Questions for Venue Coordinator

Usually when you give plated options, the venue will require some kind of distinction on the guests escort card that tells the servers how many of what at each table.

-Find out when you have to have YOUR decor (meaning the stuff you actually bought or made) out of the venue. Some places require that night, some the next day.

-Ask you have control of the layout of the tables or is it an arrangement set in stone

-Ask for a Preferred Vendor List if you need some help

-How long is allotted for set up and clean up and what time do you have access to the venue?

Thanks, Maltese. See these are things that I wouldn't have even thought of! (Taking decor DOWN? Obviously important, never crossed my mind).

I did get a Preferred Vendor list from them already. The other suggestions I will add to my list.

Much appreciated.

These are the questions I asked our venue coordinator:

1.Is the space available to do a rehearsal the day before?

2.What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding? Do I need to coordinate this or do you handle?

3.Is it possible to start the setup the day before?

4.How early can deliveries be made? How much time will I have for décor setup?

5.Does the venue provide assistance getting gifts or décor back to a designated place after the event has concluded?

6.Are there restrictions on what time music must end?

7.Will the coordinator supervise day-of? What responsibilities will they handle?

8.How much assistance can I get with the setup/décor?

9.Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down the decor, and when will it be completed?10.Do you have signage or other aids to direct guests to my event? Where will they be placed?

11.At what time will my guests have to leave the facility?

12.Are there restrictions for the photographer?

13.What is the changeover plan for converting to reception?

14.Is any decor/stationery provided (menus, escort cards)? Are there alternatives available?

15.How late will the bar be open?

16.Is there an outdoor space for smoking or where my guests can mingle during the reception?

17.How will the staff be dressed? How many will be available for the wedding?

18.Are there noise level restrictions that must be adhered to?

19.Are there any restrictions on where the flowers and decorations will be placed?

20.Any restrictions on decor? (Candles/tape/walls/tacks/etc)

22.Can guests leave their cars overnight and collect them the next day?

23.How many electrical outlets are there for things like up-lighting and DJ services?

If you are looking at preferred vendor lists, ask if vendors pay to be

'preferred' or if they are actual recommendations of pros they know and like.

Two things I didn't realize until after I booked (that wouldn't have made a difference anyway) were that we couldn't use open flame candles (centerpieces) or fake rose petals for the ceremony. I also found out what size the tables are so I can plan my own centerpiece decor. Also, if you are using all their linens, see what is included and what the upgrade charges are.

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions!

@Milwaukee Bride - great list! I've added a lot of these questions to my own list.

@Celia - I never even thought of that. They can pay to be "preferred"? So far the vendors I've used I got recommendations from friends or WW, but if I go off the list they gave me for anything else I'll be sure to consider that!

@Vanessa - no fake rose petals? That's kind of random. I'll definitely ask them about restrictions.

Thanks all!

Yes, they can.

A great way to find the vendors you need is to ask the vendors you have! We love to refer people we like to work with!

@Celia - great tip! Thanks!