Choosing your Wedding Venue is something that can be nervewracking for most couples who are planning their Wedding.
Deciding what you want from your venue will help you narrow some of the venues down, however going to visit your shortlisted venues can be a little more scary, especially when thinking of a list of questions to ask.
So here we've written a list to help you along the way!
Is the venue available on our preferred Wedding Date?
If you have a date in mind, whether its an anniversary or a special date that you wish to get married on then making sure that date is available will be a definite thing to check.
If you have a couple of dates then this may give you a little bit more flexibility if its a venue that you've fallen in love with. Just know what month you want to get married in? Then you could potentially fit in with other bookings already in their diary.
How many guests can the venue accommodate? Don't forget to check both day and evening.
Whether you are planning a big wedding, or something small an intimate, knowing the room sizes and your potential guest list numbers will give you something to work towards. If you fall in love with smaller room numbers than the potential guest list you have - can you cut down on numbers or would you have to look elsewhere?
Will ours be the only Wedding on the Day?
If exclusivity is important to you then make sure you ask this question. Most venues will hold more than one Wedding on the day, especially during peak season, but are planned and timed so the two weddings don't cross.
Is there accommodation at the venue?
If you are getting married in a hotel, then you will know that there is accommodation at the venue, however, how many bedrooms is there, how many can be held or pre-booked? Are there any other hotels locally too so that other budgets are catered for family travelling who don't want to pay to stay at the venue.
What time can we hold the ceremony?
Are you hoping for an 11am ceremony, or something at 4pm then check your timing with the venue. Most venues who only have a one-wedding policy will be able to be flexible on the timing, however, some venues who hold two (or more) may have set timings that you can hold your ceremony.
Do we get different menu options to offer to our guests?
Some venues offer a choice, some venues offer just a set menu unless its a food specific such as allergy or vegetarian or vegan. Check which way the venue works.
What are the bar prices?
How reasonable are the drinks prices? Most people will expect to play a slight premium on drinks but if its too expensive it will be something most of your guests talk about, so how much in reality will be people be paying for a pint, or a glass (or bottle) of wine or proseco.
How much is the initial deposit? When is final payment needed?
Make sure you have the financial side of the booking sorted, how much is the initial deposit, when does it need to be paid, and when is the final payment needed. Also, check if theres a payment schedule and if you have to pay certain amounts by certain dates too.
Do you have any recommended suppliers? Do we have to use them?
Most venues will have a list of recommended suppliers who know the venue well and work there regularly, however, some venues will charge an additional amount if you use someone not on their preferred supplier list so make sure you ask this question.
Are there any planned changes to the building before my Wedding?
If you are booking quite far in advance then checking how often they decorate, or if there are any planned building works are definately worth checking. You don't want to plan your decor to go with the current decoration for them to change the colour.
Can we throw confetti?
Believe it or not, not all venues allow you to throw confetti in the grounds. Check with this before you book the venue. If they are a no-confetti venue the it is worth noting this on your invites too as there is normally a clean-up fee if someone does throw it!
What time will the meal be served?
This depends on the ceremony time too, but check the times for the food as well as the ceremony. How long will your guests be waiting? Could you serve canapes? Do you have long enough for photographs?
How late is the bar open? Can we extend it?
Everyone loves a party so check what time the bar closes, not only will this be so guests know how long they can party, but its worth to know so that they people can book taxi's home or retreat to where they are staying!
Is there a lift/facilities/access for the elderly and disabled?
This is important if you have family and friends attending the Wedding who need this. Some venues, including listed buildings, may not have the facilities that you may be limited or need to take this into consideration.
Is there parking and is it free?
We take parking our cars at a Wedding venue as part and parcel of the venue, however, depending on the venue you may not have this luxury. You could choose a city centre venue that has a small charged car-park, if this is the case here can other people park?
Do they allow candles, fireworks, lanterns, smoke bombs or sparklers?
Even if any of these things currently aren't on your radar its always good to ask the question upfront just in case further down the planning line you think you'd love a sparkler exit shot only to find out that you aren't allow sparklers.
And a quick tip! If you are seeing multiple venues then write everythng down, this will keep you well organised and will let you know the venues that have the preferences best for you.
Happy Wedding Planning!
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