Venue Shopping

 

One thing I know is going to be difficult during this wedding planning process is our schedules. Basically, if I'm not at work J is and vice-versa. Thankfully, my little mama lives in town and is willing to help. My mom and I are going to check out a bunch of venues and then the ones we like I will try to find a time to take J to so we can make a final decision together. My mom and I have 5 appointments today and plans to pop in to two others and I am so excited! I've read you're supposed to research and contact venues but then only visit three, but that seems so silly to me. I am a very visual person and I NEED to see these places in person. Plus, I think it's really helpful to meet the people you'll be working with face-to-face. You want to make sure these people are organized, know what they're doing and are going to make your big day as stress-free as possible.  Here are some questions to ask and some tips to consider when looking for a wedding venue:

• What's the decor like? Does it fit your style and wedding colors? Will you have to spend a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful?
• Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? Do they have a limitation on which outside caterers you can use?
• Do they have adequate coat check and bathroom facilities? Make sure you ask to see the bathrooms!
• Is there a charge for the room rental? Is there a food and beverage minimum?
• What's the cancellation policy?
• Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?
• Are there any hidden costs? (Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.)
• How long do you have the space? What are the overtime charges?
• Do they have a liquor license?
• Will they allow you to bring your own liquor? If so, what is the corkage fee?
• Is there room in the wedding venue for a band and/or dancing?
• Does the wedding venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers or will that need to be rented?
• Is there a space for the bride and groom to change and/or relax?
• Where will you take photographs? Is there a park nearby, or do the coordinators have recommended spots on the grounds?
• Who will be supervising and troubleshooting before the day of your wedding? Who will be supervising and troubleshooting on the day of your wedding? Can you meet them now?
• Where can your guests park? Are there extra fees for parking? Do they have valet parking?
• Especially in museums or private clubs, are there limitations on decorations? Do they limit food and drinks to only certain areas of the wedding venue?
• Are candles or other open flames allowed?
• If its an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rain or other inclement weather? If not, is there a place that you can put up a tent? 
• How far is it from the ceremony location?
• Do the two places have the same level of formality and a coordinating style?
• Can both locations accommodate the same number of guests?
• Does the reception venue have any experience with weddings from your ceremony location?

What do you think? Is there anything I'm missing? What did/do you love or dislike about your venue? What do you wish you would have known? What did you look for in your venue? Help me out! I love hearing your ideas and advice!