When considering a venue for your big day, there are a lot of checklists and Pinterest boards and to-do's - but here are 36 helpful questions to ask your wedding venue during the tour.
Knowing the answers to these next questions will help you organize your wants and needs and save you time as you put together the big pieces of your celebration.
Pictured: The Bridal Suite at Piccadilly Place
Finding A Good Fit
We know that timing is everything - and an important piece of the puzzle is getting your date on the calendar. Not to mention, that cute thing you have your heart set on from Pinterest that would be perfect to adapt for your own love story.
It's important to know how you match with your wedding venue on your values, from decor style to recycling.
1. What dates are available in the month I'm considering?
2. How many people can the event space hold for the type of event that I want to have? (Seated dinner and standing cocktail-style celebrations have different space requirements per guest.)
3. Can I bring my pet to be a part of the ceremony?
4. Do you have a recycling policy?
5. Are we allowed to bring in our own decorations to supplement or replace the existing decor?
6. Can we use candles, confetti, sparklers, food trucks or other special thing that keeps popping up on my Pinterest board?
Wedding Day Logistics
When it comes to setting up your big day, anticipating your own wants and needs is crucial to being able to relax and enjoy your celebration.
From getting ready for your debut, to calling an Uber when you call it a night, you'll want to know your options before you're very deep in planning.
Pictured: The Groom's Tavern & The Bridal Suite at Piccadilly Place
7. How much time is allocated for the rehearsal?
"I think this is REALLY important to have access to the venue on the day before for the rehearsal and to drop off of some items."
- Michelle, Michelle's Main Event
Preferred Piccadilly Place Events Coordinator
8. Are there separate spaces for the couple to get ready prior to the event?
9. Do you set up and tear down the items you provide and when can the vendors begin set up on the day of the event?
10. What is the plan for weather contingencies?
11. Are there any restrictions on the use of the space?
12. Are there restrictions on photography or videography?
13. Are there any noise restrictions?
15. Are you licensed to provide alcohol service?
16. Do I need to get any additional permits, licenses, or insurance for the event?
17. How many parking spots are available for guests?
18. Can you call ride shares or cabs easily and quickly from the venue?
The Experience
All the details that come together to flawlessly create the event experience of your dreams start with the answers to these questions here. At Piccadilly Place, many of these things will be coordinated by our in-house planner from Michelle's Main Event.
19. If I plan to have my ceremony here, where are the suggested ceremony spaces?
20. Can we have our rehearsal dinner here? How about a morning-after brunch or other celebratory events before or after the wedding day?
21. Do you offer on-site coordination? What services are included?
"My team guides you through the final month and coordinates the event from start to finish. This is all factored into the price of course, which may make other venues SEEM like a better deal at first glance; however, they charge you for Friday rehearsal, they make you have everything out by midnight (which often includes a fee for rentals to be picked up at the late hour), they don't allow you to return the next day because they book another event; and they do not offer a coordinator. "
- Michelle, Michelle's Main Event
Preferred Piccadilly Place Events Coordinator
22. Do you have preferred vendors and what do I need to know about your policies should I want to bring on my own?
23. Is there an on-site kitchen?
24. Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them separately?
25. Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band?
26. If the ceremony and reception will both be hosted here, what are the options for making this a seamless transition for guests?
27. Can I move things around or do I have to leave everything as is?
28. Do you have signage or other aids to direct guests to my event?
The Transaction
You're going to be juggling several professionals who each contribute to making your dreams a reality on your big day. You'll want to know the stats for your venue, as well as the rest of your vendors, early on so that you can plan accordingly.
29. What are your various packages that will accommodate my vision?
30. What is the fee for renting the space?
"I encourage [my clients] to ask how many days they have access to the venue with the price. "
- Michelle, Michelle's Main Event
Preferred Piccadilly Place Events Coordinator
31. What does the fee include and what does the fee exclude?
32. Is additional time available and how much is it?
33. How much is the deposit?
34. When the balance due?
35. What forms of payment do you accept?
36. What is your cancellation policy?
After all, the best advice that we have gotten, and that we'll gladly repeat here, is "the most important thing at the end of the day is that you're married".
Meaning, plan and dream and create the event of your dreams, but also trust that the professionals that you build your team with will guide you successfully through your event.
So, let the celebrations begin!