jadeladsonWhat to Ask When Selecting a Wedding Venue
You already made the biggest decision of your wedding journey by saying yes to your finance! Now is the second biggest decision you'll make, your wedding venue. You want your wedding day to be perfect, and picking the perfect wedding venue is essential. Choosing a space that aesthetically matches your vision is great, but more importantly, the logistics behind what a venue can restrict and allow will make or break your special day. It is also the largest part of your budget, so you want to make sure you get it right!
We recommend hiring a wedding planner BEFORE you book your venue so they can go on the site tour with you and ensure that this venue can accommodate all your vision and needs.
Once you've fallen in love with a few venues and you're ready to go on site tours, take this checklist of questions to ask BEFORE you put down any deposits. Jot down the answers as you go so you can compare between your venue options.
Basics
Is the venue available on the date I desire? If not, what other dates are available?
How many guests can this venue accommodate?
How long can we use the venue? What is the overtime fee if we want to extend the party?
Can the venue accommodate both the ceremony and reception?
Do you offer any packages? And if so, what do they include?
Is there an outdoor area for cocktail hour?
Are any additional rooms included? Such as bridal party rooms to get ready?
Are there any months, days of the weeks or times that get discounted rates?
Will there be a designated on-site coordinator assigned to my event?
Does the property allow multiple events on the same day? How do you handle that?
Is there a rain back up space? (If venue is outside)
Are we able to have a rehearsal at the venue?
Where can guests park and is there a fee?
What security services do you offer?
Is the venue handicap accessible?
Are there ample bathrooms for my guest count?
Is there a coat check for winter weddings?
Is the air conditioning/heating appropriate for the season?
Can we have pets? (If desired)
Are we allowed to have a sparkler exit or sparkler machines during our first dance? (If desired)
Decor & Rental
Are there decoration restrictions?
Can centerpieces contain candles?
What linens, chairs, glassware and decorations does the venue provide?
Can we move things around?
Catering
Are we required to use in-house catering? If so, are tastings available?
What drinks are included with the meal?
Is there a food and beverage minimum?
Can you accommodate guests with dietary restrictions?
Is there a cake cutting fee?
If we can use our own caterer, will they have access to a kitchen?
Alcohol
Does the venue have a liquor license to sell alcohol?
Can I bring my own alcohol and bartenders?
Do you provide a cash bar or open bar?
What liquors are included in the prices?
Can we serve signature cocktails? (If desired)
Payments
What is required for a deposit?
What type of payments do you take?
What will the payment plan look like?
When is the last date I can make adjustments?
What is the cancellation policy?
Vendors
What insurance requirements do you require for vendors?
Are drones allowed to be used by the videographer/photographer?
Do you offer have any sound system equipment?
Can the space accommodate for a DJ or live band?
How early can vendors arrive for set up?
Is there a noise ordinance in the area? What time can music be played until?
Is there any additional fees for bringing in outside vendors?
Accommodations (If venue is a hotel)
Do you offer a room block and special rates for our guests?
Do you offer a complimentary suite for the couple or bridal party?
Can I host my rehearsal dinner here?
Final Tip
Once you found the venue that is 'The One', follow up after the visit with an email confirming all their answers to make sure everything you've discussed is in writing and they just weren't verbally saying yes during the site tour to butter you up.
Interested in this beautiful venue from the pictures above, please contact their amazing team at Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia
Main: 770-395-7700 Ext 2206
If you found this helpful, share it and check us out every month for more tips & tricks by J. Ladson Weddings.
