Questions to ask... Reception Venues

We know that planning a wedding can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to find the perfect vendors and make sure that you have asked all of the right questions. We are launching a new series featuring some of our favorite questions to ask that you might not be thinking about. Each post in this series will feature a different vendor category and help give you a starting point to make sure you have everything you need for your big day!

For your Reception Venue...

The reception venue can easily be one of your biggest costs, especially if they require in-house catering. Here is a list of our favorite questions to ask any Event Managers for venues that you may be interested in. (A future post will focus more on the catering side.)

How long have you been in business and how many weddings have you hosted?

What is the capacity of the venue?

Do you have all the necessary licenses and permits?

Do you allow outside caterers? Is the kitchen fully equipped?

Is there a dance floor and how many people can it hold?

Is there a sufficient power supply?

What equipment do you provide (i.e. tables, linen)? Centerpiece options?

Do you have an example seating plan you can give us?

Is there a PA system for speeches?

Do you offer a decoration service? When can we have access to the venue?

How much parking do you have? Is it handicapped accessible?

What time must my event end?

When do all of my items need to be out?

Do you partner with a hotel for a rooming block?

Do we receive a complimentary honeymoon suite or a suite to get ready in?

Hopefully, this list of questions will help to guide you through your showings and help you feel more prepared to select the best venue for you to say “I DO” too!