First wedding reception venue tour

Hm I'd start with what dates are available.

Then perhaps the rest: https://apracticalwedding.com/wedding-site-visit-questions/

I used off beat brides venue check sheet. I modified it so I could print it out for one venue per sheet. Everything on there lets you know what to ask for and space to record the pricing and make notes.

Make sure you ask what is included and what is an additional charge

Ask about time lines. How many hours are included - does that include set or break down? Is that additional time? If not what does it cost per hour to extend

Check the bathrooms. Make sure there is room for you in a wedding dress.

Ask about additional fees like cake cutting fees

Dates available

Capacity

Rates

Deposit amount/due date

Cancellation policy

Hours

Liquor license (or if you can BYOB)

If you have to use their preferred caterer

Is there a bridal suite?

Backup plan for weather

What else is provided (tables, linens, chairs, etc)

What's included (tables, chairs, tablecloths, chair covers) Recommended/preferred vendors.

1. Make certain you understand all taxes and tips. If they say service is included, be specific, ask if that means tips. Ask who shares in tip pool

2. If you are not using their own caterer, ask if you have to use an approved one. That leaves you at their mercy. Check the allowable ones for cost.

3. Can you bring your own alcohol? That can be cheaper.

4. Understand how minimums and maximums work. Be specific. Tell them, if I am having a 10 piece band and want a dance floor 20 by 40 (or whatever you want), how many guests can I have.

5. Do they charge less for vendor meals (yes, you have to feed the band or DJ, photo)? They should still get a hot meal, but likely wont be eating appetizers or drinking so much. Lower charge for kids, if you are inviting them.

6. Do they provide a DOC ?

7. If they run more than one event, are the spaces entirely separate? Yes, people do sneak in.

8. Other fees? Dance floor, security, parking, valets.

Thank you all!!!

Check the size of the bathrooms to make sure you'll be able to comfortably do your business without feeling cramped with your dress.

One thing I didn't think of but maybe check to see where smokers will be allowed to smoke. It wasn't something I thought about but FH's family has a lot of smokers who I couldn't imagine not being around the party because they had to go half a mile down the property to smoke. Luckily my venue has a balcony that wouldn't interfere with people inside but those smoking/needed fresh air are only a few steps away in case they hear their favorite song.

Some of these you will know right away, based on the venue...some you will have to ask. These are things I needed to know.

Time, how much time do we have at the venue, set up and tear down. I am having a themed wedding so 5 hours start to finish wouldn't work for me. I needed a minimum of 8.

Other weddings. Will I be running into other brides and weddings.

Music, amplified, yes or no.

Candles...yes or no. Some only allow artificial.

Food, do you provide, can we bring in caterer.

Alcohol, same as food.

Linens and table wear...chairs and tables, are they provided.

Smoking area?

Dressing area for bridal party?

Food beverage minimums if they provide food.

Do they provide a dance floor if the floors are not dance floor ready.

Capacity? Max guests and vendors.

Lighting, do they offer any.

Back up plan for bad weather.

Ceremony and reception location in one?

Desserts...I am having a candy bar/dessert bar and a couple of venues told me that all food, even for this would have to go through them...making the cost of dessert astronomical.

Deposits.

Do they require approved vendors?

Know the service fees and gratuity fees as well as tax. That can sneak up on you.

Childrens meals and vendor meals.

Cake cutting fee (this is such crap in my opinion, but can add up if you have 250 guests at $3.00 a person).

Restrooms for guests, how far...it could be an issue.

Do they have an onsite coordinator. Will they provide ushers to the reception.

There is so much little stuff. Good luck.

Let the coordinator get through their presentation to you; it'll be organized, you'll probably be on the tour, and they'll probably cover 90% of your questions.

Ask if they'll be touring OTHER couples during YOUR wedding.

Ask why their preferred vendors are preferred. Do they pay to be preferred or are they actually preferred.