Finding the perfect wedding venue can be overwhelming. Beyond looking for the picture-perfect backdrop for your big day, there are many other things to consider: parking, linens, staffing, etc.<\/p>\n
When touring different venues, it\u2019s easy to fall in love with the location. But be sure to read the fine print. Before you sign a contract, be prepared with these 10 questions:<\/p>\n
How many tables and chairs can you provide?
\nIt\u2019s important to know how many guests the venue can accommodate. Also, ask to see the tables and chairs that will be used. If the furniture doesn\u2019t match your style, ask if the venue would allow a rental company to provide tables and chairs for your event.<\/p>\n
Do you include linens?
\nSome venues offer linen service, but some do not. Ask what kind of tablecloths, table runners, and napkins are available, if any. The most common color palettes are white and cream. If you\u2019re looking for something different, you may want to get an estimate from a third-party linen service that offers more variety.<\/p>\n
Do you provide signage to direct guests to events on property?
\nThis little detail goes a long way. Guests will feel more relaxed if they know exactly where to go for the ceremony, appetizers, dinner, dancing, and the send-off. If the venue doesn\u2019t include signage, consider bringing your own or renting signs from a local company like Vintage or Scripted (look them up on Facebook for style inspiration). Using antique mirrors or chalkboard signs is a great way to incorporate your wedding theme. Plus, the signs can communicate information about where to sit, what\u2019s on the menu, and what hashtag to use.<\/p>\n
Where will guests park, and how many cars does the parking lot accommodate?
\nMake sure there\u2019s room for everyone on your guest list. Ask yourself how the parking will impact your guests. Will the ladies be walking through a dirt or gravel lot in heels? Will guests have to park on the street and walk a considerable distance wearing formal attire? If the parking situation is complex, give your guests advance notice on your wedding website.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the back-up plan for bad weather?
\n\u201cStart imagining your wedding while you walk the grounds,\u201d says Julie Hostler at The 1752 Estate. Imagine a variety of weather, too. What if it rains? What about high winds? Will the temperature be too hot or too cold? The right venue will have solutions for each of these scenarios.<\/p>\n
Do you provide staffing for serving, set up, clean up, etc.?
\nYou\u2019d be surprised how many venues don\u2019t provide any staff at all. The church where I got married had no staffing arrangements for cleaning up, so my bridal party had to work overtime. Ask in advance if your venue will provide an event coordinator, audio\/visual support, food service professionals, and a cleaning crew.<\/p>\n
What kind of fees do you charge?
\n\u201cNo one likes to be surprised with hidden costs,\u201d says Hostler. \u201cAlways ask what is included in the price.\u201d In addition to rental fees, your venue may charge booking fees, setup fees, management fees, etc. Don\u2019t be caught off guard by these extra fees\u2014ask about them up front.<\/p>\n
What rules do we need to know about?
\nVenues often establish a set of guidelines for event use. For example, some venues might not allow pets or alcohol on premises. You should know about such restrictions before signing a contract. If you come across a rule that will affect your plans, see if they will make an exception for your wedding. It never hurts to ask!<\/p>\n
What kind of packages do you offer?
\nEvery venue is unique. Ask about different rental packages, what they include, and the pricing. Kelly Heckman at Winridge Manor\u00a0offers some great advice about selecting a package that will fit your style. \u201cIf you are a bride who adores DIY projects and really wants to have a \u2018hands-on\u2019 creative touch for\u00a0your special day, ask your venue about packages that allow this. If you are a bride who wants very little stress and you prefer to have everything done for you, find an all-inclusive package.\u201d<\/p>\n
Can you provide references?
\nYour venue should have a list of satisfied customers. Ask if you can contact their references, and check sources like Yelp and the venue\u2019s Facebook page to read reviews. Ultimately, you want to know that other brides were happy with the venue and its services.<\/p>\n
Remember\u2014when it comes to choosing a venue, it\u2019s all about what you love. \u201cWhen all is said and done, follow your heart,\u201d says Heckman. \u201cWhen you find that one special place to begin your \u2018Happily Ever After,\u2019 you\u2019ll know it.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Venue Finding the perfect wedding venue can be overwhelming. Beyond looking for the picture-perfect backdrop for your big day, there are many other things to consider: parking, linens, staffing, etc. When touring different venues, it\u2019s easy to fall in love with the location. But be sure to read the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2303,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37,30,44,38],"tags":[159],"class_list":["post-1297","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-best-moments","category-features","category-the-details","category-venue-tips","tag-wedding-decor"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1297"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1297\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1297"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1297"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/centralvirginiaweddings.com\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}