TOP 12 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING VENUE
(BEFORE YOU BOOK!)
Niagara Winery Wedding Venue - Legends Estates Winery |
Photography by: Madison Rose Photography
The biggest decision you’ll make leading up to your big day is your wedding venue. But of course, a wedding venue will mean different things to different couples.
The spaces will differ; restaurants, vineyards, barn venues, hotels, country clubs, historic home, or art gallery — the options are endless!
You may feel overbearing about asking things like, added charges, insurance, cancellation policies (especially during these crazy times of COVID). I’ve had past couples who were charged $2.50 for every slice of cake served at their wedding — also known as a ‘cake cutting’ fee — and others who were told that they’d be responsible to move the ceremony chairs from outdoor ceremony space to the reception hall, which was up three flights of stairs with no elevator.
Ensure you get things in writing. Incase you have to comeback if any issues down the line arise, and you have all the info in your inbox/contract as reference. Some venues will promise you things in your initial venue tour, without double checking if they’re actually viable.
So, here we go, the top 12 questions to have in your back pocket when you begin your venue search!
Niagara Winery Wedding Venue - Kurtz Orchards |
Photography by Philosophy Studios
What is the max guest count?
What is the catering policy?
What is the food and beverage minimum?
What is included with the rental? Are table, chairs included? If so, who sets them up? Does the room need to be flipped between ceremony & reception? Are table linens and napkins included? Etc.
Does the venue have a separate ceremony space?
If the ceremony is outside, what is the rain backup plan?
What is the service charge? Does that include gratuity for the staff?
Is the staff included?
Do you hold more than one event in a day?
Extra Tip: Ideally, you’ll want to be the only event on-site on your wedding day, as having other events happening can result in less setup time, limited venue access, and confusion for your guests. If you’re not guaranteed to be the only event that day, find out how much it would cost to do a complete buyout, as well as ask about how the staff handles having multiple events at once.
Do you have any decor restrictions? Can real candles be used, or LED? Do they need to be enclosed by glass? Can you do sparklers or fireworks outside?
Do you have on-site parking? Is there a cost associated? If there is not on-site parking, where are the nearest spots?
Does the venue have a preferred vendor list?