"What Questions Should I ask Before Booking a Wedding Venue?"

If you're planning a wedding, you've probably got a million things going through your mind right now and this has probably been piled on by the masses of information you can find on the internet right? Well, to help you get the most out of you wedding venue tours, here are 10 CRUCIAL questions* to ask when visiting a venue (coming from someone who worked at a venue!).

*Find a quick summary of all 10 Questions to Copy to your notes app at the bottom of the page!

Prior to Visting Any Venue

It is super important that before visiting any venue, that you have a few details hashed out. You need to make sure you and your partner have a clear idea of:

• Budget

• Guestlist (doesn't have to be finalised, just a vague number)

• Vibe

• Non-Negotiables (see this post for more details on how to decide Non-Negotiables)

Deciding things will help you utilise all of the questions below in the best way possible, so that you ensure you're not wasting your own time and that you're only seeing venues that are the right fit for you.

1. How many guests does this space host?

   
   

This question is a where I would always start. Really, you may want to ask this prior to even visiting your venue, as this helps filter out any venues that aren't even possible for your desired guestlist. You don't want to get your hopes up, setting your heart on a venue that wouldn't actually work. It may also help chop down your guestlist, if you find a venue you adore, you may want to make it work, more than you want to invite your second cousin.

You also need to be aware that some venues have multiple different spaces (a hall, a orangery, a garden room etc.) and each one will have a particular number. If you have your heart set on the Orangery for your ceremony and the Ballroom for dinner, and the Orangery fits 200, but the Ballroom only fits 100, then you've got a problem.

2. What packages do you have?

This is another question that you may be able to find out prior to visiting in person, and if you can, I would recommend having a good read through so you can ask any further questions when in person. It is always good to hear how the venue coordinator describes the package, as there may be aspects that you interpreted differently or that uses wedding terminology you may not be familiar with. Asking in person helps you to fill in any gaps and the coordinator is likely to also highlight what is NOT included, as any confusion over this will have likely cropped up for them in the past.

3. What payment options do you offer?

All venues over different options for payment, but normally they offer payment plans that allow you to pay various percentages over time, with the final total normally due around 4-6 weeks prior and a final bill after the wedding, for any costs that you may have accumulated on the day (think room service, bridal party drinks etc.).

This also a good time to ask if they take American Express cards, as you can potentially grab yourself a bunch of points paying such large sums of money at once. This may require you to pay in person, but if you can do it, it's worth the hassle! Think of the potential honeymoon treats you could bag.

4. What catering/bar options do you have?

Most venues offer catering themselves, in which case they'll provide you with a menu to choose from, but there are some who don't in which case you'll need to source your own catering services. In this case they may have recommended suppliers or people they have worked with in the past. If you already have a menu in mind, be prepared to pay a premium, as most venues have a menu they stick to and use for every single client, and so may have an additional fee for a custom option.

In terms of the bar, it is important to find out what options they have for your guests and for your budget. You'll also need to find out what is included in your package. It is quite typical for venues to include wine for the Wedding Breakfast (the main, sit down, meal after your ceremony) within your package, but not to include your reception drinks. Find out what they do and don't provide in the package, and then find out how the ones that aren't in the package are going to be paid for. The different bar types for a reception generally are:

• Open Bar - Guests can drink as much as they please and you pay the total bill afterwards

• Partially Open Bar/Tab - This is where you put down an amount you want to pay and your guests drink for free until that runs out and then they have to pay

• Cash Bar - All your guests pay for their drinks at the reception

• Signature drinks - Like a cash bar, but you may choose to have a couple of signature drinks which are free and you pay for one per person or however many are consumed

5. What time do we have to finish?

In the UK, venues have a cut off time when they legally have to finish. This is due to multiple factors, but normally it is one of 3 things: their alcohol licence, their music licence and noise pollution restrictions. All three of these things normally have a legally mandated time which restricts them from going any later and there's not really a work around.

If you do want an all-night rager, hotel venues are a great option as they tend to have 24 hr licensing for alcohol (however, it is always worth clarifying, as some have stipulations in their licensing that they can only serve to people actually staying in the hotel, past a certain time).

6. What does the planning process look like with this venue?

It is important to ask this question, not only so you know what to expect, but so that you can also manage your own time accordingly. You'll need to make a note of key dates such as when payments are due, to ensure you're not missing anything. It is also good to know this so you know when to expect contact form your venue and chase them up if needed.

You also want to know how much assistance they'll give in terms of planning, as you may then choose to forgo a planner, or if you're DIYing it, then you can have some assistance from them. They may also provide next to no assistance, in which case, you may want to hire a planner.

7. What does the average timeline of the day look like?

Most venues have a timeline that they work to for nearly all of their weddings. It is important for you to get a good sense of how your day will run so that you can manage your expectations, as well as coordinate your suppliers accordingly. Don't be afraid to shake things up however, and have things run slightly differently, just make sure you've got a venue willing to make your vision a reality.

8. What decor is provided?

The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is turn up and realise there's no chairs and tables. Similarly, the last thing you want 3 months deep into planning your wedding, is to realise you've missed a crucial expense off! Find out from the venues what they provide, many have very basic tables and chairs, and see what gaps you need to fill. You'll want to take this into account for your budget, as well as weighing up different venues for cost.

If you are looking for some stunning, vintage decor, then have a look through 'Till Sunrise's decor and contact us about anything that tickles your fancy!

9. Are there any suppliers you work with/would recommend?

This question is great, as it'll help you get a list of suppliers that are local and have worked with your venue before. Having suppliers who have worked with your venue before is a great bonus as it means they know the lay of the land, know what resources they can use, the size of rooms (good for florists/decor hire), what the lighting is like (crucial for photographers) etc. Venues may also have commissions set up with certain suppliers, which could mean you get a discounted price.

Something to be aware of also, is that some venues have retainers with suppliers and so will ONLY allow them onsite. For example, some venues will only work with certain photographers, or only certain caterers. If you've got your heart set on pizzas for your reception, but they only work with either a hog roast provider or a fish and chip van, then you may want to look elsewhere.

10. What next?

By the end of your viewing, no doubt you'll be excited and buzzing with ideas for your big day, however the MOST important question to ask is this one. You don't want to have driven all the way home, talking about how brilliant it was; to then email to book and find out you've missed the opportunity for your date. The earlier you can get a deposit down the better, especially if you're booking popular times. If you have other venues you want to visit, it may be worth asking if they can hold dates for any amount of time whilst you make your final choice.

Summary

There are many more questions to ask at a venue, however these are some that you shouldn't miss. Take a notebook and pen or copy and paste the list below and try to get as much information as possible to ensure you get the best picture possible before deciding which venue to choose.

1. How many guests does this space host?

2. What packages do you have?

3. What payment options do you offer?

4. What catering/bar options do you offer?

5. What time do you have to finish?

6. What does the planning process look like with this venue?

7. What does the average timeline of the day look like?

8. What decor is provided?

9. Are there any suppliers you work with/recommend?

10. What next?