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Writer's pictureKate McClellan

Questions to Ask While Touring Wedding Venues

Updated: Dec 15, 2023

Questions to ask while looking at wedding venues

Once you've gone over your Wedding Venue Priorities, it's time to start reaching out to potential venues! Take this list of questions along with you to make sure you're not missing important details before booking!


Wedding Venue Questions:

  1. How is pricing determined?

    1. Is there a room rental fee? Are there separate fees for each room/space? (Ceremony, cocktail hour, reception?)

    2. Is there a food and beverage minimum?

    3. Is there a service fee? What items do/do not have this fee? Does this cover staff gratuities, or is that an additional cost? If additional, ask how it’s calculated

    4. Are taxes applied to to all costs? Some states don’t tax food or certain items/services.

    5. Is there a different price or minimum on different days of the week? Time of year?

    6. What is the payment schedule?

  2. What is the comfortable capacity with room for a dance floor?

  3. Will there be other weddings/events at the venue on the same day?

  4. What is included in the rental? (Tables, chairs, linens, plates, glasses, etc)

  5. Is there an onsite coordinator? If so, what is their role on the wedding day?

  6. Are there any vendor requirements, or can we hire anyone we’d like? Do they have preferred vendors to work with?

  7. Do you require liability insurance from us or our vendors?

  8. Are real candles, flower petals, confetti, sparklers allowed?

  9. Do you have rooms for the wedding party to get ready in?

  10. What time do we have access to the venue? How about vendors?

  11. How long do you have at the end of the night to clean up?

  12. Do you have separate spaces for ceremony & reception?

  13. Where are the restrooms for the guests?

  14. Is parking included? Valet?

  15. Is there coat check included?

  16. What are the back up plans for outdoor locations?

  17. What are the options for the ceremony rehearsal?

  18. Does your staff take care of setting up tables, linens, chairs, etc?

  19. What is the cancellation or reschedule policy?

  20. If hotel venue - do you offer complementary wedding suites or guest room block rates?

Additional Questions for Catering & Bar Service - this may be a separate company, if you're looking at having a backyard wedding, or wedding at a unique venue.

  1. Are you licensed/insured?

  2. Have you worked at our venue before?

  3. Can we supply alcohol?

  4. Do you supply the mixers?

  5. Do you supply plates, flatware, linens?

  6. What’s included in your menu packages?

  7. Do you allow menu adjustments?

  8. Do you offer bar staffing?

  9. Does your staff set the tables? (Plates, flatware, glasses)

  10. Are staff gratuities included in the pricing? If not, what’s the preferred rate and way to handle them? Do you allow tip jars on bar as an alternative?

  11. How are tastings handled?

  12. When do you need final counts by?

  13. Do you prepare extra meals?

  14. How do you handle kids meals? Vendor meals?

  15. What do you do with leftovers?

  16. How do you prepare and bring food to event (if not prepared onsite)?

  17. What space, tables, etc will you need for a catering prep area (non-traditional venue)

  18. Does staff stay through the end to continue clearing glassware through the end of the event?

  19. How do you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?

  20. How is pricing determined

    1. What’s the pricing difference for plated vs. buffet vs. family style?

    2. Is there a room rental fee? Are there separate fees for each room/space? (Ceremony, cocktail hour, reception?)

    3. Is there a food and beverage minimum

    4. Is there a service fee? What items do/do not have this fee? Does this cover staff gratuities, or is that an additional cost? If additional, ask how it’s calculated

    5. Are taxes applied to to all costs? Some states don’t tax food or certain services.

    6. Is there a different price on different days of the week? Time of year?

    7. What is the payment schedule?

    8. Is there a fee for cake cutting or setting up an outside dessert station?

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