food allergies. Usually it’s no problem!

    1. Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer?
    2. Can I bring in a cake from an outside baker or do I have to use a cake made on site?
    3. Is there a cake-cutting fee? If I use a cake made on site is the fee waived?

TIP: Sometimes if you ask if a friend or family member can cut your cake, they’ll waive the cake-cutting fee for you. #discountsforthewin

    1. Can we bring our own wine, beer or champagne? What about hard liquor?
    2. Is there a corkage fee?
    3. Are you licensed to provide alcohol service?

TIP: Some venues (like wineries) aren’t licensed to serve hard alcohol. You may need to get permission to bring in an outside beverage catering company if you like your booze.

  1. How is alcohol priced, and is there a bar minimum?
  2. Are there additional charges for bar staff?

Many other questions will arise during you meeting with the venues , please note that there is no such thing as a stupid questions. You are the one paying a whole lot of money for this wedding.

We hope this guide have you a good starting point. Good luck and enjoy your venue viewings!

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