5 Questions to Ask When Touring a Wedding Venue

Touring wedding venues is a fun part of the planning process. It is an opportunity to envision your wedding day and really just test out a place for how it feels. But in all of that fun, we can forget to be mindful and to ask some critical questions up front. Here are five key things to ask on your tour to make sure you’re not left with any surprises later on.

1. What’s Included in the Price?

This is a big one. Because every venue bundles things differently, and it is always best to be sure of what you are paying for. For instance, some locales offer all-inclusive packages that include everything from chairs to catering, while others will only deliver the space and you need to supply any additional service yourself.
Questions like:

• Do they include tables and chairs or does that have to be rented separately?
• Does the price cover any staff for the event, like a coordinator or waitstaff?
• For extras such as lighting, sound systems and heating/air conditioning is there an add-on cost?

Making sure about the costs and bundles will prevent any surprises charges later on.

2. What’s the Capacity?

You want to make sure the venue can comfortably hold all of your guests. Whether it is 50 or 500 guests, you’ll ultimately want your room to feel full without being overcrowded.
Here are some things to ask:

• What is the maximum capacity for seated guests and for standing or mingling?
• Is there varying capacity if the ceremony and reception are held in one space?
• And if you are having a more intimate wedding, can the space be adjusted for that?

Many venues will provide a maximum guest count, however it is good to have an idea of what the room will look and feel like with the amount of people you’re expecting

3. What’s the Backup Plan for Bad Weather?

If you’re having any part of your wedding outdoors, this is a super important question. Rain is the last thing you want to picture on your wedding day, but having a solid backup plan can give you peace of mind.
Some helpful questions to ask include:

• Do they have an indoor location for rain or the hottest days?
• How quickly can the staff move things indoors if needed?
• Are they providing any weather related essentials like tents or heaters?

A venue with a strong Plan B will put your mind at ease if the weather sucks.

4. Can You Bring in Your Own Vendors?

Some venues have a list of preferred vendors you have to choose from, and others let you bring in whoever you like. Knowing the policy of the venue can be very helpful, so that you are not left out with your hopeful caterer, florist or photographer.
Here’s what to ask:

• Are there limited or even mandatory vendors you must use, or can you utilize your own?
• How much do their vendors charge when you have to use them?
• Are third-party vendors permitted, do they charge anything additional, or are there stipulations?

If you have a specific vendor in mind or one that you have already booked, ths question is especially critical.

5. How Does the Day-of Timeline Work?

A wedding is always a whirlwind of wondering how the day will flow. How much time do you have to set up, take photos and how long the event goes for? What if it takes too much time?
Here are some questions to ask:

• When can you (or your vendors) begin to set up?
• Does the event have to end at a specific time, or is it flexible?
• Can I get in a practice before the big day arrives?

Knowing the answers to these questions helps you map out your day and avoid any last minute stress or confusion.