5 Questions to Ask before Booking a Wedding Venue

I have seen a lot of buyers remorse after booking a venue for a wedding.  A couple will often fall in love with the venue itself without knowing what is included or how the venue operates.  After you have done a site tour and know you love the venue there are some major questions to ask before booking.  The first major questions to ask include

What is the general pricing for everything included on our desired date?

This is important to look at your specific date because peak days will cost more than off peak days.

Do you have our date available or what are the options surrounding our desired date?

If you love the venue, but the date does not work, there is no need to move forward.

If these questions match up to your budget and approximate date, the next questions you ask are crucial to clarify if this venue matches up with your ideal vision of your wedding.  From these questions you will see if the venue is an all-inclusive (many things are included and you will not have to do much) or if it’s more DIY.  Make sure you are happy with what the venue provides to move forward with a booking.  Here are five questions you must ask before booking.  If you have a budget, but have no idea how to allocate for a venue as well as other items for the wedding, check out our blog on What’s Included In a Wedding Budget?

What is included in the price and what are upgrades?

Many venues have different packages to fit different price points.  Venues are often not trying to trick you, but help those who have a tighter budget.  If there are upgrades available, take a look at what you would be interested in to see if it fits into your budget.  If you want décor off your plate or you would rather DIY to save a little money, you can weigh those options.  But be clear what is included and what you can either purchase as upgrades or you are responsible for.

Can I use outside vendors or do you have preferred vendors?

Depending on the venue, you will either be responsible for hiring your own vendors such as a caterer, a bartender, and a DJ or the venue has inhouse or preferred vendors.  Venues such as Table Mountain Meeting and Events in Golden, Colorado have preferred vendors that are proven and true professionals that are included in the price.  There are also venues that do not do anything with other vendors and they are more of a DIY venue.  No matter your preference, be sure you are clear on what will be on your plate after the booking.

What access do I have to the venue?

Sometimes venues will book multiple events in a day or multiple events at a time with different spaces within the venue.  Make sure you are clear on what space you get and the timeframe of your event starting with set-up and ending with clean-up.  Typically people need extra time to set up if they have a lot of floral or a live band.  If you desire things that take a long time for set-up, make sure you have that time with the venue.

What is your payment policy and cancellation policy?

Before you start paying, make sure you understand the payment policy such as deposits, payment plans and when the final amount is due.  It is also wise to understand the cancellation policy just in case something unanticipated happens.  You can even ask to see a sample contract just to make sure you are clear on all costs including gratuity, damage deposits, and all hidden fees. It will be different with every venue, but you want to make sure you are clear on all costs that might creep in.

Any logistics that you would find applicable to your wedding.

Whatever you anticipate to be an issue, make sure you ask before booking.  Questions include parking situations, spaces throughout the venue including the bridal suite, backup plan if it is an outdoor venue and it rains, nearest hotels with shuttle service, or if it is handicap accessible.  Just think about your guests and what you desire.  I worked with a bride who wanted llamas to come in so guests could take pictures with them.  She found a great venue (Church Ranch Event Center) that allowed for that to happen.

Hopefully these questions will help you pin down the perfect venue and allow you to be prepared for the journey of wedding planning.  Planning is hard, but when you are not surprised by the unexpected and you have a great venue, the process will be fun and enjoyable.  Happy planning!