Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue

Show Notes

0:38 Welcome back to the podcast!
0:45 Today we’re chatting about all the questions to ask your wedding venue.
0:55 These questions will ensure that you're making the best venue selection for you.
1:00 Our favorite resource for choosing a venue
1:28 Our beverages of the day & chat
3:40 First question category: The Basics
3:43 What dates are available in the month you’re considering?
3:54 Tip: Consider choosing an “off day” if your heart is set on a certain month/year
4:48: How many people can this venue accommodate?
4:56: What is the rental fee & what’s included?
5:05 How many hours are included?
5:15 How much is the deposit, when is it due, & is it refundable?
5:28 What is the payment plan?
5:40 Can you have both your ceremony & reception there?
5:46 Are there changing areas for the wedding party?
5:55 Can you have a rehearsal dinner here?
6:18 What’s the cancellation policy?
7:34 Are there contingency plans?
7:52 Do they have liability insurance?
8:31 Next question category: Food & Drinks
8:41 Do you have an in-house caterer or a preferred list?
9:43 If I hire my own caterer, is there a kitchen on-site?
10:40 Is there a food and beverage minimum? What’s the tax and service charge? Can we do a tasting?
11:20 Tip: Ask if they can accommodate dietary restrictions.
11:56 Are there tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, glassware provided?
12:18 Can I bring a cake from a baker?
12:31 Is there a cake-cutting fee?
13:01 Tip: Sometimes a friend or family member can cut your cake resul;ting in a waived fee.
13:21 Can we bring our own wine, beer, or champagne? What about hard liquor?
13:34 Is there a corkage fee?
13:39 Are you licensed to provide alcohol service?
14:14 How is alcohol priced & is there a bar minimum?
14:20 Are there additional charges for bar staff?
14:45 Next question category: Decor & Rentals
14:58 Are we allowed to bring in our own decorations
16:45 Do you have an inventory of decor?
17:45 Can I move things around?
18:30 Can we use candles or other items?
18:59 Do you have signage or other direction aids?
19:03 Do you provide heaters or umbrellas?
19:35 Next question category: Vendors & Staffing
19:41 Can I hire my own vendors or is there a preferred list?
20:05 Do you offer on-site coordination?
20:10 Can you accommodate a DJ or live band?
20:22 What security services do you offer?
21:56 Do you provide a coat check service?
21:58 What time can we start setting up?
23:29 Do they help get gifts to the couple after the event?
24:14 Last question category: Logistics
24:19 Is there a separate space for cocktail hour?
25:15 Do you have a sound system or mic for speeches?
25:51 Tip: Check for power outlets!
26:41 Are there noise restrictions?
26:52 Is there parking? Cabs/rideshares? Shuttle service?
27:08 How many restrooms are there?
27:40 What are the overnight accommodation options?
28:31 Is the site accessible for guests with disabilities?
28:50 Do you have a recycling policy?
29:37 Check out these resources!
32:02 Let us know what else you want to hear.
33:17 Thanks for hanging out with us today…cheers!