What to questions to ask a wedding venue?!
So, how excited are you!?
You’ve found your favourites and are ready to have a private tour - but what should you be asking?! You may well get caught up in the excitement of it all, but don’t forget, details matter.
Screenshot this post and quickly run through the below questions, then let the celebrations begin!
It’s question time!
If your guest numbers reduce, will you be charged for the reduced numbers or the original quote?
What happens if your numbers drop below the minimum numbers?
Is there a minimum bar spend?
What are your maximum guest numbers for the day and evening?
Are there any extra charges that we will be charged for?
Some venues charge for turning fairy lights on or moving chairs from ceremony rooms to wedding breakfast rooms.
Some venues charge venue hire, this should be disclosed within the quote
Clearing up charges are a thing too!
What are the payment deadlines including when will the final payment be made?
What is their cancellation policy?
Are there any charges to pay by card?
Is VAT included?
Is the person you have been in contact with so far be your point person throughout your engagement and on the wedding day too? Obviously people get sick or have holidays but some venues have a sales team who then transfer over to an operation team
How many car parking spaces do you have? Is it free?
Where will other non wedding guests be able to go on the premise on your wedding day?
What possible other events could be taking place on the same day?
Corkage price for bringing own alcohol on to the property if you would like to do this.
Bar prices?
Is it just a cash bar or can money be prepaid for guests?
When will bars be closed and music turned off?
Where you are allowed to throw confetti? If you are allowed to throw confetti
What decorations are and are not allowed
If there are any plans for refurbishment (especially important if you have a long engagement planned)
If you will be able to set up/ dress the rooms the day before the wedding?
If not, on your wedding day will you be expected to dress the room or will your wedding planner do that?
Bedroom check in and check out time for guests, if applicable.
Are you allowed fireworks?
Do you have to use the venues suppliers?
If not, when can suppliers set up? Are there restrictions on them coming on to the property?
What is your policy on real candles?
What do they have for a sound system? Speakers, microphones, etc.?
Should we get wedding insurance? THE ANSWER IS YES, ALWAYS YES!
What are the insurance requirements for you and your suppliers?
Are crockery/linen included?
Is there a cake cutting fee?
IF the ceremony and reception held in the same room, where do guest go when the room is getting flipped?
Do you have disabled access?
How many toilets do you have? The guide is between 3/4 per 100 guests.
Now that list is not exhaustive, make sure to go through your terms and conditions with a fine tooth comb to make sure you are 100% happy with everything your venue is asking from you. There is no harm in asking questions!
Check out the rest of our wedding advice pages for tonnes of help!
Olivia Gray
Director
Olivia is part of the Sparth House owning family. Over the past 6 years, she reimagined and redesigned how the House hosts weddings. With nearly 300 Sparth House weddings under her belt, her goal has always been to achieve the most personalised day for each couple
Her favourite moment of a wedding? “The moment I share with each bride before they walk down the aisle, I get chills every time!”
Where will you find Olivia? “Working with a cup of tea or glass of wine (or both!) in hand.”
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