5 Questions to Ask Your Venue Before Booking
There are so many things to do when it comes to planning your wedding and choosing a wedding venue is at the top of the list. Not only should your venue match the aesthetic and vibe you’re going for, but it also has to make sense for the kind of celebration you’re planning. If you’re just beginning your search for a wedding venue, I would start by researching potential venues in the area/location you plan to get married. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, I would hone in on 1-3 venues that you love and go for an in-person tour. Seeing the venue in-person will help you to envision your wedding day and think about what it would be like to host your celebration there. It’s also important to consider what the venue looks like when determining the style/vibe you’re going for. The decor you bring in should complement the existing space. The last thing you should do is overwhelm yourself with all of the options out there! Start with a few venue options and then go back to the drawing board when needed. To make your venue search easier, I’ve compiled a list of five questions you should your venue before booking:
What is the guest count for the space?
One of the first things you should ask the venue or event coordinator is what the guest count is for the space. I would highly suggest creating a guest list prior to beginning your venue search so that you know how big or how small you need the venue to be. If you’re planning a larger wedding, you’ll need to find a venue that accommodates everyone. This is also true in the event you’re having a smaller wedding as it may look odd to have a smaller group inside a large venue with a ton of wasted or empty space that you don’t need.
Do they offer a getting ready space?
If having a getting ready space in the same location as your venue is important to you then this is definitely something you should consider before booking. Couples often take advantage of the getting ready space at the venue as it eliminates travel to and from the getting ready space to the ceremony location. If you’re planning a first look or portraits prior to your ceremony in a separate location then being within close proximity to your venue may not be a priority. Another reason why couples love having a getting ready space as an option is that it helps to add a cohesive feeling to your wedding gallery as the getting ready space is often a reflection of the venue itself.
Do you plan on having your ceremony at the same venue?
Many couples love the convenience of having a venue that offers both their ceremony and reception. This is ideal for couples when they plan to have a ceremony in the later afternoon and then head straight into their reception. Having both your ceremony and reception back to back, and at the same location, would eliminate the travel for your guests between places. If you plan to have an earlier ceremony with a few hours in between before your reception starts, then having the same location for both may not be a priority for you. This is also true if you plan to get married in a church in a separate location than in the venue. At the end of the day, you have to decide what makes most sense for you and how you want your wedding day to flow between events.
Do they have in-house catering and a set bar menu, or are you able to bring in your own food and drinks?
The next question you should ask your venue prior to booking is what type of bar/catering they have available. You should also ask yourselves what type of food and bar you want to offer and if what the venue offers makes sense for the kind of celebration you’re planning. Many venues will have in-house catering with a set or customizable menu. This would eliminate having to find a caterer but isn’t always ideal for couples who want to give their guests a unique dining experience such as a grazing table or burger bar. You should also determine what type of bar you want to offer. Venues will often take care of this at a cost with a set or customizable bar menu but may also limit you in what you’re able to offer. On that same note, if you value having a one-stop shop for your venue, this may be the best option as you wouldn’t have to buy your own liquor or find someone to run your bar.
What’s included?
Lastly, be sure to ask your venue what’s included prior to booking. This will make a huge difference in determining your wedding budget and if you need to source additional vendors. If you’re comparing apples to apples, then be sure that you’re asking the venue what’s included. Everything from an event coordinator, linens, tables, chairs, etc. Most times it’s higher cost working with a venue than having your wedding on private property such as your backyard or an airbnb, but you wouldn’t be responsible for sourcing these additional items. At the end of the day, you have to decide what’s best for you.
Once you’ve found a venue you love, my biggest suggestion of all is to ensure that all of these important details are included in the contract you sign with the venue. This includes a detailed breakdown of what’s included, any additional charges, bar and food minimums, staffing, cancellation, etc. I would also ensure that you’re able to bring in additional vendors if needed as well as their policies on adding decor/additional lighting, hanging items, etc. I hope that you found these questions helpful so that you can begin the search of finding the perfect venue!
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