Questions to Ask as You Look for a Venue

Looking for a venue can be exciting but also nerve-wracking. What if you forget to consider something? Are there hidden fees?

Aside from the standard questions like asking about a certain date, there are plenty of other questions to ask to get the full picture.

With this list of questions, you will be able to book your venue with confidence! This list is not exhaustive, so add your own on your tours as well.

Q1: What is the venue's capacity?

If you have an estimated guest count by your venue tour- great! If you don't, that is okay. But have an idea if you want a larger or smaller wedding so that you can choose venues that match your potential size and don't waste time going to venues that don't meet that criteria. It is definitely recommended to have an estimate number of guests before going on venue tours.

Q2: How far are hotels for guests?

While you may be having a local wedding, consider any guests that will be traveling out of town or would like to stay closer to the venue. This is also important for you to know as the couple so you can consider staying at a hotel for your wedding night too! If hotels are far, you will have to ask guests to pay for transportation, consider parking needs, and/or add transportation into your budget for guests and yourself.

Q3: Are there on-site accommodations?

This one is optional based on your desire as a couple. Would you rather stay on site or stay at home/ hotel? If you would like to stay on site, do you want others to have space there as well? Be mindful of the cost of the accommodations - ask if they are included in the cost or if they are extra and be sure to factor that into your budget. If you do not want to stay on the property, then you can leave this question out.

Q4: What does the overall cost include?

This is where some hidden fees or unexpected costs may add up. This can also be applied to your caterer.

Things to consider if they are included in the cost and if they are not, you will have to find another vendor in most cases:

• Taxes
• Insurance (liability)
• Tables and chairs
• Silverware
• Linens
• Service charges
• Decor - some venues have decor for rent while some are included (saves on your decor budget!)
• Consider all items you might need

Q5: What are the alcohol policies?

First, determine if you want alcohol served or not. Then ask:

• Are bartenders included? Or do you need to find a caterer that has bartenders?
• Do you need to provide insurance/ liquor license or is it covered?
• Who provides the alcohol?
• What are the costs for various services; liquor vs beer and wine, open bar, cost per hour, etc.
• Potential cost per person

Q6: Are external vendors allowed?

This is only applicable to some venues that provide a full service with caterers in house. External vendors might include dessert/cake, specialty experiences like food trucks, rental companies, etc. Usually they will allow rentals for things like decor and a dance floor, but some may not. It's important to know where else you might have to book a vendor and incorporate that into your overall cost.

Q7: Is it pet friendly?

Are you planning on having your fur babies physically part of your wedding? Then you need to make sure they allow pets and any rules that they may have about that!

Q8: How many hours does the rental include?

Don't want the party to stop early? Make sure the venue rental is enough time for what you are looking for.

Q9: Inclement weather plans?

Especially for those that want an outdoor wedding, make sure to have an inclement weather plan. They may have a spot indoors for your celebration, or they may request that you rent tents. Be sure you are okay with that Plan B, or be prepared to have your wedding in the rain!

Q10: What are the restrictions? Are there curfews?

Most places have cut off times or noise ordinance rules. Take those into consideration when you are deliberating on which venue to go with.

Q11: Do they have an in-house coordinator?

A day-of-coordinator is sooo beneficial. They take care of all the bumps that come up so you can rest easy. Venues may or may not have an in-house coordinator that could be part of your total cost already. Or, if there is a certain wedding planner you want to have, ensure they are okay with an external coordinator coming in.

Q12: Will we be the only event on our chosen date?

Some venues have multiple weddings in one day. That means that you will not be able to set up the night before, get ready there, etc. Take this into consideration as well.

We recommend bringing a copy of these questions to your next venue walkthrough and adding anything specific to you and what you are looking for! Take notes on the answers at each place and compare afterward. With your partner, discuss what you are more flexible on and what is a deal-breaker for you. Then, you will be ready to book your venue!