Hey there, lovely couples! Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming journey, and one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect venue. A lot of times couples can be blind sighted when it comes to venue contacts and vendor agreements. (We don’t want that to happen to you!!) Here are 6 questions to ask your wedding venue that I bet you haven’t thought about!

1. Are Tips for the Service Crew Included in the Invoice?

Venues have a service team, and it’s common to tip in the service industry. The good news is some venues include this fee!! Others don’t, and the service crew plays a crucial role in making your day special. It’s important to know if tips are already included in the invoice or if you’ll need to budget for them separately. This way, there are no surprises when it comes to your final bill!

2. When Can We Schedule Our Rehearsal?

We totally get it—scheduling a rehearsal can be tricky, especially when venues have other events in the mix. Ask the venue about the earliest possible and earliest guaranteed time you can schedule your rehearsal. Knowing this in advance helps you plan and coordinate with your wedding party & family without any last-minute hiccups.

3. What Are the Costs for Extra Hours?

Timing is so important on your big day. If you want to start early for hair and makeup, or need extra hours for the reception, ask about the additional costs. For example, if the venue is available for 12 hours but you need to start at 8 AM instead of noon, it’s good to know how much that will set you back. This ensures you can plan your day according to your visions without stressing over unexpected fees. (You’d be surprised how quickly time flies on your wedding day. Check out our blog on what you should do before our team even arrives!)

4. Are There Getting Ready Rooms for the Groom and Groomsmen?

Bridal suites are often stunning, but let’s not forget about the groom and his groomsmen! Ask about dedicated getting ready rooms for them. It’s not uncommon to hear horror stories of groomsmen stuck in an unfinished basement or a room without air conditioning. Make sure everyone has a comfortable and stylish (ahem, these photos matter!) space to prep for the big day.

5. What Are the Weather Contingency Plans?

Stormy skies are gorgeous, but Mother Nature can be unpredictable and that can dampen plans, so it’s essential to have a backup plan. Inquire about the venue’s weather contingency plans and any associated costs if you need to make a last-minute change due to weather. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that a little rain won’t dampen your spirits.

6. Vendor Arrival Times and Set-Up Charges

Depending on how elaborate your wedding setup will be, it’s important to know when vendors can arrive and if there are charges for early or extended set-up times. If your decor is elaborate or intricate and requires multiple days or extra hours to set up, you’ll want to factor this into your planning and budget.

Choosing the right venue is a significant step in your wedding planning journey, and asking the right questions can make all the difference. I hope these questions to ask your wedding venue were insightful! Happy planning!!!

Still have questions, or eager to see if your wedding date is still available on our calendar?? Let’s chat!