Having never planned a wedding before, I’m pretty sure you feel overwhelmed about what to ask who, or how to know if the venue you are looking at is right for you. You hear stories of things that go wrong and hopefully of things that were amazing and every couple has priorities for them, however, these are the things I think you should ask your venue that are probably not high considerations until they become concerns (often on the day itself!). These are not the usual questions you’ll find on other checklists.
Parking
You might be surprised to learn how many venues do not have onsite, easily accessible parking. You might be surprised to learn that often your guests will have to pay for parking. You might be surprised to learn that the beautiful grassy parking space turns into a quagmire after a rainstorm. Do ask and check out the parking options.
Do they have dedicated vendor parking?
Rainy Day plan
We all dream of the perfect sunny and not too hot wedding day, but since none of us can control the weather, it is important to have a stress free, pre-planned backup plan in case the weather lets you down.
Is there a dedicated rainy day covered ceremony space or will you have to do a room flip? Where will your guests go if the room needs flipping? Are there on site staff to assist?
Set up time
Many venues only give you one day for your wedding which, let’s be honest, is not long to set up, celebrate and tear down. How much will it cost to have the day before? Can my rental vendors pick up the next day? Does everything have to be out at end of day?
Our venue gives you the flexibility to have the day before and ½ day after your big day for set up and tear down at no extra cost. Can you get done everything you want in the time provided?
Engagement photos and Bridals
Does your venue allow for photography sessions before your wedding day and is there an extra fee to schedule them?
Rehearsal
Can you schedule your rehearsal beforehand, is there an extra fee and can you have your rehearsal dinner at the venue (Is there a cost to do this?)
Dressing Rooms
I have been surprised by how many venues do not have 2 dressing rooms for their couples and their wedding parties and equally as surprised at how many venues boast they do have rooms but then discover they are not attached to the reception area.
Back to the rainy day plan, if you are getting dressed in a distant cabin or worse in a local hotel room and have to get to the ceremony in the rain – well that’s not fun….
Kitchen
Does your venue have a kitchen (full service or warming) your caterers need to know.
Also if your venue does not have a kitchen, bear in mind that the food service could be way more stressful and behind schedule, especially if it’s raining! Whilst you may not think a lack of kitchen is problematic for you, it may well incur extras costs if your caterer needs to bring additional equipment.
Sound system, microphones
Does your venue have a sound system? Can your DJ use it? Do they have microphone? Indoor and outdoor? Are there restrictions about where the DJ can be located? Can the DJ use a smoke machine?
Insurance
Is your venue licensed and insured? Your venue should hold, at the very least, liability insurance. Ask them if they require you or your vendors to be insured.
Cancellation policy
None of us want to think about the wedding not going ahead when excitedly booking a venue, but life happens. Be sure to understand fully before signing your contract what the venue policy is.
If you need to postpone or cancel your wedding don’t just assume you’ll get your deposits back. Your venue (along with all your other vendors) has committed to a date for you and is running a business. A cancellation is a cost of lost business and that’s an expense on all sides so be it’s best to have a transparent conversation.
