Questions Every Couple Should Ask on Their Wedding Venue Tour

Beginning your search for the perfect wedding venue? There are some key questions that you, as a couple, should be asking during your venue tour!

My name is Emilee Clark, owner of Enchanted Moments Wedding & Event Planning, LLC. I have visited several venues with and without clients, and I have learned all of the right questions to ask to make the most of your wedding venue.

I would love to help you on your wedding venue search, as well as planning and/or coordinating your wedding day! Feel free to stay a while and take a look around my website :)

Question 1: What's included in the rental fee?

Let's be real, you will be spending most of your wedding budget on the perfect venue. So, why not make the most of it?!

Let's ask about tables and chairs: how many do they have and what do they look like?

How about linens? Does the venue provide floor length linens, and what do those look like?

Any decor? Usually, this is an added fee if they have movable structures (pillars, arches, etc.), extra lights, and other decor. But hey, it's definitely worth asking about!

When on your venue tour, it's important to know what is absolutely included and what is an add-on fee, so be specific when asking!

Question 2: How many hours do you have the space for?

This is important! The LAST thing you want on your wedding day is to be in the middle of your celebration, then have the clean-up crew join the party (and not in a "Cupid Shuffle" way).

When can you start setting up, and what does tear down look like? Will the space be shared for the time that you have it?

Does the time include a rehearsal dinner at the venue? Typically, you have the option to have your rehearsal on-site, but it's always a good thing to double check!

Asking this question will also help you (or your coordinator!) create a wedding day timeline. Timelines are so important because they guarantee that you make the most of your time with the rentals you have (and spent a pretty penny on). Speaking of, let me help! I offer a timeline creation service, so you can have the structure without the pre-wedding stress of creating it.

Question 3: Is there a backup plan for weather?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but there is not a "weather coordinator" that you can hire for your big day. I know, I know, shocker!

With that being said, let's make sure there's a back up plan in case of rain, snow, or excessive heat. We want to make sure that all of your wedding guests are able to attend, and to keep hair/makeup/outfits in wedding-ready shape!

Question 4: Is there a preferred vendor list, or can I hire my own?

This is a personal preference question. If you have wedding professionals that you have your heart set on (ex: a caterer from the restaurant you had your first date, a baker who makes your favorite dessert, etc.) then definitely ask this question! If the venue does have a preferred vendor list, they likely are not going to make the exception for you.

If you have no preference, then a preferred vendor list might help you narrow down some options!

Again, it's a personal preference question that you can decide on during planning.

Question 5: Is there a space for getting ready on-site?

A on-site getting ready space will make your day so much more seamless. For the bride, you will be able to have space for you and your bridesmaids+mothers to get ready in one space, without the stress of having to transport everyone (and everything) from point A to point B. For the groom... you may be out of luck. Don't get too down in the dumps though, sometimes the venues do accommodate the groom's side of the wedding party! This is why it's important to ask about the on-site getting ready space.

These are my five major questions when I visit a wedding venue! I hope they serve you well, and that you find the venue of your dreams for a beautiful wedding day.

I would love to be your helper in planning, asking questions, brainstorming, and coordinating your day! Visit the Contact page on my website to get in touch.

Happy Planning!

Emilee Clark, Enchanted Moments Wedding & Event Planning, LLC.