If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you are engaged (or soon-to-be engaged) and in the early stages of wedding planning – so CONGRATS!!! One of your first items on your planning to-do list is choosing a venue to hold your ceremony/reception. While it may seem like a simple task, there are many questions to ask before booking your wedding venue.

1. What dates do you have available?

If you have your heart set on a specific venue, it’s best to ask what dates they have available and choose your date based on the venues availability, especially if you’re hoping to have your wedding during prime time season. Also ask if there is a price difference for Fridays or Sundays!

2. How many guests can the venue hold?

It’s always a good idea to have a rough estimate of guests when booking your venue. You don’t want to book a space that is too small/large for your party! Keep in mind that your number of guests impacts a lot of other wedding costs – like catering and alcohol!

3. What is included in the venue’s rental cost?

Don’t panic if a venue is more expensive than you expected until you find out what it all includes. Some venues will provide you with tables, chairs, linens, décor etc., while others will come “as is” and have you rent all those items out from other vendors. Please make sure to keep this in mind when budgeting! Sometimes the more “expensive” venues are more affordable in the long run!

4. Are you able to book your own vendors or do you have to pick vendors off an approved list?

Some Venues will give you the freedom to pick the vendors of your choice, while others have a preferred list that you have to pick from. This can be a benefit, as the preferred vendors are familiar with the venue and its services. But if you have your heart set on a vendor that is NOT on that list, you have to decide what is more important the venue OR the vendor.

5. Do you have a bride/groom suite on site?

This is a HUGE benefit to your venue space!! Now you don’t have to worry about booking a hotel room or airbnb to get ready at and figure out transportation to the venue.

6. Is parking available onsite?

Not all venues have ample parking for ALL your guests. If there is limited parking, consider having transportation (bus, trolley, etc) lined up for your guests so they don’t have to stress about how to get there.

7. Are there noise restrictions?

I know some of Charleston’s most popular venues are in residential neighborhoods and therefore have early noise restrictions as early as 9pm. If the venue you love has an early end time, consider an after party for guests who want to keep the night going!

8. What is the backup plan if it rains?

If you’re planning on an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, make sure you know what the options are in case of bad weather!! See if there are options to tent the space, or move it inside a building.

9. How many hours does the rental Include? Does this Include set up/break down time?

Some venues will allow you to set up the day before a wedding, while other venues that have multiple weddings per weekend will only let you set up the morning of. Make sure the start/end of your wedding gives you time to set up/clean up without being too rushed!

10. Payment: How much is the deposit/payment schedule? What does it all include?

Does it include gratuity, service charges, cleaning fees etc? Sometimes these line items are added on in ADDITION to your initial cost. Just something to keep in mind if a venue is towards the top of your budget.

11. Are there any restrictions in regards to décor?

Some venues prohibit things like confetti or sparkles, so keep that in mind if you hope to include those items in your day, or find alternatives to replace them! If you want special lights, draping, or hanging greenery, make sure this is allowed as well!

12. If the venue provides the catering and/or alcohol, is there a minimum spend limit? What happens if you don’t meet that limit?

Some places will charge you an additional fee if the minimum is not met.

13. Is hard liquor allowed at the venue?

Some venues (like wineries) are only licensed to serve wine and beer. You may need to get permission to have an outside company bring in hard liquor. If the venue does not have a liquor license, you will most likely have to have an open bar!

14. Will someone from the venue staff be onsite the day of the wedding?

This is helpful to know if they will be present and available to help or if a separate planner is needed. (Regardless if the venue staff is there, I HIGHLY suggest having a planner!)

15. Is smoking allowed on the grounds?

If you have guests who like to light one up (or maybe you want to have something fun like a cigar bar!), make sure there is an appropriate area for your guest to enjoy themselves.

Were these questions to ask before booking your wedding venue helpful?! If you want MORE wedding planning tips, scroll the BLOG!