Ask These 12 Questions During a Venue Site Visit

Venues cost a lot like buying a car, would you buy a car without test driving it first?

I even

test drive bicycles

while in the store… when I’m not buying them…

Testing anything is a lot like touring a venue. During these tours, you want to get as much information on the place as possible, which means asking questions.

If you are not planning an Air BNB backyard wedding, then you might hire a wedding venue. This determines everything from the kind of decorations you’ll pick, your guest count budget & many other important aspects of your wedding.

this is the must-read guide on interview questions to ask venues at site visits

We know you want to pick the perfect venue that will fit your needs and ideas. We want you to get the most out of your wedding venue visits. We suggest you continue reading our expert guide below.

What is the Venue’s Max Capacity

This question is one of the first you’ll want to ask. It’s obvious why because you have to know if all your guests will fit in your venue. Some venues might look big enough to fit 200 people. Still, their capacity might be to only 100 people.

this could be due to city regulations or fire hazard laws

Don’t be tricked by big spaces in venues because the legal capacity might be less than what you’d expect. The number they give you might be the right one for you, but maybe you’ll have to either switch the venue or reduce your guest list.

Also, some vendors might try to overbook their venues. They might try to pack 280 guests in a room that only seats 250.

Be cautious of the fact that they don’t want to miss your potential booking because their venue is too small. Your guests need to be comfortable. You don’t want to be at max capacity or your venue might feel too cramped.

What Kind of Lighting is Available

Some venues have lights and spotlights already incorporated into their venue. They might use these for their events or even have a recommended in house lighting company.

If they are using an in-house company do you have to hire their services? Some venues make you buy out a contract to hire outside companies. It is best to ask first.

if your venue doesn’t provide lighting then you can hire someone or do it yourself

You want to make sure that it also fits your style. You can always find a wedding vendor to install some wireless uplights for you, or even better, you can do it yourself.

Read our article to get more ideas on DIY uplighting. You can rent cafe lighting, that looks amazing and are easy to set up. DIY lighting is just one way to create a dream wedding.

Is Décor Included & What isn’t Allowed

During your visit to your venue, it’s important to know if there will be decorations included. If you are just booking a venue does it include wedding drapery rentals? Find out everything that your venue includes in their rental agreement.

Keep in mind that you have more negotiating power before you sign the contract! If there is a sticking point or something you want to be worked into the contract ask before signing.

If the venue is more inclined to book your date, they might include an upgraded bar, extra hours, larger space, or additional setup time.

find out if there are any limitations for vendors setting up and hanging decoration rentals

Your venue limitations are very important. Their contract may prevent you from doing any of the following:

• shots at the bar

• glitter or confetti

• lighting real candles

• noise ordinances from music

• vendors hanging anything above

• dancing in the clouds

• indoor cold spark fireworks

• sparkler send-off

• tape for cords on the floor

• last-minute overtime

• limited setup or tear-down times

Make sure your venue is vendor friendly. Because if it is not, then you might face extra fees. Budget accordingly and try to work with vendors that are familiar with your venue. This will help you avoid any last-minute costs.

What if your venue has walls that you would rather have hidden? You can easily create a portable wall divider on a budget.

We recommend wedding drapery to take your experience to the next level. Get a simple rental like a wedding chuppah. If you don’t know where to find a wedding arch simply click the link.

Is Parking Available On-Site

This is important especially if you are downtown. Sometimes venues offer a dedicated parking lot or they can recommend a nearby structure.

factor shuttling guests into your schedule so you stay on time

So what happens if there is a game that day? You should also ask them if they offer a valet parking service for your guests’ vehicles.

How Many Hours of Rental are Included

You need enough time for the reception as well as the setup time for your vendors. Your hired help will need to install your flower wall rental, floral garlands, sound, and party lighting rental.

It would help if you also asked about the fees for extra time. You don’t want to be charged hundreds of dollars for an extra 30 minutes.

does your venue double book, avoid this concern so you have enough setup time

It is much easier to negotiate extra time before you sign on the dotted line. Usually, this concern isn’t mentioned until your vendors bring it up (after you have booked the venue). The number of hours of your rental is very important for your wedding.

Is Catering Service Included

Many venues already have a team of chefs & waiters. This will save you money since you won’t have to hire outside catering services.

On the other hand, you may want a certain catering vendor or even hire a food truck. Your event might have cultural significance & need a specific style of food to fit your family preference.

planning a cultural event requires specific food styles most venues don’t offer

If your venue can not accommodate your food selections, then they should be open to vendors within your community. For example, if you are planning an Indian wedding you might want a mandap rental but will still need Indian food.

Depending on your location, venues will allow the possibility of an outside caterer. They would rather book the date than have an open Saturday on their calendar. Ask if your venue allows external catering vendors.

How Do Vendors Load-In

some rental companies charge higher prices for venues with load-in inconveniences

Venues can be hard to access for vendors. They need a way to move their equipment into the event space.

What venue factors affect vendor pricing?

• is the surface flat for them to roll equipment

• do they need an elevator/freight elevator

• is there a security checkpoint area

• the worst-case scenario is taking stairs

• where is parking for oversized box trucks

• how far away is parking from the event space

• how much setup time is allowed

• is there a lot of congestion at the loading dock

• is the event taking place outside

What Time Can Vendors Start Setup

Before the big event, we do not always see countless hours of preparation. You need to ask your vendors in advance how much time they will need for setup. This can even be a task for your wedding coordinator.

we suggest at least 4-6 hours for the average amount of time for decoration setup YMMV

Chances are you will book your venue first. You don’t want to sign a contract that limits the amount of setup time. You will need enough time to transform your space so it fits your vision.

Can I Have My Ceremony Here

It’s a good idea to have the ceremony and the reception at the same place. This prevents any issues with people moving between (2) locations.

a possible logistic issue with guests could be vehicles problems between the ceremony and reception location

You will also make better use of your rental time (since it takes driving out of the equation). If your venue can’t host the ceremony then you might need to figure out guest transportation.

How Is Local Traffic

If you’re in a bustling city, chances are your venue will be on the main street. If there is a lot of local traffic you should ask the banquet manager giving you the venue tour about what to expect on the day of your wedding.

visit your venue on a weekend to guage traffic for guest before event start time

It is best to communicate any traffic concerns to guests so they can plan accordingly. This will help ensure your event runs on time.

Is There a Plan B for Bad Weather

If you live in a rainy region or your wedding takes place during the rainy season, you should find out if the venue has some plan B for your event in case the weather turns out gloomy. Also, ask if they offer some heating for the event if it gets cold.

plan b is vital for an outside ceremony or cocktail hour partially outdoors

You also need to know when ‘the call’ will be made for it to be outside or inside. Who will make the call? Your vendors will have to adjust accordingly and some ground rules will need to be set for everyone to be on the same page.

There has to be enough time to move to a second location if that is the case. For example, if it looks gloomy at 3 pm it is a no-go, or if it starts sprinkling 5 minutes before it is still a go.

Deposit, Refund & Cancellation Policies

You never anticipate what can go wrong with your wedding, so you should know about these sorts of policies. You will have a better idea of what to do if you need to cancel & how the venue’s deposit policy works.

was there a reason why you choose your venue, tell us why in the comments below

Make sure every detail is specifically written in your contract. If there is anything you don’t understand get further clarification. We hope our list helps you get a better idea of what questions to ask when touring a wedding venue!