What Questions Should You Ask When Viewing a Wedding Venue?

OK, so you're on the way to view your dream wedding venue, and you're imagining the day being one of the best of your lives. You've got all your loved ones there, everyone's having the best time, there's delicious food and your favourite cocktails being served, and your playlist is going down a storm…

We hate to bring things back to reality, but it takes a great deal of careful planning to get you to that dream place and finding the right wedding venue can be tricky. Your perfect wedding venue should be able to satisfy the below questions, so ensure you're happy with everything you hear before you sign on any dotted lines! Oh, but first things first, you've checked they have availability on your wedding date, right? If the answer’s ‘Yes!’, follow up your enquiry with the following questions…

How many guests can you accommodate in the day and the evening?

This is one of the most important considerations when choosing the right wedding venue for your big day. Can the venue accommodate your size of wedding party, and if you're inviting more guests in the evening, will there be enough space for everyone? You want the venue to be big enough that there's seating for everyone, space to move around comfortably, and enough facilities, but you don't want it to be too big for your party size, so you're left feeling like you're drowning in space. During your viewings, wedding venues will be able to advise you on capacity, logistics and if there are multiple rooms available which would suit your headcount.

Is the wedding venue available for exclusive hire?

This is also essential to find out early on when researching wedding venues. If you want a venue with full exclusivity, then ensure your venue offers this. Having sole exclusivity means everything will be yours for the agreed period of time, that's the staff, grounds and indoors. This is, of course, fantastic and means that you can enjoy complete privacy and security, but it can come with a price tag, so be prepared!

Having the whole venue to yourselves may also depend if you can hold the rehearsal at the venue and when and if you can host the rehearsal dinner there or not. These are just some of the key details you need to know ahead of time.

Is there enough parking for all our guests?

Sounds like an obvious one, but double-check where guests park and if there is ample space available. While you're on the subject, enquire what public transport is available nearby and what local taxi companies they would recommend using to be able to get your guest home safely.

Are there any décor restrictions?

Find out exactly what you can and can't do regarding decor. Some venues are advertised as a blank canvas, so you can really put your own creative mark on the place. If this is the case, enquire to see some previous events held at your venue to gain some inspiration to see what can be done. It's also worth asking what decor (if any) the venue can potentially provide. This will prevent you from doubling up or bringing anything that will clash with what's already at the venue. Take photos as you go around so you can show your florist and any other vendors if they don't already know the venue.

Which rooms are licensed for ceremonies, and where will the reception be?

Ask your wedding venue about what room options they can provide to hold your ceremony in. This answer will dictate where you hold your ceremony, so ensure what's on offer will be fit for purpose in terms of size and decor.

Also, enquire about what options you have available to you for the wedding reception and if the evening reception will be in the same room. If furniture needs to be moved around, will the venue do this? And when? It's also good to know if there is a secure area to store wedding gifts so if there is cash or other valuable gifts, your mind can be put at ease knowing that they are safe. Find out if there is accommodation on site too, or at least somewhere the bride and bridal party can get ready in.

Who will be the person who will handle my wedding, and will they be at my wedding overseeing all the details?

Whoever is showing you around may not be someone you see again, so check who you will then be speaking to after the viewing and who will be there on the day. Some venues offer a wedding coordinator within the price, so it's important to check this out early.

It goes without saying, but wedding coordinators or a wedding planner will liaise with your vendors during the wedding planning process and be on hand during the day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Not all venues have the capacity to offer a wedding specialist, such as a coordinator or planner, so check if your wedding budget allows you to hire one early on to ensure you give yourself enough time to take this on yourself.

During your viewing, ask your wedding venue if they have a preferred vendor list. If so, it often pays to work with the venue's recommended vendors as the venue will have established a good relationship with them, and they will have obviously worked at the venue before.

What is plan b if the reception or ceremony is due to be held outside and it rains?

It's always great to have a contingency plan, especially regarding the weather! So ask your wedding venue what will happen if you hope to hold part of the wedding day outside and the heavens decide to open or there is a heatwave. Remember that they are well versed in putting on events, whatever the weather, so they should be able to give you plan b options that you're happy with well ahead of time.

Do you have an in-house caterer?

Initially, find out if your venue has an on-site kitchen and if it's fully functioning! Do they have in-house catering, and if there is a food and beverage minimum that you're required to meet as part of the contract? Essentially, this means a minimum amount you need to spend. Find out what happens if you don't meet it, as well as what upgraded options you can add to your menu to help you meet that minimum. Next, enquire about what menu options the venue has and whether they cater for all sorts of dietary requirements. Also, enquire if they offer a complimentary menu tasting so you can check if it's to your liking!

What evening food options do you offer?

Ask what the venue can offer with regard to evening food options. Consider bringing in your own caterer for the evening, in which case, check if this is possible with the venue beforehand. If this is something you can do and choose to do, you may want to put your chosen catering services in touch with the venue directly to ensure there is correct access and power for them to set up and cater hassle-free.

What are your bar prices, and is it cash only?

It's important to find out what the situation is with the bar. Firstly is the venue licensed to serve alcohol? Next, ask your wedding venue if you are able to bring your own alcohol and if they charge a corkage fee.

Can you accommodate a live band or DJ?

If you want to bring entertainment such as a live band or DJ, enquire if there is power available, do they need to bring their own sound equipment and lighting such as a sound system and what time they can set up from?

Are there any venue restrictions?

Make sure you know what time you need the reception to wrap up by, find out what time the bar can stay open until, and what time your entertainment needs to finish. What restrictions should you be aware of, such as noise restrictions? Is there a curfew to obey? Are you allowed candles? What about sparklers or fireworks?

What provision is made for disabled people or those with limited mobility?

Ask the venue if they disabled access. When planning your wedding, it's important to ensure your venue is accessible for all your guests. Is there access and toilets for disabled guests? Remember that elderly guests or those with small children might be more comfortable using a lift or an entrance that doesn't involve steps.

To summarise

Don't fall for the first venue you view. Take your time because it's important when comparing venues to envisage yourself and your loved ones in the space and feel confident that you'll all be comfortable there. Of course, like with everything in life, you might need to give and take a bit when it comes to making your final decision, but always prioritise what's most important and go with whichever venue ticks most of the boxes.