Whether you have your dream location already picked out or are on the search for your perfect match, it’s important to get all your questions answered before signing your contract to your wedding venue. There would be nothing worse than signing and not realizing you weren’t allowed to rearrange the room or use your favorite bakery for your wedding cake.

We’ve come up with a list of questions to ask your wedding venue to help make the process a little easier or maybe even spark some other thoughts you may have. By using these questions as a guide, you’ll be able to see what you like about the venue and what you don’t. Also, don’t be afraid to write down any other questions you have and take them with you.

Do you have our date available?

Some brides have their heart set on a wedding date and some brides are a bit more flexible. I suggest going with a date in mind and see if it works. Even if the venue coordinator has mentioned before that the date is available via email or phone, it’s always good to double check in person!

How many guests can the venue hold?

You don’t have to know exactly how many guests you’ll be having, but definitely have a range in mind to see if the venue can accommodate all your family and friends!

What decorations are included (if any)?

This is important. Some venues include everything – tables and chairs, linens, etc., but some come with the just the venue itself. This important to ask so that you know exactly what to plan for and budget accordingly! Plus, you want to know exactly what all you’re paying for before you sign for your venue.

What does a typical wedding held at the venue look like?

This is a good time to have the venue coordinator walk you through a typical wedding held at their facility. Where is the ceremony held (if having both ceremony and reception at one place)? Where do couples walk in from to the reception? How does the timing of the day work? These questions may seem so simple, however if they’re overlooked they can cause a little chaos around the planning if unaware.

Is catering provided or can we find our own caterer/what are the meal options?

Buffet or sit-down? In-house or off-site catering? These two questions are a good starting point for this topic. From there, you can talk about cost, recommendations, menu options, and more!

Is there an option to have the ceremony on-site?

Some places have the ceremony in the same room as the reception then right after it’s over decorate the room for the party, while others have two separate areas. If the venue has an option to have an on-site ceremony ask where it would be and what the flow of the day would look like.

Do you have a bar/supply the drinks or are we responsible for doing that?

Knowing this will definitely help with budgeting! If they have a bar ask to see their packages. However if they don’t then you can budget out the cost per person and have little more control since you’re purchasing it yourself!

Can we rearrange the layout of the room?

Believe it or not, this could be a make or break question! Most places will let you know if you are able to move tables, chairs, etc. and set up the space as you’d like, but in case they forget to bring it up, it definitely doesn’t hurt to ask!

When can we/our vendor team have access to the room to set up?

Some brides like having an extra day before the wedding to set up so they know the majority of everything is in place before the big day. Ask when and what time you and/or your vendors will be able to come set up. This is especially good to know when planning your timeline closer to the big day!

Is the cake included or can we use our own bakery?

This is very similar to the catering question, but don’t forget to ask about the cake, too!

How long are we able to rent the space out for?

Can you rent the space for the whole weekend (for setup and tear down)? What time will the wedding end? Make sure you know exactly what length of time you’ll have and any additional costs if you choose to extend.

What accommodations are offered (if staying on-site) / any hotel recommendations?

If the venue has on-site accommodations ask how many rooms are available to you are your guests? See if you are able to block off rooms and if so, how many. If this isn’t an option at your venue then ask if they have any recommendations for nearby places.

What does a payment schedule look like?

How much are you expected to pay upfront? What would the monthly payment be? And what all is included in this payment? This all will more than likely be in even more detail on your contract. But even if you’ve talked about it in person, read each section thoroughly before you officially sign.

Are there discounts for off-peak times?

Some places may have a discount for off-peak times such as a Friday or Sunday wedding, January-March, etc. Even if they don’t it never hurts to ask.

Are there any decor or exit restrictions?

If there’s something you really want to include, make sure that your venue allows that type of decor. Knowing restrictions ahead of time with save you time and money in the future!

Is there parking? If so, where and how many spaces?

This is important information to be communicated with your guests on your invites. Also, you may have handicapped guests as well so it’s nice to know how to best help them too!

Are there any noise restrictions?

How loud is too loud? … but seriously!

Is there a rain plan?

Make sure there’s a plan for your day to go off without a hitch even if it decides to rain — especially if you plan on having any part of your wedding outdoors!

Are there changing areas for the bride, groom, and/or wedding party?

If there is a room/area for the bridal party, you can always ask to see the space. Some brides like knowing there’s enough room for everyone to comfortably be in the room.

Can we have our rehearsal dinner here? What about a morning-after mimosa brunch?

Holding all your wedding events at the same venue has it’s definitely pros and cons. It’s really all preference, but make sure you see what that all looks like. For example, if you have your rehearsal dinner there, does that mean postponing the set up for the day of? All things to think about!

How much time is allocated for the rehearsal?

Helpful information to know for your wedding party to make sure everyone is on time and knows the plan!

Other great questions to think about…

Do you have house sound?
Is security available on-site?
How many restrooms?
How many weddings do you do a weekend? A day?
Do you have liability insurance or do we to provide it?

What other topics would you add to this list of wedding venue questions? Share them with us on Instagram!

Need more wedding planning advice and want to chat more about the services I offer at Alexa Kay Events? Feel free to reach out!