As one of the first and often most important decisions, your venue sets the tone for both your wedding as well as your to-do list for your planning journey. While your venue may or may not be the same for both your ceremony and reception, there are practical considerations such as inclusions (rentals, etc) or vendor requirements that are important to keep in mind while comparing your options. These questions are intended to suss out some of the surprises that you may not think about, ensuring that you can make the most informed and empowered decision!

PLANNING TIP:

While sticker shock for an all-inclusive venue is real, oftentimes when DIY is calculated, the piecemeal approach can often cost more. In other words, while a hotels or all inclusive venue pricing may initially seem more expensive than selecting a venue and then adding on your own outside catering team and rentals, we’ve found that the piece meal option (the latter) often can be the same or more, depending on a number of factors.

SECRET SPEND:

Always ask about service charges, gratuities, and food and beverage minimums as these hidden fees can add a significant chunk and it’s best to plan for these in advance. (No one loves those last minute surprises!)

CHECKLIST: Ceremony

• Is my preferred date available?
• What is the rental fee?
• What is the seated capacity of the space? Comfortable guest count vs max capacity?
• Do you provide a ceremony coordinator?
• Are any rentals included? Chairs, in-house sound systems, etc.
• How early can we arrive to set up? When does it need to be torn down by?
• If outdoors, do you provide electricity?
• Can we bring in a DJ or musicians?
• Can we do a rehearsal? When do these usually take place?
• Is there a space  for cocktail hour, and is it included in the rental?
• Are there any other events going on the same day?
• If outdoors, where does the sun set and how is the lighting like during the ceremony?
• Are there any restrictions or limitations that we should know about? (Decorations, noise, etc)
• Do you have any required or limited vendors that we are allowed to work with?
• What is the cancellation policy?

CHECKLIST: Reception & Party

• Is my preferred date available?
• What is the rental fee?
• How much is the deposit?
• How many hours are included in the site rental? When can we arrive and how late can we stay?
• Do you have an on-site coordinator? If yes, what is their role?
• Are any rentals included? Tables, chairs, plates and flatware?
• Are there any hidden fees? Service charges, cleaning fees, gratuities and taxes?
• What is the rain plan?
• What is the seated capacity of the space? Comfortable guest count vs max capacity?
• Are any other events happening on our date?
• Is there required on-site catering or can we bring in our own?
• Is there a food and beverage minimum?
• Can we purchase our own alcohol for the bar?
• Are there any noise restrictions?
• Are there any decor restrictions? (candles, etc)
• Is there a required vendor list?
• Can I bring a cake or desserts from an outside source?
• How many bathrooms are there?
• Is there on-site parking?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• What is the cancellation policy?

Why trust The Nouveau Romantics?

Founded in 2010, and planned hundreds of weddings—destination and domestic—these are the questions I included in my book “The Little Book of Wedding Checklists” (buy via Amazon), and they are the exact questions we ask when inquiring in venues on behalf of our clients. So tried and true x 1000! We hate last minute money additions, so this is really comprehensive and will allow you to compare your options as close to apples to apples as you can without anything slipping through the cracks.

Interested in more?

We offer full-service wedding planning for couples looking for bold and immersive, sophisticated and enduring (who wants an 80s style “trendy” wedding!?) destination weddings. Not quite your thing and still want to pick our brains? Feel free to book a consulting call and we can review anything you’re wondering about or challenges you’re facing by sending us an email at info@thenouveauromantics.com. Think of us like your wise older cousin slash hypeteam.