Questions to Ask Before Signing a Venue Contract

We love managing the venue rentals for our clients -- We also realize how important it is to thoroughly check off some important questions when looking to book a venue for your wedding or event. As the rental managers, we are asked a lot of questions, so we would like to provide you with a list of what we consider to be some of the most important questions to ask before booking your venue.

1. What do I have to work with decor-wise?
Take note of what is already hanging on the walls, what the carpets look like, wall color, etc. Observe your surroundings as you do your venue walk-through. Ask the venue rental manager what can be removed Vs. what has to stay. Make sure that your wedding colors won't contrast with anything that cannot be removed!

2. What is near-by my venue?
This can either work in your favor or against you. Make sure to check out community calendars before booking your event so you can be sure that there will not be anything that conflicts with parking or that there will not be disruptive noise. Also, check to see where the nearest hotel is in proximity to your venue. If your wedding or event is at a fantastic venue, but the nearest hotel is 45 minutes away, you may want to reconsider.

3. What is included in the rental fee? Tables and chairs? Linens?
Make sure you know exactly what you're getting for the fee you're paying. Some venues may include tables and chairs, while others tack on extra rental costs for them. Likewise with linens- if your venue does not offer linens with the rental fee, make sure you know the exact type and how many you'll need so that you can order them yourself.

4. Does my venue come with a coordinator?
Some venues provide a day-of event coordinator for you. Others do not. Make sure you check to see if your venue provides this added bonus...and also see exactly what duties the day-of coordinator takes care of while on site!

5. What hours do I have access to the venue?
Some venues may not allow you to start setting up until a few hours before your event...and also require you to tear down in the few hours after your event. Making sure to find out when you are able to get into your venue as well as when your event needs to end/you need to clean up is a key factor in securing the right venue!

6. Does your venue allow you to bring your own food and beverages or do you have to work with what is available on-site?
Some venues require you to use their own caterer and bar service, which can add up in the long run. Before you book your venue, ask what their policy is on food and alcohol. Some venues let you work with the caterer of your choice/ bring in your own alcohol.

7. Having your event during "off-season" or on a week night?
Ask the Venue Rental manager if there is a reduced rate if you are holding your event in the off season or on a week night. Most venues will want to book as many events as possible, so their rates may be flexible in times when they are not as busy.

8. Check the reviews.
Do your homework and check outside sites for venue reviews. Venues are likely to only post their most stunning reviews on their personal website, so make sure to check outside sources for reviews so you can be sure to get the full scoop.


There are plenty of other questions that you can ask your potential venue, but these will definitely help you to get a great start. Happy venue-hunting!