Wedding Venue Review
So, exactly what type of occasion do you envision for your upcoming wedding? Knowing this will ease your venue search because the setting affects the overall style tremendously. From country clubs to hotels, city clubs, resorts, barns, private mansions and everything in between… you’ve got options.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL VENUE
HOW MANY HOURS DOES MY RENTAL FEE INCLUDE? ARE THERE OVERTIME CHARGES?
Some venues charge by the hour for their facility. Know exactly what is included, and allow plenty of time for set up and tear down.
HOW DO YOU CHARGE? PER PERSON, BY THE HOUR OR FLAT FEE?
It’s always good to know how your venue charges for rental. It’s likely facilities that include catering will charge a per person rate and venues without catering will charge a flat fee or hourly rental.
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN VENDORS OR DO I HAVE TO USE A PREFERRED VENDOR LIST SUPPLIED BY THE VENUE?
Many venues will supply you with a list of their preferred vendors to use. This can be helpful to the bride who needs direction but also a hindrance for brides who know exactly who they’d like to use. Clarify with your venue if it’s required or not to use their vendors before you book.
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN ALCOHOL?
Venues that don’t carry their own liquor license may allow brides to bring in their own alcohol. This is not typically the norm, but there are a few venues out there with this option. Remember, if you do opt to bring in your own alcohol, you’ll want to hire a bar service to tend to guests.
IF NOT, IS THERE AN ALCOHOL MINIMUM?
Often venues with liquor licenses will have a bar minimum in addition to the cost of their venue rental.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL THE SPACE HOLD (NOT JUST OFFICIAL CAPACITY) ACCORDING TO MY ROOM SET UP?
Your room set up will greatly affect the amount of guests you can have at your wedding. You’ll want to focus on how many guests you can fit into the room with a seated dinner, estate table, dance floor or buffet set up.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL?
Most venues have items that are included in the cost of their rental like dance floors, tables, chairs, standard linens, etc. But, there are several venues that don’t offer this and could result in an additional cost to you.
WHAT IS THE PARKING SITUATION?
Valet parking, limited options, street parking or ample complimentary parking for guests are all important things to consider.
WILL THERE BE OTHER WEDDINGS ON THE SAME DAY?
Ask whether your event will be the only one happening on property or if there will be others. Other events may infringe on your time use of the venue or create confusion for guests so best to be prepared.
HOW MUCH ARE TAX AND GRATUITY? ARE THEY INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE PRICES?
Taxes and gratuity can vary greatly. Some venues include both in their package prices while others add it on. Be sure to consider this when you are planning, as it can be an extra 30% or more.
