Finding the perfect wedding venue can be overwhelming, especially in the Phoenix area, where there are SO MANY OPTIONS! We recommend working with a wedding planner who can help you narrow down the hundreds of options to just three or four to review. But if you decide to go it alone, here are some great questions to ask your potential wedding venue:
- Can I have the ceremony here, also? If so, what are the options? Be sure to ask about indoor and outdoor options and contingency plans in case of rain.
- Are there separate spaces for the cocktail hour and for dinner?
- What is the square footage of the venue? Be sure to be clear about which rooms are included in that. Also ask where the bar, tables and dance floor are usually located. You may also want to ask about buffet table and head table set up.
- How big is the dance floor? Is there space for a band or DJ? If band, how many people?
- What is the maximum number of guests this venue can accommodate? Then ask what is the largest number it can accommodate comfortably. Normally these numbers are different!
- How many weddings have you hosted? Feel free to ask for references or look up reviews on sites such as Yelp and WeddingWire.com.
- Do I have to choose from a preferred vendor list? Can I bring in my own alcohol?
- What are the rates? Are there discounts for week day or brunch events, for example?
- Do you have our preferred dates available? Is anyone else looking at those dates? How early do you typically book up?
- How many bathrooms are there? Where are they located? Will they be shared with other event-goers at this venue? You should be sure to check them out.
- What are the parking options? Do you have valet? Do my guests have to pay for parking or valet services?
- Where do couples typically take photographs? Do you have photos of other weddings here?
- Are there restrictions on decorations? Be sure to ask about open flames/candles, and wall and ceiling decorations.
- Where do the bride and groom get ready? Be sure to check out lighting, for example, in the bride's suite (for makeup!).
- What is the guest-to-staff ratio? What does the staff wear, and is there any flexibility in that?
- What kind of lighting is standard? What are the lighting options?
- What kind of sound system is available? Is there an additional cost to use it?
- How many hours do we have the space in total? And before the event (for decorating)? Are there any noise restrictions and a time by which we have to be out?
- Who sets up for the wedding, and is there an on-site coordinator included in the cost of the venue rental?
- Will other events be going on at the same time? Or on the same day? This may affect the time you can set up for your event.
If you can think of any others, please let us know. Also check out our Vendors link on the blog for reviews of some local wedding venues!
I scanned your list to see if there is something I can add more but I guess you have listed all of them.
Cheers,
James
Thanks for the tips! I have been helping my good friend plan her wedding. We were looking into wedding venues in Barrie, and your post has really helped! Thanks for the thoughts!
Thanks for the great article! I learned a lot about great wedding venues. Keep up the great work!
I’ve just started planning my wedding and these tips really helped me decide on the Ottawa wedding venue I chose. Thanks so much for putting this list together. I don’t know what I would have done without it.
Thanks for the great information, and my partner and I are currently looking for a good wedding venue. And we’ve been checking out http://www.suitedreams.com but after looking at some of these questions to ask we might have to keep looking. But thanks again for sharing.