Engaged and looking to cross wedding venue off of your wedding planning to-do list?
We have compiled a list of 50 questions that you need to ask as you tour wedding venues in order to make the most informed decision when booking your venue.
The Basics
- Is my desired date available?
- What is your maximum capacity?
- What is included in the rate?
- How long do we have the venue for on the wedding day?
- How long do we have the venue for on the rehearsal day?
- Is there a venue coordinator?
- Who is the point of contact during the wedding planning process?
- Do you have the required permits for this business?
Vendors
- Do you have any vendor restrictions?
- Do you have a preferred vendor list?
- If there are vendor restrictions or a preferred vendor list, do you receive a commission from those vendors?
- What paperwork is involved if we cater/bartend the wedding ourselves?
- If catering is included, can we schedule a tasting?
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Guidelines
- How early can I come in to decorate?
- Are there any decorations you do not allow?
- When can rentals (such as linens and decor) be dropped off?
- When do rentals need to be picked up?
- What are your kitchen guidelines?
- What are your breakdown guidelines?
- Will I need to dispose of the trash off-site?
- What paperwork (examples: ABC license, single day insurance) will I need to provide before the wedding day?
- Can I move furniture around?
- Are there any pet restrictions? (For anyone who wants to include their pets in their wedding.)
- Are there any safety guidelines regarding the property?
The Facilities
- Do we have exclusive use of the venue?
- Do you provide signage around the property directing guests to the wedding?
- Are there on-site wedding suites for me and my partner to get ready?
- Do the wedding suites have bathroom access?
- Are there multiple restrooms for the guests?
- What is the outdoor ceremony location?
- What is the indoor ceremony location?
- What is the cocktail hour location?
- What is the reception location?
- Where is the dance floor?
- What is the backup ceremony location in case of inclement weather?
- What is the backup cocktail hour location in case of inclement weather?
- What are some indoor spots to take photos in case of inclement weather?
- Is there wifi?
- Is there handicap parking?
Payment
- How much is the security deposit?
- How much is the down payment?
- What is the payment schedule?
- Are there any discounts for off-season dates?
- If catering is included, is there a minimum spending amount for food and drinks?
- Are there any additional fees we should be aware of? (For example, some places will charge you to rent their dressing rooms or chairs and tables.)
- What is your cancellation policy?
The Area
- What accommodations are nearby?
- What dining options are nearby?
- Is there any traffic or noise that would interfere with my wedding day?
- How far away is the closest airport or train station?
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Getting all this crucial information when you tour wedding venues reduces headaches later on and makes you that much more informed when making your decision.
As for us, we are a lakeside barn venue with a preferred vendor list that has exclusive discounts for our couples but do not require you to choose a vendor from our list. We have 2 huge on-site dressing suites for you, your partner, and your wedding party to get ready in on the big day, and our barn is climate-controlled so all your guests can be comfortable year-round. If you’d like to come meet us, let’s get in touch.
vendors in cover photo:
venue:Â Lake Fungs Barn
planning:Â Marylee Marmer Events
photography:Â Colleen Megan Photography
videography:Â Destiny Martinez Media
rentals:Â Party Perfect
makeup:Â My Underrated Beauty
hair:Â LuvnBeauT
cake:Â Donna’s Baking Creations