Selecting your venue

​Selecting the venue for your wedding day is a big decision, and often it is one of the first ones you make. It can also be one of the most difficult ones! So when selecting a venue, what kind of questions should you ask? First and foremost, you want to try and get a feel for what type of wedding or what kind of vibe you are hoping for. The possibilities are endless these days with barns, golf courses, hotels, wineries, industrial buildings, tents, historical landmarks, theaters, and more. When you envision your day, where do you best see it happening?
 
It can be so overwhelming when researching and visiting different venues to keep everything straight. Who wants to get stressed out when you’re doing research for one of the most exciting days of your life?! Here are a few tips:
 
Great things to ask before prior to touring:
-What is the cost to get married at this venue?
-What additional costs can come up outside of the venue fee?
*If you prepare your entire budget prior to touring, then you will know just how much you have to spend on the venue alone!
-If you have your heart set on a date, do they have it available?
-Is there a place to get ready onsite?
 
It can be a good idea to ask questions about the things you feel strongly for your wedding day and that you’re unwilling to sacrifice! The deal-breakers or day-makers. This will help you weed out venues that may not be worth the trip to see or boost ones that are a perfect fit!
 
So, you have narrowed your search to a list of venues that, based off of your research, contain none of your deal breakers. What’s important to ask or make sure they answer?
 
Capacity? – Know your rough guest list before going out on tours!
What’s included in the venue fee?
Do they have recommended vendors? – and are you limited to this list?
Who handles set up and break down?
Where is the ceremony space in respect to the reception space?
-If it’s within the same venue, who handles that transition between ceremony and reception and how long does it take?
Does the site have a wedding suite? For both sides of your party?
Can you hold a date while you make the final decision?
How do you officially book a date?
What form of payment do they take?
Is there a structured payment plan?
What happens if it rains?
Are there onsite accommodations? If not, where do you suggest we get room blocks?
 
A few more complicated questions:
How does the flow of the day work?
Do they provide day-of coordination or is that someone that would need to be hired?
How does the bar work and who handles that?
-Can you bring our own alcohol?
-Do you hire bartenders or does the venue provide them?
How long is the event time package?
Is there flexibility in the hours of the wedding?
Can you extend the hours of a package?
Is there adequate parking for your guest count?
Are there any restrictions on décor that can be brought in?
Can there be a DJ or a band?
-Are there any sound ordinances involved with the venue?
Do you need any special permits or insurance for the wedding?
 
Often it seems like nailing down a venue can then lay the ground work for the other vendors that will need to be hired. Don’t overthink it! While planning your questions ahead of time can be helpful, don’t negate that gut feeling you get when viewing or touring a location. Just like when you fall in love- sometimes, you just know! And then, the rest falls into place.