Fiance? Check! Ring? Check! Date chosen? Double Check! Now is the perfect opportunity to sit down and select a wedding venue and a reception venue.  If you've chosen to hire a wedding planner, they may have a better idea of the best venue for your special day as this is definitely not their first rodeo!  Regardless of whether or not you've chosen to hire a wedding planner, there are a lot of important details with venues you'll need to consider before you put down a deposit. With my job at the Chamber, I've compiled a list of things you should ask every venue for any event before you sign on the dotted line!

Basic Qs:

1. Is my preferred date available? If not, are there any surrounding dates available or do you have a waiting list for dates?

2. How many people can this venue accommodate?

3. What is the rental fee per hour or are there any packages available? What items are included in the original fee? (Be sure to ask what the additional fees are for the items not included - items can include catering / liquor,  tax & service charges, decor & setup, audio / visual,  etc.)

4. Are there rates for different days and times of the week, year, month? (Some venues offer seasonal deals and discounts)

5. What are the payment plan options for the entire bill and what forms of payment do you accept?

6. How much is the deposit? When is the deposit due? Is the deposit refundable?

7. What is your cancellation policy?

8. When is the last possible date to make changes to our reservation?

Vendor Mania:

1. Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of approved / recommended vendors that we can use? 

2. Do we have to use your list of approved vendors? If not, are there any guidelines we need to meet when utilizing others? (Many venues would prefer you use their recommended list, but it doesn't hurt to ask!)

3. When can we have access to the room / venue for event and vendor set-up?

Other Questions to Ask:

1. General Questions about the facility (handicap accessible, noise restrictions, bathrooms, changing areas for the couple / wedding party, backup plans for inclement weather, primary contact people, coat check, parking, etc.  

2. Do you have liability insurance?

3. What are your recommended layouts? (Some venues allow you to provide the room layout for easy set-up and plated meals)

4. (If venue is a hotel / bed & breakfast, or lodge) Do you offer deals or discounts for multiple rooms—or a complimentary room or upgrade for the newlyweds?

5. What are the nearest hotels to the venue? Do you know if they provide shuttle serve? (I recommend going to either the Chamber of Commerce or the Visitor Bureau for information on hotels and shuttle service)

6. Are pets allowed at the facility? (I'm a Malamute Mom and my dog is my life so this question is definitely one I'll be asking!)

Getting married can be one of the best days of your life but it can also be a bit intimidating at times. Always visit and revisit the venue with a list of questions that will keep you focused on the end result and get you what you really want.

Be married my friends!

P.S. Be sure to check out my other blog on Choosing a Venue!