Don’t book your wedding venue until you’ve asked these questions

Don’t book your wedding venue until you’ve asked these questions

Your wedding venue will probably be the biggest part of your wedding budget. It’s therefore important to make sure you ask the right questions before booking to make sure you don’t get any nasty surprises later.

Here’s a list of questions to consider – You can also download them as a handy print out with space for notes using the link at the bottom of the page.

Availability & Capacity

  • Is our preferred wedding date available? How many other weddings or events do you host per day/weekend?
  • Can the venue accommodate our guest numbers comfortably or will it be tight?
  • Is there a minimum or maximum guest requirement to contract the venue?

    Wedding Venue Costs & Payment

    • What is the total cost of the wedding venue? Does it include VAT? Are there any additional fees such as overtime, cleaning, or security?
    • What is the deposit amount, and when is it due? How do we secure the venue? What is the payment schedule?
    • What is your cancellation and refund policy? Furthermore, what if there’s another pandemic or major incident that forces us to cancel/postpone our wedding?

      Wedding Venue Amenities

      • What is included in the fee (tables, chairs, linens, sound system, etc.)?
      • Are there different wedding packages available? What do they include? Is there any flexibility in them?
      • Is the wedding venue wheelchair accessible?
      • Are there dressing rooms for the band or private spaces for the wedding party? Do you supply catering tents (if it is an outdoor wedding venue)?
      • Is there parking available at the venue, and is it free? Can cars be left overnight?

        Venue Logistics

        • What are the setup and breakdown times? When can we get access to decorate the wedding venue?
        • Can we legally get married at the venue? Is this in the same space as the reception? Is there any additional charges for this?
        • Are there restrictions on decorations (e.g., open flames, confetti) at the venue?
        • Can the space used as the wedding venue be customised in terms of space or layout?
        • Are fireworks or sparklers permitted at the venue?
        • What is the backup plan for bad weather (if it’s an outdoor wedding venue)?
        • Is the venue child-friendly? Are dogs allowed?

          Wedding Suppliers

            Technical Details

            • Is there adequate power supply for DJs, bands, or lighting setups?
            • Is there Wi-Fi available for guests or suppliers?
            • Are microphones, projectors, or AV equipment available for use within the venue?
            • Can the bar take cards or is it cash only?

              Timing & Noise

              • What are the wedding venue’s operating hours?
              • In view of this, is there a noise/bar curfew we should be aware of?
              • Can we have an after-party onsite?

                Wedding Venue Staffing & Support

                • Will there be a coordinator or point person on the wedding day? What staff do you have onsite?
                • What is the role of your staff during the event?
                • Do you provide security, or is that our responsibility?

                  Accommodation & Transportation

                  • Is there accommodation onsite or nearby for guests?
                  • Do you have a list of taxi companies that are happy to come to the venue?

                    Post-Event

                    • Who is responsible for cleaning up, and is it included in the cost?
                    • What is the process for retrieving personal items after the event?

                      Download a printable version of these Wedding Venue Questions here