Planning your wedding can be both thrilling and slightly overwhelming. One of the most critical aspects of your wedding-planning is choosing the perfect venue. The venue sets the stage for your entire big day and finding the right one involves asking some critical questions. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the comprehensive checklist of questions to ask a wedding venue you're considering so that you can ensure it fits your vision, accommodates your guests comfortably, and provides the dreamy backdrop for your ceremony and festivities.
If you’re just joining us, check out our blog on how to find the most unique wedding venues in the country: How to Find a Unique Wedding Venue
When searching for a wedding venue, there are many questions that you should ask to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decision. There are a lot of venues out there - over 30,000 of them in the US alone. That doesn't include all the unique spaces that are available for small weddings such as National Parks, your parent's backyard, and everything in between. By doing a little research upfront, you can start to refine your list before going to look at the venue. I am assuming that you're already zeroing in on the venues that align with your vision from a style perspective. Once you have that nailed, here are some of the things to look for:
If you've followed along on our blog journey, you'll know that one of the first steps in wedding planning is to nail down the size of your guest list. Having this number in mind will help you start to zero in on venue options that will be appropriate. Most venues list the capacity of their space(s) right on their website so you'll know right away if it's a fit or not. Knowing the capacity of a venue is essential to ensure that your wedding day will not be overcrowded or too small.
Another first step in our recommended planning journey is knowing your budget. The price of venues varies wildly depending on a whole host of factors and even a single vendor may have varying price points depending on the package you choose or the time of day or year you're planning your event. Not all venues list prices on their website, but most will reveal their prices if you submit an inquiry which should allow you to make an assessment. Once you're armed with information, you'll want to understand what is included in the price. Is it all-inclusive or for the space only? Knowing the price before you go visit will prevent potential heartache from falling in love with a venue that's not in your budget.
If you have a preferred date, week, month, or any preference at all, you'll want to confirm they have availability. It's also good to know how quickly they tend to book up and how close they are to being booked. Is this the last Saturday they have available during peak season - if so, you better be ready to put down a deposit if you love it. Similar to the budget, if you have your heart set on a date you won't want to go to look at the venue if it is not available.
This only applies if you have your heart set on a specific vendor or set of vendors. Some venues may have restrictions on vendors that can be used and they might even have requirements about vendors you must hire (for example, a licensed bartender if you plan to serve booze or a 'day of' coordinator). Some venues have an in-house caterer and so will likely require you to use them. You'll want to understand all of this in detail to ensure it aligns with your vision!
We've created the ultimate venue search and organization tool with our Venue Discovery & Tour Planner. 16-pages of no-fluff instructions to help you find the absolute perfect micro wedding venue or location, research organization tools, and printable worksheets and excel templates to help you stay organized! Get it here.
Ok, now that's out of the way, let's go on some tours!
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In conclusion, the importance of asking the right questions when choosing a wedding venue cannot be overstated. These queries help you understand exactly what to expect, avoid hidden surprises and ensure that the venue aligns perfectly with your wedding vision. Remember, this is your special day, and you deserve to find a venue that not only meets your expectations but goes beyond to offer a memorable, beautiful wedding experience. So, walk into every potential venue armed with these essential questions, and you'll have a much better chance of securing the perfect location for your dream wedding. Plus, proper communication and clear expectations with your venue can lay the groundwork for a truly extraordinary and enjoyable celebration.
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