Page 74 - Wedding Essentials & Essential Groom Issue 7

What Questions Do You Ask Before Booking a Venue?
How many SEATED guests can the wedding ven- ue accommodate?
While a wedding venue might state that they can accommodate up to 200 guests, it might not always mean that all 200 guests can be seated at the same time. Make sure that howev- er many guests you want to invite will be able to be seated comfortably inside your wedding venue.
Does the wedding venue have a rainy day weather backup plan?
What happens if it rains? While a tent can be an option, does the wedding venue have anoth-
er room or area that can be used in case of a storm or cold/windy weather?
Is there a catering kitchen/area?
Some wedding venues (such as farms) do not have a working kitchen for the caterer to use. If they don’t you can expect to pay a lot more for your caterer to set one up.
Can you bring in outside vendors? Alternatively, can you bring in our own alcohol?
If your wedding venue is not a restaurant or hotel with a built-in restaurant, food and bever- ages will have to be brought in. Some wedding venues ask that you choose a caterer from their list of approved vendors, while others will let you choose. You should nd out which option
a wedding venue offers, and also if the cater- er has to bring in alcohol or if you are able to bring your own. Often a wedding venue will not allow you to bring your own, but other times they will for a corkage fee. Being able to bring in your own alcohol can end up saving you lots of money in the long run.
What is the parking situation?
Is there a nearby or attached parking lot or garage? If not, does the wedding venue supply valet for a fee or do you have to arrange on your own?
Do they book more than one wedding a day?
Sometimes popular venues will book a
morning wedding and also an evening
wedding. If they do, you’ll want to make sure there is plenty of time between the two events. Ask them how they coordinate for each, and how that would affect your set-up, tear-down times.
Where will the DJ/bar/tables/dance oor be setup?
The layout of your wedding is important, not only for the ow of guests but as a practical measure for your vendors. Be sure to ask the prospective wedding venue where the bar will be setup, dance oor, tables, ceremony chairs and altar if you’re having one there, as well as DJ. You should be able to envision your wedding layout clearly in your head.
Is there a sound system, or does the DJ have to bring their own?
Find out if the wedding venue is already wired for sound (and if they have speakers already), has wireless, or if the DJ has to setup and bring the equipment themselves.
Are there any noise ordinances? And what time can the event go until?
If you’re getting married outside, some- times a wedding venue will ask that only acoustic music be played, and/or ampli ed music stop at a certain time or be brought inside. Also, if you’re getting married at an estate or other neighbourhood location, there might be a noise ordinance in effect which means all loud music must be stop at a certain time. Find out if your wedding venue is affected by any noise ordinanc- es, and if not what time you can host your event until, and what time tear-down has to start at (basically how late can you stay?)
What does the wedding venue supply for the wedding?
Is anything included in the facility rental fee (chairs, plates and glasses)? If not, how much do they charge, or can they recom- mend a vendor that has everything you need?
Do you have to hire a wedding planner, or is a planner or event manager provided? Sometimes the wedding venue manager
essentially acts as your event manager, and other times you’ll have to (or want to) bring in your own wedding planner for the day. Find out exactly what is offered and what your wedding venue requires.
With all these questions answered you can make a rm decision and make sure the venue is right for you. WE
Q