Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most difficult and important decisions you’ll make when planning for a wedding. It not only has to be a location that means a lot to you and your significant other but one that’s practical to your friends and family that make up the guest list.
Of all the places you can have your wedding ceremony and wedding reception, you have to narrow it down to one — or two if the venues are separate. While that won’t be easy, it’s part of what makes planning for a wedding so exciting and interesting for the bride- and groom-to-be.
The Best Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue During a Tour
Before you zero in on a location and wedding venue, you should take your time and tour as many different venues as possible. Don’t limit yourself, don’t rush yourself, and keep an open mind as you explore all the different possibilities that await you along your wedding journey.
As you go from one venue to the next, make sure you’re asking all the right questions and getting all the right information before making a final decision. Don’t worry, we’re going to share with you some of the most important questions to ask a wedding venue during a tour.
How Many Guests Can Your Wedding Venue Accommodate?
Whether you’re having a small or large wedding, it’s imperative that your wedding venue has the seating capacity and overall space to accommodate all of your guests comfortably and safely.
How Many Hours Will I Have the Wedding Venue For?
Every wedding venue is different, so you’ll want to ask them how long you’ll have the venue for before you sign anything. Keep in mind, they’re on a tight schedule so the hours are likely strict.
What Dates Is Your Wedding Venue Available?
Whether you have a date picked out or have certain dates you’re considering, you want to make sure the wedding venue you’re touring is a viable option by confirming they’ll be available.
Is the Space Suitable for a Wedding Ceremony & Wedding Reception?
If you’re interested in a space that’s suitable for both a wedding ceremony and reception, double-check to make sure the venue can accommodate that. If you want separate venues, ask which one the venue is best suited for.
Where Do Guests Park & Is There Enough Space?
Parking is always a hassle with any type of gathering, but it’s usually the worst at weddings. By making sure there’s enough parking space ahead of time, you can save everyone a headache.
How Many Restrooms Does the Venue Have?
Ensuring the wedding venue has enough restrooms and that they’re located close enough to the main gathering areas is crucial. You never know when a guest might need to use the bathroom!
Do I Have to Provide My Own Decorations?
Some people like to do their own decorations, while others would rather have someone else do them. You should check with your venue to see what’s allowed, what’s not allowed, and what’s offered.
Do You Have a Food and Beverage Minimum?
If the wedding venue is offering food and beverage as part of the package, it’s always best to ask what the food and beverage minimum is — if there is one. This is generally the lowest amount of money you’re required to spend on food and beverage during the event.
Do You Charge a Wedding Cake-Cutting Fee?
Before you choose a wedding venue, you want to be aware of any fees and charges you’re being billed — including a cake-cutting fee. This is especially true if you’re providing your own cake.
Am I Providing My Own Caterer or Is There An In-House Caterer?
After a long and successful wedding ceremony, many people can’t wait to dig into the amazing food. Since it’s such a big hit at the wedding dinner, it’s important that your caterers are top-notch.
Does Your Venue Have Liability Insurance?
While it’s something we hope never happens, injuries to your guests and damage to the venue are two harsh realities we have to accept. It’s also what makes liability insurance so important.
What’s Your Cancellation Policy Like?
Anything can happen from the moment you book a wedding venue up until your wedding day. If anything changes and you need to cancel your event, you should know the process ahead of time.
Can I Have My Rehearsal Dinner At the Venue?
The wedding rehearsal is a very special day in the buildup to the big one and it’s usually accompanied by a rehearsal dinner. Your venue should allow and accommodate this.
Does the Venue Have a Designated Dance Floor?
Wedding ceremony? Done. Wedding dinner? Done. What’s left on the schedule? That’s right, dancing! If the venue doesn’t have a dance floor, you’ll need to create one — which costs money.
Are There Any Noise Restrictions? If So, When?
Wedding ceremonies aren’t always loud, but the wedding reception can get a little rowdy. Before you make anything official, make sure your wedding venue doesn’t have any noise restrictions that’ll get in your way of having a good time!
Other Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue
Listed above are some of the most important and popular questions to ask a wedding venue when touring around, but it doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the questions you should ask. In fact, here are several more questions that are worth asking during the tour:
- Is there a designated smoking area?
- How early can outside vendors arrive?
- Do you provide security services?
- Do I need my own bar staff to serve alcohol?
- How does your payment schedule work?
Every couple deserves to have a wedding venue that matches their wants, needs, and desires. If you’re searching for the perfect venue in the Monument, Colorado area, you’ve come to the right place. At Secret Window Events, we take pride in helping to bring two people together.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and don’t forget to have your questions ready — we’ll be ready and willing to answer them!