Questions for Venues

Hi Mariah! I suggest asking if their staff sets up and tears down (linens, chairs, tents, etc.). We didn’t want to get into all that and wanted a venue where those logistics would be off our plate. I would also ask if they hold more than one wedding or event at a time. Hope this helps and good luck! ❤️

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much! Appreciate it ❤️

There are lists online of questions to ask.

What is the capacity? Are Covid restrictions still a thing in your area? If so, are vendors included in max capacity?

Is it all inclusive or blank slate? Meaning are you required to use their in-house catering and other vendors or can you pick your own? With required in-house catering, are you allowed to get a tasting before you book the venue (red flag if they say no)? Again with all inclusive, what is the food/beverage minimum cost upfront? Do not let them surprise you with this because it is very rarely budget friendly. With all inclusive, are you allowed to scrap or substitute any products/services you do not want and will they reimburse the difference? Are you allowed to bring in a caterer of your choosing? How much extra does that cost?

What is the parking situation like?

Do they have a curfew? When the music have to end and you have to be out so vendors can tear down?

View Quoted Comment These are all fantastic questions! I’ve been reading some articles online about it to get ideas, but I also wanted to hear from people first-hand about their experiences. Thank you for all the tips!!

What will they provide for you guys on your big day if they offer decor time for cocktails hour if you want one main menu and can things be substituted. If the have a ready room for the couple if you are having ceremony there too. And haggle on price if you get 2cocktail hour and the main rooms bathroom elevator or easy access for disabled people

View Quoted Comment Thank you for the advice!! I hadn’t thought about some of these questions

View Quoted Comment It's ok that's what we all are here for get advice from others on this journey that we all are on. Most of us are in different stages of wedding planning and we all can get advice or a idea suggestions or a listening ear from any of us. This has been a great help. So happy planning

Hey Mariah!

I think for me and my Fiancé the most important questions are Price, Capacity, and Vendor Agreements.

Such as do they have a list of caterers they use that you have to choose from? or are they open catering?

Do they offer a day of coordinator (because they run like $1000+ depending where you live) some place do and some don't it just makes your big day less stressful

do they have discounts offered with photographers/videographers?

Whats their schedule like for day of such as you get the venue from 8 am to 11 pm?

Do they offer rehearsal dinner the night before? and if they do does it cost extra?

Whats their policy on decorating, some places allow things to be placed on the wall while others its a big no-no

do they have clean up crews or is it your responsibility to clean up after the wedding.

Hope this helped!!!

I would ask the following:


1. What all is included in the rental prices? 2. Do they provide table, chairs and linens?3. Do they offer day of coordinator and if not do they require one? 4. Do they have a back up plan for rain? 5. How many people does the venue hold? 6. Do they have guest count minimums for Saturday weddings? 7. How long do you get the venue for? 8. Can you bring your own alcohol and catering or do you have to choose from their list? 9. Is liquor allowed? 10. Are sparklers allowed? 11. Is venue pet friendly for couples who want to include their pets in the ceremony12. Do they have a closet of decors you can rent from? 13. Is the venue temperature control? Basically does it have ac or are they going to use a fan. 14. Do they have a bridal suite and groom suite? 15. How many parking lot space do they accommodate?
Those should get you off to a good start!

PM me your email and I’ll send you the 3 page document I used when venue hunting. You can print it out to take notes on for each venue you visit and then can compare them all at once.

View Quoted Comment Oh my gosh! That would be so helpful. Thank you!!

View Quoted Comment I love all of these questions ❤️ Thank you so much!!

View Quoted Comment This was very helpful!! I appreciate all the advice!

This is the list I compiled when I was looking at venues

1. Do they allow lit candles.
2. Will other events be scheduled the same day
3. Do they allow different bar options full bar vs beer and wine vs non alcoholic drinks
4. Do you get discounts for using their recommend vendors
5. What days of the week are least expensive
6. Is the ceremony included
7. Do they provide an officiant
8. Do they provide valet
9. Is cake included
10. Are decorations included
11. Do they have an in house DJ or band
12. What happens in the event of an emergency at the location
13. How much to secure the date
14. Can you pay the remaining funds in installments
15. Is gratuity included
16. Is there a bridal and groom suite on site
17. How many people can the suites accommodate
18. What’s the minimum maximum capacity
19. Do they include the food for the cocktail hour
20. Do they have there own caterer or will you have to hire one
21. Do they provide a coordinator or planner
22. Do they provide a menu for the day or seating cards
23. What happens if you leave a deposit but decide to go with another venue
24. Are they wheel chair accessible
25. How many waiters and bartenders do they provide and do they wear a uniform
26. Do you need wedding insurance
27. If all the catering is included do they allow outside vendors
28. Are you responsible for the setting up and removal of the decorations
29. Do they provide security if you need it
30. How long before the ceremony are you able to arrive
31. Do they have an “act of God” clause
32. How much to reschedule
33. How much to cancel

Cancellation & Reschedule policies, fees, etc.! This should be clearly outlined and discussed.

Open bar per head, not per consumption. Do they have an exclusive decor company you’d have to work with? If so you’re definitely going to want to check out their sample prices for decor. Ask for a sample PDF or packet of estimated cost. Ask what sort of administrative fees they charge. Ask if they provide a day of coordinator or planner. If they provide food ask about what different types of dishes they serve, for example do they do family style, passed hors d’oeuvres, multi course, buffet if you’re into that sort of thing. Ask if they provide tables or linens and plate where. Ask if they have a private bridal room for you to get ready in or go to for make up touchups

View Quoted Comment Basically just print this list out and check it off when you ask them questions one by one. This is basically everything you’re going to want to ask

View Quoted Comment Thank you ❤️

View Quoted Comment Agreed!! Thank you

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much!! Appreciate the advice