Venue Scouting: What to Ask When You Tour Potential Wedding Venues

Touring wedding venues is an exciting and often early step in the wedding planning process, so it can be daunting. No worries! I am here to help. Here is what to ask when you tour potential wedding venues.

Capacity and Availability

The capacity and availability of a venue are going to be the first questions you’ll want to ask about a venue. Are they available on your dates? If not, are they available close to your dates, and are you willing to budge on the date? Will the venue be able to accommodate the number of guests you plan to invite?

Packages and Cost

To know if the venue is within your budget, you’ll need to know the rental price. Make sure to ask if there are any wedding-specific packages and what those prices would be. Along with this, get prices for any potential in-house catering or bar services or if there are any extra fees if you plan to bring your own.

Times and Coordination

Will this venue provide the parameters you need to comfortably set up and take down everything from your wedding? Make sure to ask! How early are you allowed to arrive on the day to set up? Is there a point of contact for questions and concerns?

Décor and Restrictions

Some venues have restrictions on décor so it is important to ask. Are you allowed to bring your own decorations? Are there any restrictions on what you can or can’t have? Does the venue have preferred vendors or are you also allowed to bring your own?

Amenities and Logistics

What does the venue offer in amenities? You’ll want to ask about a few things, including parking availability for your guests, if the space is wheelchair accessible, if they have an in-house caterer or if you can bring your own, and any other special amenities or services they offer.

Other than these questions, make sure to inquire about extra amenities, like if the venue has a sound system or DJ equipment, if there are any music restrictions, and if there is a noise curfew.

Food and Beverages

When it comes to drinks and food, make sure you understand what is and isn’t allowed. Is there a restriction on the types or amounts of alcohol served? Does the venue have a liquor license or will you need to obtain one? And is there a corkage fee if you supply your own wine or champagne?

Make sure to take notes when you tour each venue so you can go back and compare after! Your notes should also include the ambiance of the location and how you felt visiting because, as always, your wedding day is about you and you want it to be somewhere that feels right.

And if Ireland is your destination of choice, here are some top places to wed in Ireland.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Image by Peter Carvill