So you just got engaged…and you’re still on Cloud Nine. At PartySlate, we want to make sure you keep your post-engagement bliss throughout the entire planning process — including during your wedding venue walk-through.
Yes, planning a wedding can be stressful, especially if you don’t do your research. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you, so you can sit back and enjoy this momentous time in your life.
Keep reading to discover 57 questions to ask a wedding venue before you sign the dotted line. From logistics and finances to décor and catering constraints, these need-to-know topics will keep you in the driver’s seat — and ensure that your big day is everything that you envisioned.
Remember, finding the right venue is just one step of many. Scroll to the end to find even more ways that PartySlate can help you plan your ideal wedding. Consider this your one-stop-shop for finding venues, vendors, and the best ideas and inspiration.
Logistics
Food & Beverage
Décor & Rentals
AV & Technology
Vendors & Staffing
Financials
Miscellaneous
Logistics
photographer: James x Schulze | photo courtesy of: Marcy Blum Associates | venue: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea || photographers: Amber & Dustin S | venue: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
It may be tempting to focus solely on architectural details and the beauty of a space; however, you also want to keep logistical matters in mind. These less glamorous, but essential, checklist items could be the difference between your dream wedding and a day of unforeseen headaches; so make sure to ask the venue event manager the following questions:
- How many hours does the rental fee include? Is there an overtime fee if guests linger too long?
- What are the local noise ordinances, and will I need to move my reception to an after party?
- Is the venue ADA compliant? What accommodations can the venue provide for me or my guests?
- If a hotel, what overnight accommodations are available? Can I book a hotel block at a discount? Is there a complimentary room for newlyweds?
- Is parking available and complimentary? If not, is there parking close by?
- Are you able to assist in setting up a shuttle service?
- Do you provide security services for me and my guests?
- Are there any specialty restrictions? What are the dos and don’ts that I should know about in advance?
Focus on Food & Beverage
photographer: Kate Preftakes Photography | venue: Mandarin Oriental, Boston || photographer: Victoria Angela Photography | photo courtesy of: Whitney Carillon Events | venue: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Food and beverage trends have evolved from simple sustenance to Instagram-worthy moments. Passed apps, food trucks, and culinary stations complement seated dinners. Moreover, many couples are reinventing the all-inclusive bar package with custom cocktails and trendy bar carts.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your venue can accommodate any religious or dietary restrictions. For example, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes offers specialty cuisines for an Indian wedding. Some venues are also more likely to prioritize organic and locally-grown produce, like Mandarin Oriental, Boston. If being able to customize your menu is important to you, make sure you work with a venue that either allows outside caterers or personalized menus.
Your venue choice will ultimately affect your food and beverage offerings, so make sure you know which questions to ask during your venue walk-through.
9. Is there an exclusive caterer? If so, can they accommodate cultural or dietary restrictions?
10. Can we customize our menu?
11. Do you have a preferred catering list?
12. If I bring in an outside caterer, is there an on-site kitchen available?
13. Are you licensed to provide alcohol services? Are there any alcohol restrictions?
14. Is there a corkage fee?
15. What is the food and beverage minimum? What is the service and tax charge?
16. Will a food tasting be included? Can this be scheduled before we finalize our menu?
17. Can I bring in a cake from an outside bakery?
18. Is there a cake-cutting fee?
If you do decide to go with an outside caterer, you can use PartySlate’s curated directory to find the ideal culinary team. Click the button below to find the best catering and bar services near you.
Determine Your Décor & Rental Needs
photographer: Erika Nizborski Photography | venue: Sequoia || photographer: Kristen Cloyd Photography | venue: The Metropolitan
Your décor and rental needs will vary depending on which type of venue you select. As discussed above, raw venue spaces typically require everything to be outsourced. On the other hand, a venue like The Metropolitan in Chicago will come equipped with tables, chairs, china, and stemware.
The style of the space may also determine your decorations. A venue like Sequoia in Washington, D.C. features a neon and glass vacuum tube light installation and colorful artwork. We love how the wedding above chose crimson seating to complement the contemporary wall decorations.
Come prepared to your venue walk-through with the following questions. Remember, your decorations will create the mood and ambiance of your celebration, so it’s important to broach this subject from the very beginning.
19. What is the layout of the space? How will celebration flow from ceremony to reception? Is there space for a cocktail hour, and will that room need to be decorated?
20. Which basic rentals come with the venue fee?
21. If included, what are the quality of china, barware, chairs, etc.?
22. If tables are included, how many people do they seat?
23. Are ceiling decorations allowed? Are there any other décor restrictions?
24. Is live flame allowed?
25. Am I allowed to rearrange furniture in the space?
Use PartySlate to find the best design and floral teams near you. Click the button to begin your search. Make sure to also check out their PartySlate profile and see real examples of their work.
Know Your Entertainment Options
photographer: Elvira Kalviste Photography | venue: City Winery NYC – Pier 57 || photographer: Iris Mannings Photography | photo courtesy of: Jayne Heir Weddings & Events | venue: The Schuyler
Entertainment is a critical component of your wedding reception. From your first wedding dance to important cultural dances like the hora, the dance floor is where so many lifelong memories are made. The type and style of your entertainment will inevitably depend on your venue’s offerings and restrictions.
A venue like City Winery NYC – Pier 57 comes with a built-in stage and state-of-the-art sound production system, ensuring a live band has everything it needs for a night of showstopping entertainment. The Schuyler in Washington, D.C. provides the dance floor and stage, saving you the hassle of outsourcing your rentals.
You don’t need to have an entertainment plan set in stone when you begin your venue search. Just make sure you ask the right questions so you can determine your entertainment needs down the line — all while staying on budget.
26. Is there space for a live band or DJ?
27. Are a stage and dance floor included in the venue fee?
28. Are alternative entertainment options allowed?
29. Is there a rigging system for acrobatic performances?
30. Are cold fireworks or confetti drops allowed?
PartySlate is your go-to resource for finding the best event vendors in the business. Click the button below to find the right entertainment option for you. Use the filters to narrow your search by bands, DJs, performance acts, and more.
Ask About AV & Technology
photographer: Studio This Is | venue: The Geraghty || photographer: When and Where Photos | venue: Candela La Brea
A venue with in-house AV capabilities is always a plus. While many raw spaces may offer advantages with their customizable layouts, their lack of infrastructure is something to consider. If AV capabilities are important to you, you’ll want to look for a venue that prioritizes state-of the art technology.
We love how Candela La Brea in Los Angeles features in-house immersive 3D projection mapping. For advanced technology, we especially love The Geraghty in Chicago. This contemporary venue comes with an on-site technician, overhead LED wall-to-wall lighting, a private green room, and a distributed audio delay system and technician.
AV and technology can be the difference between a great event and an extraordinary event, so come prepared with the right questions.
31. What sound and lighting options are available?
32. What AV equipment is included in the venue fee?
33. Is there a dedicated AV technician on-site or do you allow outside vendors?
34. What are the wi-fi capabilities?
35. What are the power specifications in the building? Is power run on separate circuits?
36. Does the venue have rigging capabilities for specialty lighting?
PartySlate is here to connect you with the best AV and technology companies. Click the button below to begin your search. Use filters to narrow your options by services and more.
Verify Your Vendor & Staffing Needs
photographer: Ashley Blitz Photography | venue: Margaret Place || photographer: Brandi Sisson Photography | venue: The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel
Some venues maintain a list of required vendors or in-house teams. The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta boasts their own catering team that specializes in creating upscale menus for your luxe celebration — eliminating the need to find an outsider vendor.
However, if you have your heart set on a particular team, you’ll want to make sure the event space allows for outside vendors. If you do have a particular vendor in mind, you can choose a wedding venue that allows outside caterers like Margaret Place, a boutique hotel in New Orleans.
37. Do you have an exclusive vendor list or preferred vendors?
38. Do you have an on-site events manager or coordinator?
39. What time can my vendors start setting up my event?
40. Does the load out need to happen immediately after the event?
41. What are the hours of access for the loading dock?
42. What is the max truck size and height?
43. What is the path from the loading dock to the event space?
Use PartySlate to find all of your vendors in one place. Click the button below and use the filters to find photographers, caterers, florists, rentals, and more.
Don’t Forget the Financials
photographer: Hunter Ryan Photo | photo courtesy of: Carrie Darling Events || photographer: Alisha Siegel Photography | venue: Freehand Miami
Weddings are a major investment. Make sure you are aware of all hidden costs before making a final decision or signing any paperwork. Cover your bases by asking the right questions from the start. There’s a good chance your wedding planner may have industry connections, so make sure to bring your planner along during contract negotiations.
44. What’s included in the venue rental fee?
45. What extra costs should I be aware of (i.e. tax, service fees, delivery fees, labor fees, requested gratuities, etc.)?
46. When are deposits due?
47. What is the cancellation policy? What portion of the fee is refundable?
48. What are the overtime fees?
49. Do you have liability insurance? Will that cost extra?
50. Is there an additional cost for a cocktail hour?
Click below to learn how your wedding planner can save you money during the process. Yes, really.
Make Note of Miscellaneous Items
photographer: Husar Photography | photo courtesy of: Clementine Custom Events | venue: Thompson Chicago || photo courtesy of & venue: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
So much goes into planning the perfect wedding — which is why it’s important to keep the smallest details in mind. You’ll want to make sure you find a venue with premier customer service as well a venue with stunning photo ops — like Thompson Chicago and Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.
Keep reading to make sure you don’t forget any miscellaneous, but important, questions. As your wedding planner will surely tell you, being thorough is key.
51. Can we host a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch here?
52. Is there a good place at the venue or nearby for wedding portraits and a first look?
53. Do you offer a coat check service?
54. Are there restrooms and changing areas available?
55. Is there a weather contingency plan for an outdoor wedding?
56. Do you recycle or donate leftover food and flowers?
57. Will you help transport any gifts to our hotel room or vehicle?
People Also Ask…
How can PartySlate help me plan my wedding?
PartySlate is your go-to resource for finding the best venues and vendors — for all types of events. Click the icons below to browse our curated venue and vendor directory. Look for the “featured” tags to see PartySlate’s top picks. If you see a good fit, you can reach out from the directory without ever leaving the page.
Where can I find more wedding ideas?
We look through thousands of wedding photos everyday to find the best ideas and inspiration. Click on the following guides to start planning your wedding vision. You’ll find everything from the latest trends to classic ideas that never go out of style.
