Knowing what you’re getting for your money is an important part of any event planning process. Perhaps the perfect example of this is wedding planning. When you’re planning the big day, a major part of that process is selecting a wedding venue where you can say your vows without being underwhelmed or even disappointed by the experience provided to you. After all, you’d hate to be hit with nickel-and-dime fees or contend with restrictions you had no prior knowledge of. Let’s make sure you avoid those unsavory surprises by going over a list of questions you can ask a potential wedding venue.
What’s Included in the Rental Fee?
This is one of the most important questions to ask a wedding venue. Cost clarity is so important that it can affect your budget for everything else. Because of this, it’s important you actually understand everything that’s included in the rental fee. Does it include just the space, or are tables, chairs, and other pieces of equipment included? Be sure to understand the following so you can dodge hidden expenses:
- Are setup and cleanup services included?
- Is audio-visual equipment provided?
- Does the fee include additional amenities like parking and coat check?
Ask about all these options and what will work best for your wedding day plans.
How Many Guests Can the Venue Accommodate?
Capacity is key to finding a venue that’s a good fit for you! A small venue that’s meant for a guest list smaller than yours will end up being cramped and uncomfortable for you and your guests. On the other hand, a wedding of 100 in a venue meant for 600 makes for a lot of wasted space (and money). Also it can feel a bit awkward.
Consider this food for thought:
- Are there separate spaces for the ceremony and reception?
- Will the seating arrangements impact comfort and visibility for guests?
- Is there an outdoor area? If so, how will inclement weather affect the available space?
One other thing you may want to think about is how the layout of the space affects the flow of the event. Will there be plenty of room for dancing, dining, and mingling? If you want to get a good feel for our capacity before even showing up, you can check out our gallery!
Are There Any Restrictions or Rules?
With every venue comes guidelines. It’s essential to have a grasp on them before you book anything. If you know your guests are a loud bunch, a venue with noise restrictions probably isn’t the way to go. Are hanging decorations or real candles permitted in the space? And what about those partygoers who want to bring in outside food and drink?
Ask about these particular restrictions:
- Noise ordinances that could have a significant effect on music and other outdoor activities
- Limitations on decorating, like prohibitions on nails or adhesives on the venue walls.
- Policies concerning open flames, confetti, sparklers, or anything else that could possibly be considered a fire risk.
Nothing kills the mood like being told to turn the music down when everyone is in the middle of that one dance they love. Knowing all the rules before your wedding will help you avoid these potential buzzkills.
How Flexible Are You with the Event Timeline?
Timeline flexibility can have a significant effect on your wedding planning. When checking out venues, find out when you’ll have access to the space for setup. Conversely, you should know how much time vendors will have to tear down once guests leave. While you’re at it, ask if there’s a hard stop time for the festivities. If so, will it allow enough time to celebrate to your heart’s content? Is there an option to
So to recap, ask:
- How early setup can begin.
- If there is a fee for extending the duration of the event.
- What the takedown and cleanup guidelines are.
Some wedding venues could have tight turnaround times between events, so confirming all aspects of your timeline can help you avoid stress and miscommunication. At Union Mills, we provide enough time for both setup and teardown to give you the best possible wedding experience.
Can You Provide Vendor Recommendations or Flexibility?
Several venues maintain a list of preferred vendors that potential brides and grooms can refer to when selecting their services. This includes hair and makeup, photographers, DJs, and florists. These recommendations are a great resource that can save you time in your search, as they will be familiar with the space and can provide good recommendations in addition to expert service.
Be sure to ask whether using an outside vendor will incur additional fees (pro tip: you’ll see no such fees at Union Mills). It’s also advisable to find out if there are any specific requirements for vendor insurance or permits. Compatibility between your chosen wedding venue and the vendors you hire can be a huge boon for your big day—both during planning and the celebration itself.
Happy Wedding Planning!
During your wedding planning phase, choosing a good wedding venue is about more than just loving the aesthetic and location. You have to look deeper to determine if it’s going to be an establishment you mesh with or one that will cause stress. These questions to ask a wedding venue will give you valuable information you can use to make that determination. Be sure to have these questions at the ready as you tour potential event space for your big day.
As for us, we’re confident that our answers to these very questions will instill confidence in you that we can deliver an unforgettable experience. If you want to take a tour of the space or make further plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and start that conversation.
Regardless of the choice you make, congratulations on your engagement!
