Depending on where your celebration takes place, there might be noise restrictions

Planning a marriage can be a very exciting + overwhelming amount of time in your life! There are so many different details you’ll have to consider when planning the large day, and one of the most important is choosing your venue. Selecting the right location that matches all of your needs + wants, while keeping your budget could be tricky, and also you might be wondering - “Where do I even start!? Booking a venue isn’t as easy as seeing a place you like + just putting that charge card down. You’ll have to make sure you’re asking all of the right questions prior to signing on the dotted line.

Not sure things to ask? Don’t worry, girl - we’ve gotcha covered. From dates + availability to overall costs, vendors, and also the details from the venue, now we’ve compiled a summary of helpful questions that you ought to ask every venue when around the venue hunt.

Bookmark this for later + take us along with you when you’re trying to find that perfect location. HAPPY SCOUTING!

How far ahead of time do I have to reserve to start dating ??

Many venues need reserve to start dating? much ahead of time, so be sure you speak with the big event coordinator regarding these details. We recommend booking in regards to a year prior to the wedding. This gives you enough time to plan things without stressing, and provides you time to secure a venue without needing to worry about it being completely booked.

How expensive is the deposit?

Venues need a deposit when booking, so make sure with the big event coordinator regarding how much you’ll have to put down to reserve the place. It is best to be aware of the exact amount that is required upfront - taxes, fees, and service charges included - so you are able to plan your wedding finances accordingly.

What may be the payment plan?

It is essential to become acquainted with your venue’s payment structure so you are able to organize your money accordingly + plenty of funds throughout every season to make each payment. Payment plans are an easy way to space the amount of money you're spending around the wedding each month without needing to worry about an empty banking account (a real drag!)

What fees are included (or otherwise included) within the total cost?

Any service charges?

Be on the lookout for hidden fees! Don’t forget to ask about extra fees that may 't be added to your original bill, but tend to creep up later - Some examples incorporate a cake-cutting fee, corkage fee, outside caterer fee, outside vendor fee, and getting day-of insurance

Can you be employed around an X dollar budget?

Your venue coordinator should be aware of the overall budget you're working with to ensure that he//she can work along with you accordingly. Clarify your financial breakdown + just how much you are prepared to spend. Do not spend something which exceeds the budget. You’ll need several 1000s of dollars for things OUTSIDE from the venue, and also the catering + bar service that (sometimes) includes it.

What may be the cost of cancellation?

When planning a marriage, the very last thing you want to take into consideration is canceling it, however, you should still ask exactly what the cancellation (and rescheduling) policies have been in case of the emergency - especially within the current social climate we have been in.

How several hours are included in the rental fee?

Before you book your venue, look into the rental hours to ascertain if they work nicely for your event. Also, don’t forget to look into extra fees if you exceed the allotted rental hours.

Do you have a summary of vendors I have to choose from or do I need my very own?

Your venue might have a summary of approved vendors which are allowed on-site. Most venues possess a recommended list, but some possess a mandatory list that you simply must select from. This could be the deciding element in booking a particular location according to your listing of vendors that you simply wish to use.

What time can vendors set up?

Will my vendors have to provide evidence of insurance?

Luckily, your coordinator will handle all load-in times + logistics together with your venue + vendors, but here’s a #leilanitip: whenever you book your venue, make certain your vendors may have at least 3 hours to load in + set up. Also, be certain to ask about the seller's insurance policy therefore the vendors may come prepared. If they do require evidence of insurance, ask once they will need it, and who must be listed as additionally insured so all documents could be sent in a timely manner.

Are there any extra vendor rules or regulations for vendors?

Whether it's you or perhaps your wedding planner coordinating these records, it is essential to maintain good communication together with your vendors regarding expectations, rules, and regulations set through the venue.

Can your venue provide power for any DJ or band or will we have to bring in an electrical generator?

Music is really a necessary element for each wedding celebration, so you’ll have to ask when the venue can accommodate a DJ or band. Most do, obviously, however, you may have to bring in additional power in the form of an electrical generator.

What may be the capacity?

Before you begin looking into venues, we recommend an idea of a guest list established to ensure that you know the number of people the area will have to accommodate. It is best to choose a location that isn’t too big or that cannot fit all your guests.

Is there parking?

If so, could it be free or do guests have to pay?

A big detail that lots of couples overlook when booking a venue is parking. In an effort to provide your friends and relatives a smooth experience beginning with the time they arrive, you’ll wish to ensure your venue provides easy parking for the guests - whether that’s utilizing a valet service, providing a large, free parking area, or convenient + plentiful street parking. Nothing is worse than spending over twenty minutes looking for parking whenever you’re prepared to celebrate!

How many bathrooms exist?

When nature calls, we should answer! First off, you’ll have to know the number of on-site restrooms included. Take into consideration what size your party is + from that, and determine whether there are enough available restrooms. You want your friends and relatives to spend additional time at the party than browsing the line for that restroom.

Are there any noise restrictions?

Depending on where your celebration takes place, there might be noise restrictions. If your venue is situated within a residential area, be ready to obey the guidelines of the establishment. If your venue is situated in a far more isolated location, then noise complaints might 't be as much of an issue, if (we like that!)

Are there speakers or sound equipment provided?

Speaking of noise, one more thing you ought to know about where you are is all from the technological amenities they might have. Ask your venue should they have any sound equipment installed that the DJ or band can plug into, or if your entertainment vendors will have to bring their very own equipment in.

Is there a dressing room for that bride and groom?

Throughout time, we’ve noticed our couples (especially our brides) become multiple outfits on the wedding day. Lots of couples like ditching their formal wedding attire + becoming more of a cocktail-style attire for that party. If that’s the situation, it’s vital that you look into venues that provide their very own changing rooms for that bride + groom. This will make it much easier to change, set aside personal items, + get any touch-ups done during the day. These spaces will also be great “holding rooms” for the bride, groom + wedding party prior to the ceremony.

Are you in a position to host the ceremony too?

If so, what may be the cost?

Most venues can accommodate both your ceremony + reception effortlessly, however, many locations will have to get creative + do what’s known as a “flip” - turning a ceremony site right into a reception site. If a flip is required, make certain there is ample space for the guests to hang out within the interim, typically during cocktail hour. Flips may take anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour, so chat together with your venue manager concerning the logistics of the. Also another helpful task your coordinator will handle for you personally.

Are you in a position to bring your personal decor

Are there any decor restrictions?

Between flowers, rentals, lighting + more, wedding dresses decor could possibly get very expensive! Some couples would rather “DIY it” to alleviate themselves from the financial obligation for many of these items (although we strongly advise against doing the majority of things yourself, like linens + flowers - it’s too much work!) Using your personal items could be an option but simply like anything else on this list, you have to speak to the venue directly to ascertain if this is a possibility. If so, make certain to designate anyone to be in charge of tearing down + packing in the items after the marriage has ended.

Are animals allowed?

Many couples nowadays wish to include their furry companions on a special day. If you're a pet parent + would like your fur baby to go, it is vital that you check exactly what the pet policy is before you bring them to the big event.

Do you provide your personal caterer?

Are you in a position to provide your personal caterer?

Or is there a summary of approved caterers?

Every plus size wedding dresses must provide food for every single one of their hungry guests to allow them to enjoy the experience. Many ballroom-type venues have their very own form of catering + assist you using the food options they've! Have another thing in mind? Like using the vendors, it is advisable to ask if you're able to provide your personal caterer or if you have to stick to a pre-approved food selection. Don’t forget to inquire about their menu should you have guests which have specific dietary needs!

Is there a food or drink minimum?

If so, do you know the consequences or fee if it's not met?

You might not know this, however, many venues actually need a certain food or drink minimum to become meet to use their services. Find out what it's + if there are any extra costs when the minimum isn't met.

Do you provide alcohol?

Am I in a position to provide my very own?

Open bar at marriage is the approach to take! Your guests will in the end expect to possess a drink or two - and also at no charge for them. Be certain to ask your venue exactly what the bar situation is - do they incorporate a bar package or allow you to generate your own alcohol? Serve a complete bar or only beer + wine? Get clear + ask precise questions to iron out these records.