Venue Interview

I like to ask about fees like is there corking fee or cake cutting fee, cancellation policies, capacity size, what is included, etc.

There's a good article on WW about this! It depends on the type of venue, but I think it's most important to know any limitations they have, as well as any other required fees. Keep track of all that so you can get an accurate estimate, especially if you're on a budget. If you can't or won't be renting all day, I would ask when you can get there/when everyone has to leave. I would kind of imagine your timeline for the wedding day, and walk through it in the venue to make sure they'll meet your needs The venue I chose just felt "right" and the photos I saw of weddings in there really sold me, along with all the other things included. Best of luck!

(I'm copying this from another post I previously answered to, because it applies for your question too!)

Congrats on starting the planning process! Here is a list of the major questions I asked all venues so I could compare apples-to-apples for each:

(Prob. the most obvious of all of them) Is my date available? If not, what other days are available?

Security deposit amount and payment schedule? Extra fees for using credit card?

What is typical overall wedding budget at this location?

Max seating in ceremony/reception spaces? What is the rain backup plan if any? Do you provide a tent or rental for backup?

Can we use this space for rehearsal the evening before? What time?

Do you require insurance? Do you require security? (Many places required security if we had alcohol being served)

Extra fees? (Some all inclusive places have "event service fees", corkage fees, and kitchen use fees for caterers)

Are we tied to using only preferred vendors?

What are standard tables/chairs if included? Upgrades available at what cost? (Ask to see actual or pictures!)

Who on their end will be coordinating, to what extent?

Parking - is valet required? (A few places had this as a requirement!)

Restrictions on candles/confetti/streamers/sparklers, etc.?

Alcohol - BYOB available? or standard per person fees?

What is the fee if we want to change the date?

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much! Very helpful

View Quoted Comment Thank you Jennifer. I have a few vendors set up to tour already and I'm hoping for the "feels right" too 😊

View Quoted Comment I would never think of a cake cutting fee, etc. Good to know!

They should be able to break down costs and fees for you out right based on your needs. Aside from price, I would ask more logistical questions:

-Parking/transport for guests

-Décor/activity restrictions

-Inclement weather plans

-Restrictions on vendors

-Do they have insurance? Do they require it of vendors?

Ask if they provide tables, chairs, linens, chargers, plates, silverware, etc. do they provide getting ready rooms. When are you allowed access to the venue. Does the cost include a rehearsal time. Cancellation policies. Ask about discounts! We did and received a number of discounts off the venue, food, and some extras.