First post - what to ask when you tour a reception venue

[shertz1981]

Yay -- I can stop lurking in this forum -- I have my ring!

Mr. Shertz-to-be and I are going to our first venue for a walk through tonight. We''ve never done this before, so we''re not sure what to ask beyond the usual questions of capacity, event time, preferred vendors, and financials.

(At this particular place, we also have to ask how they drape the ballroom walls -- it''s a venue-specific thing.)

Am I overlooking anything?

Thanks!!!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

Hope this helps

What's the decor like? Does it fit your style and wedding colors? Will you have to spend a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful?

Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? (While an in-house caterer can be easier and cheaper, sometimes the food is not as beautiful as the room. So make sure you taste it!) Do they have a limitation on which outside caterers you can use?

Do they have adequate coat check and bathroom facilities?

Is the wedding venue wheelchair accessible? If not, are there many stairs to climb? How close is the parking to the ceremony and reception rooms?

What's the cancellation policy?

Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?

Are there any hidden costs? (Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.)

What are the overtime charges?

Do they have a liquor license?

Will they allow you to bring your own liquor? (This is usually cheaper, even with the customary corkage fee.)

Is there room in the wedding venue for a band and/or dancing?

Does the wedding venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers or will that need to be rented?

Is there a space for the bride and groom to change and/or relax?

Where will you take photographs? Is there a park nearby, or do the coordinators have recommended spots on the grounds?

Who will be supervising and troubleshooting before the day of your wedding? Who will be supervising and troubleshooting on the day of your wedding? Can you meet them now?

Where can your guests park? Are there extra fees for parking? Do they have valet parking?

Is the wedding venue convenient to public transportation, especially in big cities? How long will it take your guests to get there?

Especially in museums or private clubs, are there limitations on decorations? Do they limit food and drinks to only certain areas of the wedding venue?

Are candles or other open flames allowed?

If its an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rain or other inclement weather? If not, is there a place that you can put up a tent?

When Looking at Separate Wedding Reception Venues and Ceremony Locations
How far is it from one location to the other?

Do the two places have the same level of formality and a coordinating style?

Do they both accommodate about the same number of guests?

Does the wedding reception venue have any experience with weddings from your ceremony location?

When Looking for Wedding Venues for Both Ceremony and Reception
Do they own enough chairs for the ceremony, or will they need to be rented?

Does the wedding venue have an entirely separate area for the ceremony? {It is not uncommon that while the guests are at the cocktail hour, the caterers will transform the ceremony room into the dining room and/or dance floor.)

If not, how long does it typically take for the staff to change over the room?

 

[shertz1981]

Wow, thank you so much!

 

[Smurfysmiles]

no problemo