Are you deciding which wedding venue you want to book but need help choosing your perfect location? Let us help you.

It’s not always just about the location; if you want an incredible wedding, you might want to ask your venue some important questions about the venue beforehand. We believe the more information you have on your wedding venue, the better your experience will be. That is why we compiled a useful list of questions you want to ask your wedding venue options as soon as possible.

Here is the Notion Template: 46 Essential Questions Notion Template

Availability

Photo by iOnix08

First and foremost, before you get too attached to a venue location, you might want to ask the obvious question of the availability of the dates that you are set on having your wedding reception or ceremony:

1. Is my date available to book?
2. Do you offer any discounts based on the date or season of the booking?
3. Do you offer the possibility of holding a tentative date before booking?
4. How long in advance do I have to make the booking?

Next, you want to ask about the venue amenities and capacity.

Venue capacity

Photo by Jeremy Wong

This one’s crucial; next to the availability, this one will make or break the decision on what kind of wedding you will have:

1. What is the maximum number of guests that the venue can accommodate?
2. Do you have shared or separate spaces for the ceremony and the party?
3. Does the venue have the capability of hosting both intimate and larger weddings?
4. How big is the dancefloor plan?

Now that you know if the venue is available and has enough capacity, let’s talk money 💸

Cost and Payment

Photo by Antoni Shkraba

As we believe celebrating within your means is a crucial decision for your wedding to start your marriage on the right foot, here are useful questions to ask to stay within your budget:

1. What will be the total cost of the reservation?
2. What is included in the reservation as a part of the package?
3. How much is needed for the initial reservation deposit?
4. What are your refund and cancellation policies?
5. Will the full payment be required, or do you offer any payment plans?

Now that the venue budgeting is settled, let’s move on to the fun part: vendors & caterers!

Vendor Policies

Photo by Cottonbro Studio

When asking about vendors, it’s better to check if venues have any contracts with existing vendors; this might just make your decision-making a little bit easier:

1. Will we be provided with a list of vendors that you usually work with, e.g., florists, caterers, and photographers?
2. Are the vendors you work with a must choice or can we hire other vendors outside of your list?
3. Are there any restrictions for vendors?

Catering & Bar

Photo by Kiril Georgiev

Let’s talk about food and drink options. Don't forget to ask these questions to your wedding venue:

1. Will you be providing in-house catering?
2. If yes, will there be a tasting scheduled on the provided catering options?
3. Will there be a space provided for outside caterers that we might opt for?
4. Will you be providing a drink package like an open bar?
5. Are there any restrictions on alcoholic beverage services, like a liquor license?
6. Do you cater to different dietary restrictions, like vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options?

Décor and Setup

Photo by Jonathan Borba

When talking about décor ideas, make sure you have a clear theme or decor in mind in order to know what they offer and what you want to bring from the outside.

1. Do you offer decor options for the space?
2. Can we do the decor, or are there any rules in place pertaining to that?
3. Are there any restrictions on different decoration pieces like candles, confetti, etc.?
4. Are tables, chairs, and linens included in any decoration package?
5. Can you recommend any outside-sourced company to provide options for the decor?
6. Do you offer set-up and tear-down services, or is that something that we do ourselves?

Back-up plans & Emergencies

Photo by Aibek Skakov

There’s always something unpredictable that can happen during your special day, so it’s better to be prepared for any disturbance.

1. Are there indoor options for outdoor ceremonies in case of weather changes?
2. How does the venue handle extreme weather changes on the wedding day?
3. Is the venue equipped with climate control like A/Cs?
4. Is there a venue emergency plan in place for fires and natural disasters?

Accommodation & Transportation

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Time to think about all the guests you have invited and see all the options for having a seamless experience for everyone joining on your celebration.

1. Will the venue accommodate bridal and groom parties for wedding preparations?
2. Does the venue have the capacity to accommodate all guests in-house?
3. Do you provide discounts on other hotels for guests you cannot accommodate?
4. Is the parking included for free, or will there be extra fees?
5. Is the venue easily accessible for guests with mobility issues?
6. Do you offer transport to and from the venue for travelling guests?

Now that we’ve got this figured out, let’s talk music!

Entertainment

Photo by Mauro Donini

Many venues have their own rules about entertainment and noise depending on where they are or local residential guidelines, so it's a good idea to check in on those.

1. Are there any restrictions on live band music or even DJs?
2. Do you have a sound system available for speeches or toasts?
3. Are there any restrictions for outdoor parties or extended party times?
4. Are you close to other venues, where the noise can be heard in our venue?

Final Questions

Photo by Pixabay

And at last, some ending questions to finalize your decision.

1. To avoid overbooking, ask if there will be any other parties on that day!
2. Will the venue provide a host for the party?
3. Will the security services be provided, or do we need to hire our own?
4. What are the next steps after booking the venue?

We hope that these questions will help clear out any uncertainties you might have over anything regarding your wedding ceremony and reception. By asking questions and doing research upfront, you will feel much more confident and happy about the decisions you’re making. This way, your only worry will be to enjoy your special day as much as possible.