10 Questions you have to ask when touring a wedding venue!

Touring for your perfect wedding can be so difficult! Especially if you don’t know what you should ask or what you should be looking for in your venue. Here is a list of 10 questions, and the reasons why they are important, for you to take with you on your next wedding venue tour!

1. Does the venue provide tables and chairs? 

If the venue does not provide tables and chairs, you will have to rent them separately from an outside rental company. These types of costs can add up fast, so we recommend asking if tables and chairs are included and if so, how many. 

TIP: To know if they provide enough tables for your guest count, you can assume around 8-10 people will fit at each table. So if your guest count is 130 you’ll need 13-17 tables! 

2. Does the venue include linens and table décor for guest tables? 

Similar to the tables and chairs, this is an extra cost if not included through the venue or your caterer, so make sure to ask if linens and table décor will be provided. It is also a good idea to ask who will be setting up said decor and taking it down afterwards. This can be a huge job for yourself/family members if there won’t be anyone to set it up for you and take it down at the end of the event.

3. Who are the venue’s preferred vendors? 

Venues often have a preferred vendors list (a list of companies they have worked with in the past that know their space and did a great job). Ask to see this list so you can take those vendors into consideration when planning your wedding.

4. What is the venue’s alcohol policy? 

If you’re planning on serving alcohol at your event, you definitely need to know your venue alcohol policy. Some venues are stricter than others but most all venues will require you to have a licensed bartender.

5. What AV and lighting equipment is included? 

Ask what the AV capabilities are for the venue. Depending on if you’re hiring a DJ, you may or may not need to use their equipment but it is nice to know what is available (ex: house sound, corded/cordless microphones, etc).

6. Do they require event insurance? 

Many event venues will require you to have event insurance. Make sure to ask how much they require you to carry in liability. EventHelper.com and WedSafe.com are companies who specialize in event insurance and may cost less than your insurance company. Also check to see if they require your vendors to add them onto their insurance as an additionally insured. This will help you choose the vendors that you’ll hire down the road!

7. How much is the deposit and is it refundable? 

The venue will have a requirement for a deposit- make sure you ask what this is to secure your date. Also ask what the cancellation policy is and what, if any, of payment made are refundable. It is also a good idea to ask about the payment schedule and how much tax will be.

8. What are the Post-Event Cleanup Procedures? 

Who cleans the space after the wedding reception is over? Make sure you find out who will be responsible for breaking down the event and taking things such as leftover food, gifts, cake, etc. This can be a very exhausting job for yourself and family members after a long day!

Also, the amount of cleanup that is required at the end of the night- for instance, are you responsible for cleaning up spills at the end of the night?

9. How much time is included for the event, setup and breakdown, and are there additional fees if we go over? 

Wedding setup and breakdown times can vary greatly and are dependent upon the guest count and number/types of vendors. So, make sure to ask the venue how much is included and what, if any, additional fees are incurred if you go over at your wedding venue tour. Some DJ’s, for instance, require an hour or so for breakdown, and that’s after the event! Your florist, DJ, Cake and other vendors that need to set up also might need anywhere from 1-2 hours to do so!

10. Are there any additional Service Fees and are Tips/Gratuities Included? 

This is if your venue offers catering as a part of their package. Service fees and tips/gratuities are often a hidden cost for catering—as much as 20 to 30 percent! Make sure you ask if these fees are included or how much can be expected in the per person/per plate charge.

This list of questions will help you to narrow down the costs associated with each venue to give you a more in depth understanding of how much you will spend if you choose this venue. Obviously, each and every venue offers a different aesthetic and ultimately the choice is yours. You will want to find a venue that has the look you want, in the area that you want, that fits your guest count. But don’t take a tour without figuring out exactly what you will be paying for by the end. The tour is more than just looking at the venue, its a time to ask the nitty gritty questions that websites and photos can’t possibly begin to explain! 

Now get out there and take some tours of wedding venues! You got this!

Looking for more information of what to look for when booking a venue? Be sure to check out our blog: https://eventslayerapp.com/5-things-to-look-for-when-touring-your-wedding-venue/