10 Important Questions to Ask When Searching For a Reception Venue (Part II)

Last month, I shared the first post about questions to ask when researching for a wedding reception venue.  If you haven't had a chance to read the first post, you can find part one here.

Your wedding reception venue will hold the "party" of the evening.  It's the part of the day that people may talk about for years. It's the first time you and your husband will be announced as husband and wife.  It's your first outing together!

I know it's exciting and you want to make sure you pick the right venue.

Here are ten more questions to ask your wedding reception venue.

1. What are the payment terms and what is the amount of the deposit?

As with anything, you must know the price as well as payment terms and methods. You also want to find out when you can expect the refund of your deposit.

2. Is there enough parking for your guests?

You don’t want your guests to have to park blocks away in their finest clothing because the parking was not adequate.

3. Do you have any A/V, staging, or lighting equipment available for our use?

If they do, this could cut down on rental costs. Ask if there is an additional charge for you to use this equipment.

4. Is there an area that will allow for a separate cocktail reception?

Having an area for guests to mix and mingle is nice while they wait for you to arrive and your vendors finish preparing the room.

5. Are tables, chairs, and linens available?

Don’t assume that the venue will have these for you to use or that they will not add on additional costs to use them.

6. What layout usually works best for my type of reception?

Because they deal with events day in and day out, the staff will know what layouts work best to ensure an even flow and to avoid bottlenecking issues.

7. Who will clean up?

Of course the vendors are responsible for cleaning after themselves, but most venues want the room left the way it was found. Who will vacuum? Who will gather your belongings?  Who ensure the room is left the way it was found so that you receive your deposit?

8. Do they have a liquor license?

 

If they do not, you may have to provide your own.

9. In case of bad weather, is there adequate space to bring the reception inside?

Of course you must always have a backup plan. Should the weather turn bad, you want to make sure there will be enough room to hold the reception inside.

10. Can you bring in your own alcohol and cake?

Some facilities allow for this and others do not. If you can, this could mean big savings to your wedding budget.