Congratulations, you're engaged! As you and your fiancé dive into wedding planning, you might feel overwhelmed by all the research and coordination you'll need to do.

It's totally normal to feel this way, and there are lots of resources available to help you get started. This guide will explain how to pick a wedding venue and what questions you'll want to ask before making the final decision.

Venue Tour 101: How to Choose a Venue You'll Love

Planning a wedding is much easier when you know what to ask when touring a wedding venue. It can help to break these questions down into five categories:

Venue
Availability
Budget
Food and beverages
Decorations and extras

You'll want to bring your wedding planning binder, phone, or notebook to jot down the most important things to consider for a wedding venue before heading in. This way, you'll remember all the questions you want to ask and you'll feel more confident in your final decision.

How Long Does a Wedding Venue Tour Take?

A typical venue tour will take about 30 minutes to an hour. This time estimate will vary depending on how big the venue is and the full extent of its offerings. Either way, that's plenty of time to ask all the questions you have.

Venue Questions

These questions relate to the venue space and what you can use, which is important to ensure you have everything you need for each point in the day.

Can You Have Your Ceremony On-Site?

Many wedding venues offer package deals that include both the ceremony and reception, which can help you secure a better rate and save time on planning. You'll typically have these venues for the entire day, so you have some flexibility in planning when each event will happen.

Is the Venue ADA-Accessible?

A venue that complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) will include features like entrance ramps and accessible restrooms. These make navigating the space easier for older people and people with disabilities.

Does the Venue Have a List of Preferred Vendors?

Many venues have strong business relationships with other vendors, which can help you narrow down your list and get exclusive rates. You can usually work with vendors that aren't on the list if you prefer.

How Long Has the Venue Hosted Weddings?

Experience is more important than you might think when it comes to big events like weddings. Ask the tour guide about how many weddings the venue has hosted and how long it's been in business. Generally, the more experience the venue has, the smoother your wedding will go.

Are There Bridal and Groom Suites?

If you plan to have your ceremony at the venue, you'll need a space for the wedding party to get ready. A bridal suite is the perfect place to get dressed and prepare for your big day.

It's best if the venue offers both a bridal and groom suite, especially if you have a large wedding party. Make sure you ask when you'll have access, too — some venues limit the amount of time you can spend there.

Is There Lodging Nearby?

If you have guests coming from out of town or you're having a destination wedding, you'll want to make sure there are good places to stay nearby. Ask your tour guide what hotels they recommend and look into those options before putting down your deposit.

Availability Questions

Before you can put down your deposit, you'll want to make sure you can get a date that works for you.

Does the Venue Have Your Preferred Date?

One of the most important questions to ask is whether the venue is available on the date you want. You can typically get information about the venue's availability when you're scheduling a tour, which can save you time and frustration.

If your date is still flexible, you might be able to secure a different date within the same month.

How Early Can You Book the Venue?

With longer engagements becoming more popular, many couples are booking vendors farther in advance. Some high-demand venues accept bookings as far as two years in advance, so keep that in mind while you're looking.

Budget Questions

Confirm that the venue's basic fees are within your budget before touring to save yourself some time. You can ask about more specific costs and fees once you get there.

What Is the Deposit Fee?

Ask how much the venue charges for the deposit. You'll typically pay the deposit as soon as you book the venue to secure your date, so make sure it's within your budget.

You'll also want to find out if the deposit is refundable, should you need to make an unexpected change of plans later.

What Is the Rental Fee?

Each venue charges differently for its space. Some venues charge for the space without any inclusions, which puts all the creative direction in your court. Others include items and services in their rental fees, which is often more convenient for couples looking to save time and money.

While many venues provide basic guidelines for their rental fees on their websites, you'll want to ask for more detailed information on packages and inclusions like linens, furniture, and decorations.

Are There Hidden Fees?

In addition to the rental fee and deposit, some venues also charge service fees for:

Cake cutting
Champagne toasts
Table service
In-house bartending

You can often opt out of services you don't want, which can help you stay under budget.

Does the Venue Offer Weekday Deals?

Some venues charge less for weekday or off-season weddings, which can help you save hundreds or even thousands in rental fees.

Food and Beverages

Whether you're having a brunch wedding or a traditional evening reception, where you're getting food and drink is another key question to ask on a venue tour.

Does the Venue Offer Catering?

Venues like hotels and country clubs often provide convenient catering services, so it's important to discuss what they offer while you're touring. If the venue does offer catering, can you and your fiancé taste your options before approving the menu?

Additionally, does the cake come with the venue, or will you have to get one elsewhere?

Does the Venue Serve Alcohol?

While dry weddings are gaining more traction, many couples still want bar service at their receptions. Ask if the venue provides this service and what bar packages it offers to find one in your budget. You could also hire an external bartender or bring your own drinks if you prefer.

Decorations and Extras

The look of your wedding will be preserved forever in photos, so you want to make sure it fits your aesthetic and vision.

Does the Venue Have Decorations You Can Use?

Find out if the venue provides decorations like signage and accent pieces. If the venue does provide its own décor, ask if it's included in your rental fee. Some venues charge extra fees for this service, especially if they need to order custom linens or furniture to achieve your vision.

Can You Decorate the Space?

Some venues prefer that you keep decorations to a minimum to prevent damage. Confirm what you can do in the space before you begin designing to ensure your vision is possible.

For example, does the venue permit you to set up large arrangements like a flower wall or custom lighting? What about flower arches or streamers? Answering these questions can help you and your vendors understand what you can do to create a beautiful space.

Contact B Floral for Wedding Planning Services and Custom Décor

If you're getting married in New York City, Palm Beach, Miami, or Los Angeles, B Floral Event Design and Production is your top choice for wedding planning services and customized floral decorations near you. We can help you scout out venues, choose the best caterers, design the perfect wedding bouquets, and so much more.

Let us help you make your big day memorable. Contact our team today to get started!

LINKS