Have you narrowed down your wedding venue shortlist? Are you going to be attending the consultation but have no idea what to look for?
When you are booking a wedding venue, you need to know exactly what you are getting to make sure that there are no last-minute surprises. So, it’s well worth asking some questions to help you select the perfect venue for your big day.
What should you ask? Here are some questions to consider.
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What’s included in the venue rental fee?
Different wedding venues will have different things included in their rental fee. This can be anything from the chairs, the linens in the setup, or even on-site catering and clean up. Of course, all of that is going to be added to the final rental fee. On the other hand, some wedding venues will not charge for these things and will expect you to bring your own chairs, tables, and catering in. So, be sure to note what you are getting and always read the fine print.
What is the venue’s capacity?
Be sure to ask how many guests can attend your wedding and your reception.
If needed, it’s also worth asking if spaces that you are renting can be rearranged for the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and the reception to make more space. For some wedding parties, it is also worth checking about access to outdoor spaces if this is a part of the venue. Many venues will offer you access to a hall or an indoor space as well as a garden area, so rather than assume, make sure you can use both before you book.
Are there any requirements?
This seems a bit strange, but many people who are looking to book their wedding are surprised that many venues will require you to use their catering, their bar service, or their sound equipment. It is not always the case that you can simply hire these and have them come in without breaking the contract. So, make sure that you and your partner are completely aware of what’s allowed and what isn’t, and if needed, get everything in writing before you book the venue. Obviously, for some people, it may be out of their price range to have to pay for additional on-site catering. With that in mind, it’s also worth making sure you have an idea of what your budget is when you go to a wedding venue consultation.
Are there timing and noise restrictions?
When it comes to setting up for a wedding, you need to know how early you can set up things for the reception, such as the tables and the buffet, if applicable, and you need to know the time that you need to clean everything up. You should also ask if there are cut-off times for the music or alcohol service. This will help you and your maid of honour to better plan on the wedding day, and is also useful information that needs to be passed on to any external catering teams or florists who may need to set up displays.
