Questions to Ask When Booking Your Wedding Venue

Questions to ask your wedding venue before or after booking

The Basics

Name of the contact individual for your reception
Telephone number of contact individual
Best time to reach the contact individual
What dates are available?
Ask if there is a minimum number of guests that have to be reserved?
What is the maximum number of guests that have to be reserved?
What is the fee per guest or total rental cost?

Pricing 

What pricing is available for a sit-down dinner?
What pricing is available for a buffet dinner?
Ask if alcohol is part of the package?
Is there a fee for cutting the cake?
What gratuities are included?
Are there any additional fees?

Food and Beverages

Is it possible to use an out-of-house caterer?
If an out-of-house caterer is used, are kitchen facilities available?
What is the name and address of the in-house caterer?
If an in-house caterer, what is the contact information (name and telephone number) for the person in charge of planning?
Can substitutions be made on the menu?
Is there a separate fee for the cake? If so, what is your pricing range?
Are there any restrictions on serving alcohol?
Do you have a current license to serve alcohol at this location?

Parking

Are specific parking spaces reserved for the wedding party?
How many parking spaces are available for the wedding reception?
Will a valet be on duty for the wedding reception?
Is there an additional cost for parking services?

Entertainment

Is there a dance floor?
Are there in-house bands?
Is it possible to use an out-of-house band?
Are the band and dance floor included in the quoted fee?
Are there any restrictions on the type of music?

Other

How many servers are there for guests?
Will the amount of time be set aside for the reception?
Are rice tossing, rose petal tossing, and similar practices allowed?
What type of table and room decorations will be available?
Can additional decorations be set up?
Are rooms available for changing?
What kind of restroom facilities will be available?
Will a maid be available for the restroom?
Are there handicap options in the venue?
Are there any reception favors?
When is the final headcount needed- how many days or weeks in advance?

Payment Options 

What type of deposit is required?
What kind of payment will you accept- personal check, certified bank check, or credit card?
What type of payment plan or policy is available?
When is the final payment due?
What is the procedure for cancellations?

Reputation and Liability Insurance

How many years has the facility been in business?
How often does the facility host wedding receptions?
Is the facility entirely covered with liability insurance?