17 Essential Questions To Ask a Wedding Venue

You're engaged – exciting! You know that the first step in planning is to find a wedding venue. Let me guess – you probably haven't done this before – and are feeling a little overwhelmed about what to ask your wedding venue.

Knowing what to ask a wedding venue is crucial for making an informed decision. The right questions can reveal important details about exclusivity, capacity, costs, and amenities that might otherwise be overlooked.

These inquiries will help you determine if a venue like Berwick Lodge aligns with your vision and budget. By addressing key topics upfront, you'll avoid surprises and ensure your chosen venue can deliver the wedding day you've envisioned.

Here are our recommendations for questions you should be asking potential venues.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritise questions about exclusivity and capacity to ensure the venue meets your vision.
• Inquire about included amenities and hidden costs to avoid surprises.
• Ask about on-site accommodation and coordinator services for a smoother experience.
• Don't forget to discuss payment terms and availability for your preferred dates.

Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue

1. Would you have exclusive use of the venue or share with others?

Get a full understanding of where other guests would be and how they would potentially affect your wedding if you're not having exclusive use. Also check to see if you'll be the only wedding at the venue. Exclusive use can provide more privacy and flexibility for your celebration, but it may come at a higher cost. Consider your priorities and budget when making this decision.

2. What decorations are included from the venue?

Some venues include flowers, candles and styling options - whereas others offer a 'dry hire', where you can use your own suppliers to style the venue completely your own. Ask about any restrictions on decorations, such as limitations on candles or hanging items, to avoid last-minute surprises.

3. What accommodation can they offer?

Do they haveaccommodation the night before and on the night of the wedding? What is the capacity, and is breakfast included? Inquire about group booking discounts and whether they offer special rates for your wedding guests.

4. What is the minimum and maximum capacity?

Guest lists can fluctuate a lot during the planning process! Check the number of commitments with your venue before booking. Ask how the space can be adapted for different guest numbers and whether there are separate areas for the civil ceremony, reception, and evening celebrations.

5. What is included as complimentary?

Every venue offers different things as part of their service. This will help you determine any hidden extra charges - be sure to check that VAT is included, too, as this will make a big difference! Ask for a detailed breakdown of what's included in the package versus what you'll need to source separately.

6. What are the food & drink options?

Ask to see menus and wine lists to get an idea of the food options available. Can they cater well for special diets? Inquire about the possibility of menu tastings and whether you can bring in outside catering for specific cultural or dietary needs.

7. Is there somewhere for us to get ready?

Some venues suggest arriving ready, while others have a room to get ready in. Ask about the availability and size of preparation spaces, as well as their proximity to the ceremony area. This can be crucial for last-minute touch-ups and keeping pre-wedding stress to a minimum. At Berwick Lodge, we can have your bedroom ready earlier than the usual 3 pm check-in time, and we also have a dressing room where you can arrive early in the morning!

8. What is availability like on your chosen date or season?

Don’t make assumptions about certain months or timescales being booked up. The trends for the most popular months change every year! And if your preferred date isn't available, ask about similar dates or their cancellation policy.

9. Can we get married there?

Which spaces are licensed for ceremonies? If planning an outdoor wedding, what is the wet weather backup plan? Understand the logistics of moving from ceremony to reception spaces, especially if weather contingencies are needed.

10. What are the payment terms?

Each venue has different payment terms, so clarify theirs and make sure that you can commit to them before booking anything. Ask about the deposit amount, payment schedule, and any flexibility they might offer.

11. Does the venue provide a Coordinator on the day?

If not, who will coordinate the ceremony and reception to keep to timings? Understand the extent of their involvement and whether you might need to hire an additional wedding planner.

12. Can you have fireworks?

And if so, do you need to do it through their approved fireworks supplier? This question extends to other special elements you might want, like sparklers or sky lanterns. Ask about any noise restrictions or curfews that might affect evening entertainment.

13. Is there plenty of free parking?

Check whether cars can be left overnight for those getting taxis home. Inquire about local transport options and whether the venue can assist with arranging group transportation if needed.

14. Which wedding suppliers do they work with or recommend?

Some couples love researching suppliers for cakes and photographers, etc., whereas some just want someone else to help them make a choice! If you fall into the latter, a recommended supplier list is invaluable. Ask if there are any restrictions on bringing in your own suppliers.

15. Can you give me an idea of the cost for my estimated numbers?

You’ll need to have an idea of how many of the day guests are adults, how many children and how many evening guests you’re anticipating. Also, what date or season and your preferred day of the week as this will be a big factor in pricing. Ask about package options and what wiggle room there might be in the pricing.

16. What are the price variations depending on day of the week?

These will vary from venue to venue, but as a rule, Saturdays are the most expensive, Mondays are the cheapest, and other days fall somewhere in between. Ask about any seasonal variations in pricing as well, as some venues offer better rates during off-peak months.

17. Are there any hidden extras?

Does the venue include things you’d assume it would, like furniture, linen, crockery & cutlery, staff, and decorations? Request a detailed breakdown of what's included in the quoted price and what might incur additional charges. This can help you avoid budget surprises later in the wedding planning process.

Book a Viewing at Berwick Lodge

Now that you know what to ask your wedding venue, why not put those questions to use at Berwick Lodge in Bristol? We'd be delighted to show you around our stunning grounds and discuss how we can make your dream wedding a reality.

Whether you're looking for a late availability wedding, an LGBTQ+ friendly venue, or are planning to elope, we're here to help.

To arrange a viewing, simply get in touch with us. Our experienced wedding team is ready to answer all your questions and help you start planning your perfect day. Don't forget to ask about our exclusive wedding packages and how we can tailor them to your unique vision.

We look forward to meeting you and showing you why Berwick Lodge is the perfect setting for your special day!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you ask about a venue?

When inquiring about a venue, be clear and specific. Start by introducing yourself and mentioning your wedding date. Ask about availability, capacity, and what's included in their packages. Don't hesitate to request a brochure or schedule a site visit.

What questions to ask a wedding planner?

Key questions for a wedding planner include their experience, services offered, pricing structure, and availability. Ask about their approach to design and planning, how they handle unexpected issues, and request to see a portfolio of their previous work.

What should I ask my DJ for my wedding?

Important questions for your wedding DJ include their music selection, equipment quality, and backup plans. Ask about their experience with weddings, their ability to read the crowd, and if they take song requests. Don't forget to discuss the playlist and any specific songs you want played or avoided.

What questions should I ask a venue decorator?

When speaking with a venue decorator, ask about their style and previous work. Inquire about their familiarity with your chosen venue, what decorations they provide, and if they can work within your wedding budget. Discuss any theme ideas you have and ask how they can bring your vision to life.