Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue
One of the first major obstacles when planning your wedding is finding a venue that is right for you! In order to help you figure out which venue is right for you, we’ve come up with a list of questions that you should always ask your potential wedding venue!
Be Sure to Ask These 10 Questions when Touring a Wedding Venue!
Does the venue provide tables and chairs?
What will you do 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.
Does the venue include linens and table décor for guest tables?
Similar to the tables and chairs, linens and table decor are 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 responsible for setting up the decor and taking it down afterwards. This can be a huge job for yourself/family members if there is not anyone to set it up for you and take it down at the end of the event.
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. We think it’s better to have vendors who know the space and have worked it before since they will have insight into some of the more intricacies of the venue.
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 a lot of venues require you to have a licensed bartender.
What AV and lighting equipment is included with the venue?
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).
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. It’s also important to note if they require your other vendors to have insurance. If so, you will need to find vendors that can add the venue as an additionally insured.
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 payments made are refundable. Be sure to also ask about the payment schedule!
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!
How much time is included for the event, setup and breakdown, and are there additional fees if we go over?
Event setup and breakdown times can vary greatly and can depend on 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. Some DJ’s, for instance, require an hour or so for breakdown, and that’s after the event!
Are there any additional Service Fees and are Tips/Gratuities Included?
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.
Hopefully all of these questions will help point you in the right direction when picking your wedding venue! If you need more help planning a wedding, be sure to check out our How To Plan A Wedding blog series! Or just download EventSlayer and have all the questions figured out for you!