Before You Book The Venue

Ceremony Questions

• ceremony fees?
• any required vendors? - (flowers? music?)
• chairs included?
• microphone, PA system, podium included? 
• aisle runner included?
• sparkling water/wine at arrival included?
• parking permits for guests and vendors included? how many? how do we obtain and distribute?
• what time can deliveries arrive day of? (flowers, cake, favors, etc)
• rain plan? when will this call be made? (one hour before? morning of?)
• other weddings taking place the same day?
• when can rehearsal take place? is there a fee?

Reception Questions

• price per head?
• any guest minimum requirement?
• any maximum capacity?
• tax and gratuity fees? 
• necessary to tip staff after gratuities above?
• price include all waitstaff, maitre de, bartenders, coat check, bathroom attandants, security?
• price include day-of wedding coordinator? (if they don't include one, definitely hire one or have a super awesome aunt!)
• any required vendors? (catering? flowers? music? tent? chairs?)
• what is their vendor minimum insurance requirement?
• how large of a band can comfortably play in reception space? (8-piece? 10-piece?)
• tables and chairs included?
• votive candles included for each table?
• dance floor included?
• linens included? what color choices available?
• any noise ordinances? (end reception at specific time due to music)
• price for extending the reception? based on price per head or % of event total?
• does meal include dessert?
• cake cutting fees?
• how many entree options?
• do you need to know entree choices in advance? (ie: do you have to include in your invitation RSVP design)
• cost of vendor meals? (band/DJ, photo, video)
• are vendor meals hot or cold? (some vendors require hot meals in their contract)
• cost of gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, child meals?
• how many hors d'oeuvres and/or stations included in cocktail hour? hot or cold?
• additional fees to pass out favors?
• can waitstaff refill cookie bar or do you need to assign that job to friends?
• additional fees for photobooth? space for photobooth?
• other receptions taking place same day and/or same time?
• when is the food tasting? how many people can attend?
• what size tables work best for your guest numbers - 8-rounds? 10-rounds? 12-rounds?
• what table arrangement works best for bride and groom? (sweetheart table? wedding party round table? wedding party long table?)
• if we label dinner tables with names instead of numbers, does waitstaff also need a number on the signs? 
• when is seating chart due to venue? (back time RSVP deadline)
• do escort cards need to be delivered alphabetized?
• any regulations on bride & groom exit (many venues wouldn't allow sparklers, rice, bubbles, etc)