Venue contract advice — about to sign

Unsure if I can edit above message but wanted to add we’re doing ceremony and reception at same place.

Cancellation/postponing policies. How much will you lose if you have to cancel? If Covid is still around or there is something else?
What is your minimum and are you ok with that? Any contractual obligations like having to pick a certain vendor or preferred vendors, not being able to use a certain room, etc
And really what rules they have. For example mine required a planner to be hired, which I hadn’t been told about so I just had to speak with them about that.

I would check the cancellation policy, any added fees, the payment schedule, what they are providing, and what the rules are (for example outside vendors, insurance, decor, alcohol, set up and rehearsal timing).

Also rules about photography/videography: is there any room not allowed to be in? Can you have sparklers, confetti, candles? If you have videography, can you have a drone.

Definitely any added fees ! if there is a service charge it would be good for you to know what the break down of that is too

Cancellation policy, deposit policy, what form of payment they take, anything they require the bride & groom to do, anything they restrict, etc.

Read the ENTIRE thing. If you sign it, you're bound to it, so take the time to go through it line by line. If there's something you don't understand, ask! (via email so there's a paper trail.)

If they have their own exclusive decor company, if you haven’t already I’d highly suggest that you look at some of their sample prices for the decor first. My decor prices turned out to be outrageous LOL. Also read everything really carefully. Some places don’t allow petals to be thrown down, fire, bubbles and things of that nature. I can’t stress enough just read read read And then it’s probably a good idea to re-read it again LOL Good luck!

Everyone posted great suggestions. I want to add, ask about what happens should the venue be destroyed/unusable. Will they issue a refund? Make you reschedule? Help you find a back up?
It’s not a situation you want to think about but stuff happens, tornados, fires, earthquakes etc.

Also what happens if THEY have to cancel your event?
Candles were a big part of my decor so I made sure to ask about that too.

In addition to what everyone else suggested (especially the cancellation/refund policies!), I would also recommend asking for a detailed list of what all is included (tables/chairs/setup, room rental, table linens, etc), time frame that you have the rental, fees, payment schedule, forms of payment accepted, etc.

My advice is to print it and get some highlighters out. I went through mine and highlighted any lines mentioning:

-Money amounts/payment schedules on green.

-Times in yellow (start, setup time, last guest leave time, vendor clean up times, etc.)

-Things that need to be requested in writing ahead of time in blue (mine you have to get permission for candles, and having the fountain filled for the day 90 days before the event.)

- Anything that is not allowed at all orange. (Ex: No smoking, rice/confetti tossed, etc)

- And lastly what they cover in the rental in purple. (Ex: Tables, chairs, day of coordinator, kitchen, etc.)

Colors can be different, but after you are done go through just reading by color. This helped me see the timeline as a whole for payments, check if anything I thought they covered wasn't mentioned, any fees I wasn't expecting, and if there was something they didn't allow that I totally wanted as a part of my day. The contract looked like someone cramming for an exam the night before with how many colors and notes that were all over the paper. But It has now come in handy when talking to other vendors, like my caterer who asked when they can show up for set up and I was able to find that at a glace.

Oh also check if they require wedding insurance for your event or they cover the insurance.

Do not sign anything without an act of god clause or a good cancellation plan. This clause has save my ass during COVID.

View Quoted Comment What is an act of God clause? Could you give an example please?