Photo by Team Photogenic

It is Valentine’s weekend!  What do you and your sweetie have planned?  My husband and I are having a quiet weekend planned, and I actually might cook for once in a very long while.

In this weekly post, What to Ask, we go through each vendor category and I will try to give you a comprehesive list of what to ask.  This week we are starting with venues. 

So you’ve have sat down with both parents and discussed who is paying for what and the final budget.  You have your wedding date selected and guest count fairly locked in and now you are ready to go out and look at venues!  But what do you ask?

First call the venues you are looking for and find out if they are available on your date.  If they are available then set up a time to walk through with the venue’s sales and/or catering department

Now before you go to the meeting print out this list and as you are touring the venue and the person that is giving the touring is giving  you the information, go ahead and fill it out and at the end of the tour sit down and go through any of the questions that have not been answered.

How many people can the facility seat comfortably?

 Is catering in-house, or can you bring in your own caterer? 

Do they provide tables, chairs, dinnerware and linens?  Is there additional cost for these?  Do we need to rent equipment? (dance floor,  A.V. votives)

Is the site appropriate for live music?  Is there proper spacing, wiring and equipment?

Can you see photos of receptions setups in the room you are looking at? 

How long is the site available for? 

Is there a food and/or beverage minimum you must meet? 

Are there overtime charges?

Is there free parking?  If not, what is the cost for parking and parking attendants?  Or do you have to provide valet service? 

Does the facility have more than one reception site on the premises?

If someone else is occupying another room at the site, will there be adequate parking available:  Is there enough space between two rooms to ensure privacy?

Are there any other receptions scheduled?  Is there enough time between to get set-up?

Where can you change into your wedding dress/going away clothes? 

Will the deposit be returned in the event of a cancellation?

Are there any other possible reception-related charges?

How much do they add for tax and service?

How early can we get in for setup?

If at a hotel, is a bridal suite included?

Are there any restrictions for music, candles, photographers, videos, flower, décor?

When are you able to book our ceremony rehearsal?  If your ceremony and receiption are at the same location

What is the retainer deposit amount, when are the other payments due?

Are they willing to put together a proposal/contract?

Could you stop by and view a similar event at the facility?

Do they have an open house or do they offer a private menu tasting?