Wedding Questions to Ask Venue

Questions to ask your Wedding Venue prior to paying your deposit…………………

• What is included in the wedding package?
• What deposit is due? Is the deposit refundable?
• When is the balance due?
• What forms of payment are accepted?
• Will the venue provide a contract? Will the venue send an invoice?
• Is there a service charge included in the overall price?
• Are there any additional fees you could be charged for? (security, cleaning, etc.)
• Will there be any other events occurring the same day at that location?
• How many waiters/staff will be assigned to your wedding? Will additional tips be required for the staff in addition to the service fee?
• How many hours are included in the package?
• Who is the event contact at that location (name, email, phone, etc.)?
• Is the venue handicap accessible?
• Are there adequate restrooms available?
• Are there outlets available? (useful for outdoor weddings if extra lighting is needed, sound, etc.)
• What sound systems/microphones are provided?
• Can both the ceremony & reception take place at the venue?
• If you are having an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception, what is the “rain” plan?
• Is there a room/rooms for the bridal party to freshen up/get ready in?
• What are arrangements for guests as they arrive, i.e. parking, shuttle, etc.? Will guests have to pay to park?
• Are there any required vendors?
• What rooms will be provided?
• What accommodations are provided for the bride & groom?
• What accommodations are provided to wedding guests?
• Are there reductions for off-peak times such as weekday weddings and winter month weddings?
• How are tables set up for the reception?
• Are name cards and menus provided?
• What decorations are provided by the venue?
• Can a color scheme be chosen to coincide with your particular wedding scheme?
• What restrictions does the venue have?
• Will there be someone to set up tables/decorations/etc. or will you have to make those arrangements?
• What shapes are the tables?
• Are linens provided?
• Can you do a tasting before signing a contract? (for both food and cake)
• Is outside catering allowed? If so, is there an adequate kitchen available for use?
• Do you provide the wedding cake?
• Do you provide the wedding cake stand?
• Is music provided?
• What options are there for reception food (buffet, seated dinner, drinks reception, etc.)?
• Is there a vegetarian option? Is there an option for kids? What are the prices for each?
• What time will the meal be served?
• Is alcohol included in pricing? Does the facility have a liquor/wine license?
• Will coffee/tea be served after the meal?
• Is outside wine/champagne allowed? If so, is there a fee for the corkage?
• Is the leftover cake boxed up for you? What container will it be in?
• Do you serve the wedding cake?
• Who will clean up afterwards?
• Are candles allowed?
• What is the total room capacity for seated guests? What is the room’s square footage? (usually 20 sq. ft. is needed per person if you want room for a dance floor…only 10-12 sq. ft. without a dance floor)
• How do you confirm your booking?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Will they hold the venue for you while you “think it over”? Hold long will they hold it?