If you are recently engaged and beginning the wedding planning process, it won't be long before you start searching for venues to host your wedding and reception. In fact, choosing your venue will be one of the most important decisions you make in regards to your wedding day. Your venue can dictate many aspects of the event from the types of decor you end up choosing to the schedule of events - so it's important to make a venue decision based upon your needs as a couple. The following are 10 important questions to ask before booking a venue to ensure you are making the right choice as a couple:
1. What is included in the price?
This particular question should always be at the top of your list for not only venues but vendors as well! Make sure you understand what exactly is included with your rental fees for two reasons. 1) This will help you understand what the venue is taking care of and what you'll need to take care of and 2) Knowing the inclusions will allow neither you nor the venue to have false expectations about anything. In addition, get this in writing as well! Have the venue send you a quick email of the list so you can refer back to it later.
2. What extra fees may occur?
Always follow-up with this question after the first to ensure you are fully understanding the costs of the venue. Some examples of additional fees might be: taxes, gratuity fees, staffing fees, etc. You could always ask your venue for a mock invoice to showcase an accurate representation of the total bill which can ultimately help you understand the cost breakdown and allow you to determine whether or not the venue fits within your budget range.
3. How many hours is the rental for?
The number of hours that you are given with a venue will be a determining factor in scheduling for the wedding day. Many venues, such as the Museum, have 12-hour rental periods while this varies at other venues. Make sure to ask this question to keep the number of hours in mind during the planning process.
4. What dates do you have available?
Regardless of whether or not you have a particular date in mind, always ask this question so you can get an idea for availability at the venue whether that be for a specific week, month, or season. If you are absolutely unsure about even what season, you can always check in to see what's available on specific days of the week - like Saturdays. Plus, knowing availability can really help narrow down a decision.
5. What is your minimum/maximum guest count?
Since you are looking at wedding venues, chances are high that you have a rough idea of your guest count already. Always check in to see if there is a minimum/maximum number for the guest count at the venue to ensure this fits with your guest list.
6. What are my vendor options?
Hiring outside wedding vendors to help with your big day? Make sure you ask the venue what your options are. Some venues, such as the Museum, don't have restrictions on the vendors you are able to utilize but there are other venues who have preferred vendors or even required vendors so it's definitely helpful to know those requirements before hiring.
7. What restrictions do you have?
This is a great question to ask that will later help you with details surrounding your event. For example: alcohol restrictions, food restrictions, decorating restrictions, etc. Make sure to understand this while you are touring so you don't run into any snags while planning later down the road.
8. Who will I be working with?
As you will be working very closely with your chosen venue, make sure to ask who you will be working with - both leading up to the day as well as on the day-of. This can help to minimze any stress on your end as you'll know who to go to with any questions or concerns you might have.
9. When is full payment due?
Early in the planning process you might not be thinking about payments, but be sure to ask this so that you'll be able to stay organized with all of your upcoming wedding bills. You'll be glad you did!
10. What is your cancellation policy?
Although cancelling your wedding seems like such a far-fetched idea, the reality is that there are several things that could potentially occur which might affect your wedding. By preparing for the worst case scenario, things won't come as a shock later! Plus, asking this will help you become aware of the consequences in the unfortunate event that you do end up having to cancel.