Questions to ask when touring a venue?

OMG girl. I made this huge list of questions to ask and I printed it out but now I can't find the file but I went on a bunch of different articles and kind of made my own based on my needs and wants. But here's a pretty extensive one I got a lot of questions from.

http://offbeatbride.com/questions-to-ask-wedding-venues/

Thank you!! us 2018 brides sticking together

Lol definitely!!!

I did the same thing! i found a whole bunch of documents on pinterest and one was in the wedding binder I got. I just compiled a bunch of lists and had the questions in a table in word with space for questions.

we didnt ask every single question, most of them were answered while they were talking. we did put a star next to the ones we really wanted to know the answers too. They give you a lot of info though so its good to take notes and have some questions prepared so you get all the info you want/need.

ETA - FH is an accountant and I'm a teacher, we are big fans of lists and organization.

@Señora thank you so much <3 I feel like I'm a ball of stress and AF making her monthly visit isn't helping

Find out how early vendors can arrive?

When is the venue available for decorating before the ceremony/reception?

Can you have the rehearsal there and when?

Any restrictions on decorations (i.e. are candles allowed, no tape on walls)?

Will there be a facility coordinator or liaison on site the wedding day? What are they responsible for?

Does the venue offer discounts on the rental space if paid in cash? Many venues offer pay by credit card and paying in cash helps avoid credit card fees they incur so some venues will knock of a % of cost.

If there stairs to climb, is there an elevator available to help guests get upstairs?

How much time can you have the venue for and is there an extra charge for extra time and what is it?

Thank you guys so much <3

Bump*

This is part of the questions that I asked

This is the second part- it was really useful, although I find that the nice venues answer to these questions before you even ask for it- there were some venues that didnt have an answer, so that was a flag for me! Hope this helps

Weather back up plans, coordinators, I've seen ppl on here saying their venues double booked so I would ask about that. Also about noise rules, that's huge around here and if you talk to djs they will let you know which venues barely let them play over talking level. I'd ask about what preferred vendors they have and if you have to use them. There's so much more I'm sure the other posters will help

Vendor meetings? I'm so clueless about everything lol

Ask for a copy of their policies and rules and to read the basic outline of their contracts and accompanying documents!

Some of the more restrictive things at my venue (which I do still love,but..) weren't anywhere in the contract but on separate paperwork, and threw me for a loop (no confetti!!! No glitter!! Agh!!) so it's worth asking about those things

Is smoking on site allowed and where.. huge theses days many are going smoke free and if you smoke I'm sure you want to go in a car to smoke with a huge dress on and those that do smoke like to drink and smoke.. so ask..

Ask them to walk you through a day there for a typical wedding - the ppl I asked this were caught a little off-guard and it puts them in a first-person storytelling perspective rather than sales mode, so they shared a lot more detail than if I had grilled them point by point. It was a great opener for my questions and saved time.

1. Is there a service charge fee? If so, how much?

2. Am I able to bring in outside food? (For favors)

3. Can we have candlelight?

4. Who sets up the venue?

5. When does the venue get set up?

6. When do I have to drop off my decorations?

7. Can you recommend any vendors that would offer a discount?

8. What exactly is included? (Type of chairs, linens, tables)

9. Is there a wedding coordinator?

10. Can I alter the packages at all?

11. Do you have any decorations we can use/rent?

12. Is there another event the day of my wedding?

13. Can we do a rehearsal the night before?

14. Is there a back up plan in case it rains?

15. How many weddings are here this year?

16. Will the coordinator be there the day of?

17. Do we get a free menu tasting?

18. Do you allow sparklers for a send off?

19. What is the range of guests the room can hold? (Maximum and minimum)

20. Can we decide the hours or do you set them?

21. How much do upgrades cost?

22. Can we bring in outside alcohol?

23. When are payments due?

24. Can I see an example contract?

Sorry, didn't read above post lol

Most of your questions will already be answered while you are listening. I still had quite a few questions weeks after my tours and those were submitted to the venue via email.

So excited today is the day for venue tours <3