Picking the right venue for your wedding is vital to your enjoyment of the big day. Choosing the one which best meets your needs means asking questions, to ensure that they cater for anything you might require. This is our guide to the best questions to ask your wedding venue.
Have You Hosted LGBTQ+ Weddings Before?
This is a vital one, to begin with. Of course, you want to feel secure and welcomed at your wedding venue, and it helps to know that any potential venues have experience holding same-sex weddings. Not that you should automatically write off any that haven’t got the experience, but it certainly doesn’t hurt if they’ve done it before.
Image: Barcaldine Castle
Can We Save The Date Provisionally?
You might find the perfect venue early on in your search, but it’s wise not to choose until you’ve explored all of the options. Most venues will offer you the option to hold the date, however, this is likely to be for a limited time only, so make sure you check and avoid missing out.
Image: Leez Priory
Can We Hire The Venue Exclusively?
Some venues will have multiple suites available for hire, as well as communal areas such as gardens. For your wedding, particularly if it’s a large celebration, you may prefer to have the venue all to yourself and so it’s worth checking whether you can hire it exclusively, although be prepared for this to cost extra.
Image: Home Farm Events
What Are The Catering Options?
Choosing how you want to cater for your wedding is important. You might want to bring in your own suppliers, but the venue may also have recommended suppliers or offer on-site catering. Most venues are happy to be flexible with catering solutions, but it’s worth checking before you book anything.
Image: Searcys at The Gherkin
Can You Accommodate Live Music?
A big part of your wedding reception is the entertainment. For most couples, this takes the form of either a DJ or a live music performance. Most venues will have some sort of restrictions on what they can facilitate and when, so if you do want live music at your venue then make sure you ask.
Image: Talhenbont Hall
Are There Any Decoration Guidelines?
Making your venue look perfect for the big day is a nice touch, but some venues may limit the input that you can have, especially historic venues. Ask how much of the decoration you can control, whether they will help you or do it for you and whether you’re allowed to have fireworks or more outlandish decorations - if that’s what you’re after!
Image: Hillsborough Castle
These are a few of the essential questions you might want to ask your wedding venue. If you have more questions, make sure that you ask them, the venues will be happy to answer! Now you’re prepared for your visit, find a venue to explore.