10 Questions You May Want To Ask Your venue

You are so excited, you have just booked your venue and probably all in a tizzle and it’s amazing, you most likely had lots of questions you wanted to ask but can’t think of any.  This is quite normal, but don’t worry, by the time you get home, you would of thought of loads, but if not , here are 10 questions you may want to ask.
 1. How many guests can the ceremony room hold?

Which is a valid question as you may, once you have sat down and worked out the guest list, have more guests then you thought.  You know what families are like! 

2. Do you have a designated person of contact, just in case you have any questions, which you will?

Most wedding venues have a least one Wedding Planner , but it is usually the planner who did your show around and who you booked with that will be your point of contact, so remember to get their name and what days they work.

3. Where is the access and toilets facility for guests with disabilities / mobility requirement?

90% of venues know have disabled facilities, it may be worth doing a small plan for guests who may need to use these facilities.

4. Do they have baby changing facilities and a room for nursing mum's?

Baby changing facilities are usually located in the disabled toilets, but the venue should provide a small quite room or area for a mother who is nursing.

5. What is included in your wedding package?

You may think this is a silly question, but the amount of times I ask a couple what is included in their package and they are not sure,  get your planner to write it down, does it include chair covers & sashes, do they have the use of any centerpiece props, does it include a red carpet aisle runner, do you get a choice of wine, what soft drink alternatives do they include, does it include a reception drink, table wine and toast drink, how many choices can you have of the menu.

6. Are there any other events going on at the same time?

This is always a good one to ask,  I had a situation that a couple had booked a venue and thought they were the only couple who was getting married there on the day, but then I got another couple who booked same date same venue.  Some venues have separate rooms far enough away with their own private gardens for their guests, but I also know that there is a few venues who make the couples share the only outside space and are allocated a time slot for photo’s.  This is where you need to read your contract, it will say somewhere in small writing that venues do and will and can hold 2 weddings on the same day and there may be restrictions on the outside space on the day.

7.What time can you get access to the venue on the day?

If there is not a wedding on the day before, most venues will allow you to drops items of, they usually have a room where they can keep them, you may also be lucky to stay the night before your wedding, which will make things a lot easier.  If not, due to an event being on the day before, they usually have a bride’s room which you and your bridesmaids will be able to use, to get ready.  You will also need to know what time your suppliers can gain access, I personally always contact the venue directly just to confirm this.

8. Is the venue doing any refurbishments before my wedding?

You need to know this, just in case once the refurbishment has been completed, it changes the whole aspect of the venue, the venue you fell in love with.  Again read your contract, as there may be somewhere in small writing that the venue reserved the right to refurbish certain areas of the venue and once signed they have done their duty and notified you.  You may off planned your whole wedding decorations and flowers around the colours which they had at the time of you booking which may not suit after the refurbishment.  If they are, ask what the changes will be and don’t be afraid to ask that important question, “what if I don’t like the changes”, can I cancel and get a refund.

9. What is your cancellation policy?

This sometime happens and it is unfortunate. If you do find yourself in this situation be sure to read your contract and get your planner to explain it to you in full, so you are aware.  If you just need to move the date and they can accommodate you then usually they will do this without losing any money, but remember they don’t have to, they are in their rights, as technically you are cancelling your wedding, to keep part or full monies which you have paid and make you re-book and pay again, if you find yourself in this situation I would say, be nice, polite, flexible and eat humble pie.

10.  Music “ What I am I allow”?

This could be a subject all on it's  on its own, so I have tried to simplify it.  Firstly ask if you have to have their DJ, as a lot of venues now have their own DJ’s and it’s usually in their package.  If not can you source your own?  Do they need to use the venues in house sound system or can they bring their own.  This varies with each venue; some venues like to be able to control the music noise.  Do they allow live music if so, do they have a stage or is there a biggish area for the band to stand, is there somewhere for the band to get changed? Are there plenty of plug sockets and where are they.  Ceremony music, do they allow harpists or singers to perform, always check with your venue before booking your music.