Achieving that perfect wedding day is a lot harder than it looks. You’ll have to sort out a million little details to make sure everything goes smoothly on the day of.

While it won’t be the end of the world if the place cards are the wrong shade of pink or the caterer needs to serve broccoli instead of asparagus with dinner, there are some aspects that make a huge impact on your special day.

One of those is the venue. You’ll need to know what questions to ask a wedding venue to ensure you get a location that meets all your needs.

Of course, you already know to ask about the price and capacity.

But, what else should you ask? Keep reading to find out.

1. What’s the Payment Schedule?

Almost every venue requires a deposit upfront and the rest of the payment by the day of your wedding.

However, every location has a different way of handling payments. One location may want monthly payments, one may expect you to pay all at once, and one may work with you to come up with a plan.

Make sure you ask what the payment schedule is, so you don’t have any unnecessary stress trying to pay the venue.

2. Do You Offer Catering?

Food is another important element of your wedding. If you have a specific caterer in mind, make sure you ask the venue if you’re allowed to use them.

Some wedding venues have an in-house caterer that you must use or a list of approved caterers to choose from.

While an in-house caterer can be the easiest option, it isn’t always the best (or cheapest). So be sure to ask for a food tasting before booking a venue with a caterer.

3. When Can I Start Decorating?

Imagine how stressed you’ll be if you can’t start decorating for your wedding reception until 8:00 the night before. An easy way to avoid this is by asking potential venues when you’re allowed to start decorating.

Make sure you ask what happens if someone books the room the day before your wedding. Will the venue ensure they’re gone by a certain time to let you decorate?

4. Will There Be Other Events Going On?

Keep in mind that you’re likely visiting venues during slow times. They may be jam-packed with events during the weekend and have a completely different feel.

Be sure to ask if there will be other events going on. If so, know that the venue will likely be louder and more crowded.

You may also want to ask if you’ll have staff members assigned specifically to your wedding, instead of being split between two or more events. You may also want to ask if your guests will have a special area of the parking lot, so they don’t have trouble finding a spot.

5. Is There a Backup Plan?

Mother Nature can be really unpredictable. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding or cocktail hour, it’s vital that you ask about a backup plan.

The last thing you want is to have to get married under a rickety tent or have all your guests crammed into a tiny room for the cocktail hour. Make sure you’re happy with the backup plan in case your special day does come with a little rain.

Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue

If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, you can’t overlook the importance of your venue. Make sure you remember these questions to ask a wedding venue, so you find the perfect match.

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