Eight Must-Ask Wedding Venue Questions

It’s the party of the decade in your honour, and you need it to be amazing. You’re paying a fortune for it, so it has to be special. Most couples I meet forget to ask these simple but important questions of their wedding venue.

Make sure you ask these eight essential questions before you transfer your deposit.

1. What Do Other Couples Complain About?

I recently performed a wedding at possibly the most beautiful venue I’ve ever been to, but there was a problem.

The venue owners were obviously new to the business and very amateur in their operation, having recently purchased the property.

They were lovely people with great hearts who had no idea what they were doing.

Ask your wedding venue what other people have been upset about, what they have complained about, or what issues have arisen for other couples.

It’s a tough question, but the answers you get will allow you to plan for a fault-free day. When you know your obstacles, they are much easier to tackle. It’s the issues that you assumed would be fine that blindside you and leave a sour taste in your mouth.

2. What’s the Deal with Guest Numbers?

What happens if you book for 50 but only 48 turn up? Or if you don’t even know who you’re inviting yet, how many can you invite, and what happens if you invite too many?

Sometimes the cheapest approach is to under-book, then pay the extra if that’s available.

One couple had two RSVP’d friends pull out on the day, and they waved goodbye to over $100.

Another couple sent invoices to guests who didn’t show up.

Make sure you are clear on the flexibility with numbers and what your upper and lower limits are. If you’re not happy with them, don’t make a deposit. Also, make sure you count your MC, DJ, photographer, babysitter, security guard—whoever will be there.

3. What Does the Venue Look Like at Different Times?

A good venue will have perfect photos taken at the perfect time of the year in perfect weather conditions.

Make sure you check how the seasons, rain, sun, time of day and other changes will affect your wedding ceremony or reception.

Remember that the sun’s position changes throughout the year.

If they are showing spring photos but you’re getting married in summer, ask for more photos.

Try to see the venue at the same time of day your ceremony will be held so you can look at where the sun is, where the shade is and whether it will be uncomfortable for anyone.

4. Are You Full-Service or Not?

There are two types of wedding venues: full-service and partial-service.

If a venue is full-service, make sure they include everything from the gift table through to the alcohol you want. Don’t miss a detail. Also, find out what isn’t included. Many venues are full-service but require you to supply a celebrant or photographer. Or vice versa—they provide one, but you don’t want their provided service. Discuss all of this.

If the venue is not full-service, find out exactly what that means.

5. Where’s the Knife?

The number one problem I find at wedding receptions is that when it comes time to cut the cake, there isn’t a knife within 100 metres of it.

It seems simple, but make sure you ask about a cake-cutting knife, where it will be located and whose responsibility it is to provide it.

This may seem basic, but 50% of the wedding receptions I attend have this problem.

6. When Do the Staff Leave?

The second most common problem I find at wedding ceremonies is that the staff aren’t having as much fun as you are, they possibly aren’t having as many drinks as you are, and they have families to get home to.

Make sure it’s clear when staff are leaving and what benchmarks need to be met.

At one wedding reception where I was MC, I ended up cutting and serving cake because the staff decided to go home—they were done for the night.

I took it upon myself to make sure the night went on, but there are better cake cutters and servers than me.

Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities.

7. How Many Weddings on the Same Day?

Ask about how many other weddings will be at your venue on the same day so you know about any limitations regarding venue access, parking or staff availability.

8. Can You Hear Me?

Many venues sell you on the promise of a PA system—that is, the speakers that play music and let the MC and speeches be heard.

I’ve only experienced one venue, in Port Macquarie, that actually had a good PA system with wireless microphones and the ability to play CDs and music from an iPod.

Every other venue that has claimed to have a great PA system actually doesn’t.

Ask to hear the microphone on the PA system and ask if you can play a song from your iPod.

If it’s not up to scratch, ask if you can supply your own. Budget $100-300 depending on size and requirements.