Ok, so you've picked some venues that you'd love to go and visit, you've got the open day dates booked into your diary, or perhaps you've booked a special one in...But what do you ask them?
It's important to make sure that your venue can cover everything that you want in the wedding. If they don't, then don't give them a second look unless you are willing to change your expectations.
1. Do you have my date available?
Most important question!! If they haven't got it available, consider changing the date (this is why it's important that this is one of the first things that you do when planning your wedding).
2. Is VAT included?
If VAT isn't included in the original price then this can lead to budgeting errors and large unexpected costs. The typical venue can range from £3000+ before VAT so that's quite an increase in unexpected costs.
3. What exactly does the fee entail?
Different venues will include different things in their package and some have multiple packages that contain different things (they usually increase in cost, the more you have included).
4. How long does this fee allow me to have the venue for? How much for each additional hour?
Brinsop Court Manor, Herefordshire
5. Are there parking spaces available for the guests? Are they free?
6. Is there onsite accommodation available and how much does it cost? If there isn't any, can they recommend any nearby hotels/inns? Is there a bride and Groom's suite?
Room at Woodhall Manor, Suffolk 7. If there ceremony and reception are in the same space, how long do they need to change the decor and arrangements around?
Photo by Payton Harsell Photography
8. Is the fee for the civil ceremony/registering included?
This lets you know if you need to budget for the costs of having your marriage legalized.
9. How many people can it seat?
Very important to ask, the last thing you want is everyone to arrive and there not be any space for them all. If you are dead set on the venue but it doesn't seat enough people, consider an outside wedding (some venues can have ceremonies outside) or consider chopping the list.
10. Will I be required to decorate or will the venue do this for me?
This will let you know if you need to book it for longer to allow time for you and a few friends to decorate or not. 11. Is there an extra fee if I use my own caterer?
Whilst some venues will allow you to use your own caterer, they may charge you extra for the use of the kitchen.
12. Can I use my own caterer? Some venues insist that you use their caterer which can be very expensive.
13. Do you have late license fees?
This one is important if you plan on partying late into the night. If they don't have the license then you can't do so. Some venues charge you a fee for the use of the license too.
14. Does catering quote cover the staff costs too?
Remember, when hiring a catering company you're not only paying for the food but also for the time the staff has taken to cook and distribute it for you.
15. Is there a backup location available for if it rains and we're having an outdoor wedding?
Nobody wants to get wet on their wedding day, after all, that time and money spent getting it all perfect and neither do they want their guests getting poorly from being sat in the rain.
Consider buying a bunch of umbrella's if there isn't an option or hosting it under a marquee (some venues have these readily available or you can hire one separately).
16. Are there any restrictions on use of the space? Some venues will not allow open flames or to hang things from the ceiling. 17. Are there any restrictions on photography/videography? Are there noise restrictions? Hotel venues often have restrictions on these to protect their other customers privacy and keep them happy. 18. Do I need any insurance or permits? Wedding insurance is always recommended to get just in case something goes horribly wrong, all your costs are covered and any non-refundable deposits have been covered etc. 19. Can i see a sample of any items that are provided by the venue? Most venues will provide basic tables, chairs, linens and china. 20. What is the deposit and when does it need paying? When is the full balance due? is there a payment plan available? What forms of payment do you take and is there a cancellation policy? This will let you know where you stand in terms of financials. Unless otherwise stated, images are from Pinterest
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