So you just got engaged… CONGRATS! Now comes the fun part… wedding planning!
It really is not as daunting as people make it seem if you are organized from the start. Do not get caught up in the latest trends and go overboard, but instead, sit down with your fiance and decide on a budget, theme and idea for your big day. That is the most important thing to do at this point. When you have decided, you can start looking for venues.
The reason I say to decide on a budget and theme is because it will narrow down your options to what you can actually afford and what is your style. All too often, couples go into debt because they want to go all out, or they are swayed into a new, more expensive theme when they arrive at a venue. Decide how much you can pay, what you like, and do not let the wedding coordinator (sometimes sales lady, really) change your mind. You can stick with it!
This post is all about what to ask when you arrive at a venue to ensure you have everything you’ll need for your big day. Don’t just go with the prettiest place, I have seen that gone all wrong! Pretty doesn’t mean practical and if you book an outdoor wedding with no option to move inside, if it rains on your wedding day, you are stuck (I have seen this happen)! Ask the right questions and make a smart, informed decision when choosing your venue.
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Ask what dates they have available. Or if you already have a date, ask for that specific one.
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What do you charge for this space per person?
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How many hours are included in this fee? How much is it if we go over our time?
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What is included in this fee? (some venues are all inclusive, and others are only offering you the space)
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Is there sufficient parking for X amount of guests?
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Do you set up and tear down, or do I need to bring my own team? If you do, what does it include?
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At what time can any family or bridal party arrive on the day of the wedding? At what time can we set up?
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How will it work if we have the ceremony and reception in the same place? (have them explain the transition to you)
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If we have an outdoor wedding, is there a plan B available indoors in case of inclement weather?
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Payment: How much is the deposit? When is the balance due? How can I pay (cash, check, money order)?
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Can I bring my own vendors and officiant or do you have a preferred vendors list?
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Do you provide accommodations or discounts to nearby hotels for out of town guests?
These are some of the most important questions to ask, but there are certainly so many more to keep in mind. Do you have any special event that needs to happen or something personal you want displayed? Ask if that is okay to do. Are you going to need a handicap accessible venue? Be sure to ask if that is available. Are there any restrictions for photographers and videographers? Ask. Is the venue close by to a nice photo location? Be sure to ask that as well.
Consider everything you will want/need on your big day and go with a list of questions. Believe me, the coordinators at venues are happy to see prepared brides. If you have any questions, feel free to email me or comment below. :)
Thank you for your suggestion to ask them how many hours are included in the fee. My husband and I are trying to help plan my daughter’s wedding and we’re trying to figure out some of the things we’ll need to talk about. I would have forgot about this so we’ll be sure to make a note of it and ask them when we look around at a few different places. https://mysticalrosegardens.com/weddings-receptions/