Questions to ask during your venue tour

During those first few weeks of planning, the venue is such a key piece in your planning. After your budget and the rough guest count is set, your venue should be your next step. While venue shopping, it is easy to get caught up in what you love or hate physically about the venue. But there are other important questions that you need to ask while on your tour. Today I am sharing some of my favorite questions that apply to just about any venue.

1. Availability – if you don’t have a specific date or month in mind, at least go into your appointment with season and year in mind. Venues are booking earlier due to covid and the many couples who postponed during 2020 and 2021.
2. Number of guests that can be accommodated? Seated vs. cocktail style. It is important to know the capacities of each possible space so you have options for cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner and ceremony.
3. How many weddings and events do you book per day or per weekend? Some spaces can accommodate multiple parties in the same weekend or even the same day. It is good to know what options you may have and how another event could affect yours.
4. Specific rooms and layout. What spaces are suitable for your ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, getting ready and storage space.
5. Back up plans, what does your rain plan look like? This can be very important to consider. Some of the most beautiful weddings can be ruined by rain. It is important to know if you can bring a tent last minute or move inside if needed.
6. Can I bring in my own food or an outside catering team? Some venues are very strict and only allow you to use their preferred catering teams or in-house team.
7. Along the same lines, can we bring our own alcohol?
8. What is your policy on candles, confetti, and other specific decor?
9. Are we allowed to leave things overnight? It is great to know beforehand if guests can leave their car at the venue overnight if they drink too much at the reception. This also is great to know if you can leave your car there packed with decor. Also, be sure that family and guests will be able to get into the venue the next day to get their cars.
10. Does the venue provide any on site staff to help with clean up, set up or other forms of coordination?
11. Are Ubers, Lyfts, or ride shares available here?
12. What is the closest hotel or accommodations if none are located on site?
13. What power sources are available? This is a huge consideration if you are outside, in a historic building or far away from a building. You have to think about the DJ, catering team and any lights you may have and make sure there is enough power to support your event.
14. Do you have any rentals on site? Linens, tables, chairs, center pieces or bars? You would be surprised what some venues have available and can be included in your rental.
15. How many hours are included in the rental? Think day of, engagement pictures, and rehearsal dinner? Don’t run into any unexpected time restrictions that may ruin your plans.

I hope these questions will help you find the perfect venue for your big day! Now if you are looking for the perfect planner or coordinator, I would love to help! Send me your wedding details today to learn how we can get started.

-MB