Other than choosing your groom or bride, the wedding venue is probably the most important decision you’ll make about your wedding! It can be overwhelming at first, but once you go through the following ten key questions, you’ll find that it’s not that difficult after all.
1.How many guests can the venue hold?
2.Are there a variety of capacities depending on which room you choose? For example, although most people assume banquet halls offer only large rooms for large weddings, that is often not the case. You want an intimate wedding? There is usually an option.
3.Is it possible to hold both your ceremony and reception there? If your wedding is going to be held during the summer, late spring or early fall months, it’s also worth trying for a ceremony on their outdoor grounds – if they have that option.
4.Will there be onsite accommodation for your guests? And, if not, how close are the nearest accommodation options?
5.Pricing: what’s the price per head? Is there a minimum spend? Are there any set packages? Once you decide on the venue, make sure to read the fine print on anything you sign so that there aren’t any surprises later on.
6.Is the catering in-house, and if so, are there also venue approved caterers for items not on the venue’s master menu (this is usually a key consideration if you plan on incorporating some international cuisine).
7.How easy is it to get to the venue? Is there public transit nearby? How much parking do they have?
8.What are your decor options? Do they have their own chairs and linens? Do they work with a decor company or should you seek your own?
9.What’s the protocol for letting your outside suppliers in and out on the day of the wedding? (is there a time frame that you have to adhere to?)
10.How flexible are they? For example, are there any restrictions in terms of what you can bring in and use (this is a good question if you have something specific in mind like candles)? How do they normally plan out the itinerary for the reception and is there some leeway on the timing?
