questions to ask

It’s really difficult to stay objective when you visit potential wedding venues. Before you know it you’re back home in a bit of a daze, with images of marble staircases and pretty gardens swimming round your excited head. But wait, what about all those sensible questions you were going to ask? You were so overwhelmed by sheer grandeur that you forgot! So here they are in black and white – all the probing questions you need to ensure that gorgeous venue really is ideal for you

What does the package/price quoted include?
Ask for a detailed breakdown of all the costs that make up your quoted price, that way you can see exactly what is included. When you examine your list of charges, look for anything that might be left out that you will then have to pay extra for, such as decorations. Some venues have an in-house florist who will decorate each table, but many don’t. And if you plan to party late into the night, will you have to pay a fee to have staff stay on after midnight? If you’re running your own bar, perhaps they will ask you to pay a set amount per hour for the hire of the venue after their official closing time.

What’s the capacity?
Firstly, you’ll want to be sure that they can hold as many guests as you want to invite, whether that relates to the actual ceremony, the sit-down meal or the dancing later on. Also check whether they have given you a price based on a minimum number of guests.

Is there a wedding co-ordinator who will be my one point of contact and will they be there on the day?
If a venue holds a lot of weddings the chances are that there will be one person who is given responsibility for these events running smoothly. If there is a dedicated wedding co-ordinator, perhaps you could ask to meet him or her to see how you get on.

Can we have a food tasting?
You’re going to be paying a lot of money for your wedding breakfast so make sure you will have the opportunity to get an idea what the meal will be like a good while before the actual day. Also remember that some venues offer a choice of menus. If you’re not happy with your sample meal, the chef should be approachable enough to talk to about other alternatives. Make sure your sample menu is cooked by the same person who will be preparing the meal on the day.

Can we supply our own wine?
Some venues allow this and others don’t. If you do want to bring your own booze, check what the corkage charge is per bottle – otherwise you may be shooting yourself in the foot by bringing in your own supplies. If you must choose from the venue’s own list you are absolutely entitled to samples and to ask for alternatives if you don’t like the house wines. If you are buying in your own for the day, try to get them on a sale or return basis. And don’t forget to find out how much drinks cost at the bar.

Can we decorate the reception room?
Some venues have quite restrictive rules about what is and isn’t allowed in terms of decoration. Some don’t allow confetti for example, and others won’t allow Blu-tac or pins anywhere near their walls – this is understandable if the building is ancient or must be preserved by law because it’s listed. Others won’t allow candles at the tables and because of noise restrictions some venues can’t let you have fireworks. Don’t get despondent – most venues set up for weddings allow all of the above, but it is worth checking before you make lots of grand plans!

Do you have facilities for children?
If there are lots of kids going you may want to offer parents a creche facility, or organise a separate room where they can be entertained during the quieter moments. Is there a play area outside and if so will they dedicate a member of staff to supervise the children? Is there space for a small marquee so that you can bring your own childcare professionals in for the day? And don’t forget to ask whether they will offer a special children’s menu – hopefully at a reduced price.