The Top 10 Questions Engaged Couples Need to Ask Wedding Venues before booking.

Congrats on getting engaged! Allow yourself a couple of weeks to celebrate and truly soak in your engagement, after that, it’s time to start making wedding plans! Selecting your dream wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make and as a professional wedding photographer for over a decade, I know that the venue that you choose, can literally make or break your wedding.  To help you narrow down the wedding venues and help you zero in on the perfect one, I put together a list of the top 10 questions you need to make sure you get the answers to. Remember, no wedding venue is truly perfect, but there is a wedding venue that is perfect for you. You will know it once you find it!

What is the venue’s capacity?

First things first, start drafting your guest list so that moving forward you have a rough idea of how many guests you plan on inviting. Then, determine if the venue you have in mind can hold your guest list before choosing it. Ask if there is a minimum or maximum number of guests and the venue’s capacity for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception as they often differ. You don’t want to fall head over heels for a venue just to learn that it won’t hold the 300 guest you and your significant other were set on inviting.

What is the rental fee, and what does it include?

Super important question here, ask each venue for their rates and what ALL does it include . Do you get the venue for the whole day, or is it charged by the hour?  Will they set up and clean up, will that be extra if they do it, or will that be all on you ? What about tables, chairs, linens, and other decor? Be sure you understand exactly what is covered by the rental charge and what you will have to pay extra for.

PRO TIP: You can also ask what does the rental rate NOT include that they provide.

What is the venue’s availability, and how far in advance should we book?

Keep in mind, wedding venues can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Contact them sooner than later and check if your date is available and how far in advance you should book. Trust me, you don’t want to wait for the last minute and find yourself scrambling for a different venue. 

PRO TIP: Have 3 ideal dates in mind, in case your first choice is booked.

Does the venue have a preferred vendor list, and are we required to use them?

A preferred vendor list is a great thing! These are vendors that have worked in that venue in the past and most importantly, that have earned the trust of  not only the venue but past clients as well. Ask whether the venue has a preferred vendor list and whether you’re required to use them. If you’re not required to use their vendors, ask whether there are any restrictions on outside vendors.

STILL IN SEARCH OF YOUR DREAM

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN TAMPA?

What is the venue’s alcohol policy?

EVERYBODYYYYY, SHOT,  SHO-SH-SHOSHOT!  That was supposed to be the lyric to the Pitbull’s and Lil Jon’s song that’s played at every reception lol. Anyway, on a serious note, ask about the venue’s alcohol policy. Do they have a bar service and are you required to use it, or can you bring your own ? Are there any restrictions on the type of alcohol or the hours when it can be served? Last but not least, ask the difference in price if you decide to do an open bar vs a cash bar.

PRO TIP: You may be able to do a combination of open bar and cash bar throughout the night if you want to save some coins.

What is the backup plan in case of inclement weather?

I’m sure we would all love an outdoor wedding in the mid 70s, partly cloudy with a slight breeze. Let’s be real, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, especially here in the sunshine state, where it can turn into the rainy state real quick. With that being said, just make sure you ask the venue if they have backup plans in case of inclement weather. Do they have an indoor space available, or do you need to rent a tent? Make sure you have a plan in place so that the unpredictable weather doesn’t rain on your parade (or wedding).

What is the venue’s policy on decorations?

Many of these questions may be covered on their contract, but it is still a good idea to ask before you get that deep into your inquiry to save you and the venue’s representative time. Ask about the venue’s policy on decorations. Are there any restrictions on candles or flowers? Can you hang things on the walls or ceiling? Do they allow confetti or sparklers? Make sure you fully understand what you’re allowed to do and not when it comes to decorating to avoid any fees.

What is the venue’s policy on music and entertainment?

This question is specially for those planning a religious wedding/reception. Make sure to ask if there are any restrictions on the type of music you can play or the volume? Are you allowed to have a DJ or a live band? Lastly, is there a cut-off time, or can you keep the party going allllll nightttttt longgggg?

What is the parking situation, and is there valet service?

With the excitement of almost booking your dream wedding venue, this question can get easily overlooked. So remember to ask the venue what is their parking situation like. Is there ample parking for your guests, or do they need to find street parking? Is there valet service available? While you’re at it, ask if there are any additional fees for parking at the venue or is it free. You don’t want your guest walking a mile to the ceremony because they couldn’t find parking. 

PRO TIP: You can reserve a block in a hotel near the venue and rent a shuttle to take people to the venue if parking is an issue.

BONUS QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK YOUR VENUE WITH YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER IN MIND.

What color are your ceilings? 

White and light colored ceilings allow for the best lighting for your photographs.

Are there restrictions for using flashes?

Many religious venues, don’t allow flashes during the ceremony/mass.

Can the photographer/videographer use your outlets.

More often than not, the photographer will have all the batteries they need charged in advanced,  but it is always good to know they can use the venues’ outlet if need be.

Do you require insurance from your vendors?

It’s best to know in advance so that you can notify your vendors with plenty of time.

Do you require the drone operator to have a Part 107 License?

It’s best to inform your videographer before the event if they have to display their license to the venue. 

Remember, you can have all the right answers from your venue but with my experience what matters most, especially when you can’t decide between two venues, is your gut feeling, so trust it! Give your potential dream wedding venue a vibe check, get them on the phone, see what their customer service is like. Asking these questions will help you narrow your list down to the very best venues. If you have any questions outside of these, feel free to reach out to me and I will be more than happy to help! Best of luck!