28 Questions You Should Ask Your Wedding Venue Before Signing a Contract
When comparing wedding venue options, it’s important to make sure you understand all the details of each offer so you can compare wisely and choose the best option. After all, choosing the cheaper venue only to be later surprised by a bill with unexpected costs is no fairytale.
Here are some questions you should ask your wedding venue before signing a contract:
- How many people can this location accommodate?
- What dates are available in the month I’m considering?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Do you have a weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces?
- How much is the deposit? When is it due? Is it refundable? Is there a specific payment plan for the entire bill?
- Is there an added charge for using my own vendors? Sometimes wedding venues have their own coordinators, caterers and other professionals that are already included in their cost. It’s vital that you clarify these details so you know which responsibilities fall on you as well as to avoid double booking the same professionals.
- Can I bring my own food, drinks and cake? If you have the option to bring your own, discuss how it affects the price they first quoted you. Do they charge extra for this option or does it bring the original price down?
- Are party rentals included in this package? Chairs, tables, tablecloths, etc. Also be sure to ask what color linens are available so that you know when planning your colors and theme.
- Are there set up fees?
- Is there a charge for parking? If there is valet parking or a parking garage you should decide if you or the guests are responsible for the charges.
- What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding? How early can my deliveries be made?
- Does the venue provide assistance getting gifts or décor back to a designated car or hotel room?
- Is there a time limit? If so, what’s the cost of going over? Most venues only allow you to utilize the space for 4-6 hours.
- Is there a coat check service?
- What are the tax rates and other fees? State and local sales tax, hospitality fees, included gratuities, etc.
- Price per person. If you are charged per person, make sure you clarify how they will arrive at the final number. Your hired professionals (photographer, videographer, band, etc) will also need to eat. You need to know if and how they will be counted. Do you get a discount rate for these vendors? Make sure you are aware of all taxes and service charges per person.
- Do children have different pricing?
- Can we do a food tasting prior to finalizing our menu selection? Is there an additional charge for this?
- Do you provide cake cutting utensils?
- Do you offer on-site coordination? If so, what services are available and is there an additional charge for them?
- Do you offer any security services?
- Do you have liability insurance? If the venue doesn’t provide it you should look into getting your own in case someone gets injured during your reception.
- Do you provide overnight accommodations? Is there a discount for booking multiple rooms? Do you provide a complimentary room or upgrade for the newlyweds? What are the nearest hotels to the venue? (Some venues have partnerships with local hotels that offer a discount if you block rooms off).
- Do you have signage to direct guests to my event?
- What is the last possible date that we can make changes?
- Do you have sound equipment and speakers or will they need to be rented?
- Are there decoration limitations such as candles?
- Who will be our point person before the wedding? What about the day of the wedding? Can we meet them now?