50 Questions You Have to Ask Your Wedding Venue (Before You Sign Anything)
So, 50 questions is a lot... I know.
Like, who’s actually going to stand there and ask all of these at a venue tour like its some job interview?
(Definitely not you.
...please don’t do that.)
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I created this list not so that you can ask every single thing ...but so that you can know what to look for.
You might only end up asking a few of them out loud (like 3, 5, maybe 10 tops), and that’s more than enough.
Cos once you done reading this blog post
...you'll know the kinds of details that matter and you’ll just start noticing things when you walk into a venue.
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So yeah...
Think of this list like a guide to all the little details people tend to forget until it’s too late.
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Skim through it, save the ones that matter to your wedding
... and let's get into it
Logistics That Could Make or Break Your Day
1.) What’s the actual capacity with tables, dance floor, and everything set up?
2.) How many hours do we get the space for? Is that enough time for setup + breakdown?
3.) What time do we have to be out?
4.) Are there any noise restrictions or curfews?
5.) Is there a getting ready space for both of us? (And is it air-conditioned? Let’s be real.)
6.) How many weddings do you host per day?
7.) What happens if it rains? (And not just say “we have a plan”...what is the plan?)
8.) Is the venue handicap accessible?
9.) Can we do both ceremony and reception here? If so, is there a flip plan?
10.) Are there backup generators? (Because power outages are not part of the aesthetic.)
The Dollars and Details
11.) What’s the total venue rental fee ...and what’s actually included?
12.) Is there a payment schedule? Deposit amount? When’s the balance due?
13.) Are there any extra fees I should know about?
(Cleaning, security, mandatory tips?)
14.) What’s the cancellation/reschedule policy?
15.) Do you require wedding insurance?
16.) Do you offer any discounts for off-peak dates or weekdays?
17.) Do you have payment plans or is it one giant soul-sucking chunk?
Food, Booze, and All the Fun Stuff
18.) Do you have in-house catering? Can we bring our own?
19.) Do you allow food trucks or late-night snack vendors?
20.) Can we do a tasting before booking catering?
21.) Is there a cake-cutting fee?
(Sigh ...yes it's a real thing.)
22.) Do you allow outside alcohol? If not, what’s your bar pricing?
23.) Are there any corkage fees or alcohol rules I should know about?
24.) Can we customize the bar (signature drinks, mocktails, etc.)?
Quick product pitch ...while you're still here
If you're planning your wedding without a wedding planner (or you plan on doing so).
And keeping track of everything has being stressing you out...
I made something to help.
It's a tool i made for brides doing it solo ...called the The Wedding Planning Bundle
.
.
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and it will help you track everything.
From your timeline, vendor payments, guest lists info, appointments, RSVPs etc.
...and since we're taking about venues.
It'll also help you with comparing venues.
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So if you need it?
...i dropped the link below to check it out.
Vendors & Restrictions (AKA: Can I Use My Dream Team?)
25.) Do you have a preferred vendor list? Are we required to use them?
26.) Can we bring our own photographer/DJ/florist/caterer?
27.) Are there any vendor restrictions or licensing requirements?
28.) Do you require vendors to carry insurance?
29.) Do vendors have early access to set up?
30.) Is there a venue coordinator? And what do they actually do?
Decor & Setup (Don’t Skip This Section)
31.) Can we move furniture or bring in rentals?
32.) What’s your policy on candles, sparklers, confetti, etc.?
33.) Can we hang things from the ceiling/walls? (And how?)
34.) Are there any décor rules we should know about?
35.) Are tables/chairs/linens included? What do they actually look like?
36.) Do you offer setup and breakdown, or is that on us?
Parking, Bathrooms, and Other Not-So-Sexy Essentials
37.) How many bathrooms are there? Are they nice? (Be honest.)
38.) Is there onsite parking? Is it free? Is there enough?
39.) Is valet or shuttle service required or available?
40.) What’s the parking situation for vendors?
Accommodations & Guest Experience
41.) Are there hotels or accommodations nearby?
42.) Do you offer room blocks or partnerships with local hotels?
43.) Is there enough cell service or Wi-Fi on-site?
44.) Can guests leave cars overnight?
45.) Are Ubers/Lyfts easy to get here, especially late?
The Vibe Check
46.) Can we schedule a walkthrough close to the wedding date?
47.) Can I see photos of recent weddings here? (Not just your styled shoots.)
48.) Do you have any rules about music volume or song choices?
49.) What’s the weirdest request a couple has made? (sounds weird but it's actually important)
50.) Why do couples not book your venue? (If they’re honest, this one is GOLD.)
BONUS: *i just had to add this one in*
51.) Will the venue property still look the same when you arrive a year from now? - because alot can change in a year or two.
To Wrap it up...
You’re not being annoying.
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Asking the right questions now... saves you from future regrets, surprise fees, and wedding day meltdowns.
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So save this blog post, copy some of the questions to your notes, and don’t leave until you get answers.
If they get weird or dodgy when you ask ...trust your gut.
Your dream venue should give you dream answers.
Period.✨
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And while you're venue searching if you want a tool to help with comparing the different venues you're seeing
...and also help with other parts of wedding planning?
Then go grab my Wedding Planning Bundle
Especially if you are doing this on your own (without a wedding planner) this is a must.
(If you enjoyed this blog post don't forget to **SAVE THIS PIN** so you can come back to it again later)
You’ve GOT to read this next...
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It’ll help you avoid the “I should’ve known” regrets and choose vendors you can actually trust.
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This guide walks you through what to look for, the questions to ask, and how to choose someone who gets your vibe.
So you’re doing your wedding alone… cool. But your vendors?
They don’t just magically know what you want.
Let me show you how to actually talk to them without losing your mind.