Venue Hunting

Here are some questions that may be helpful to ask each venue:

-total cost?
-what additional fees will be charged? (Service charge, gratuity, tax, etc)
-what is all included with the venue? (Tables, chairs, specific rooms, etc)
-what are the cancellation/postponement policies?
-can I choose my own vendors, or do I have to use the ones on the preferred vendor list?
-any prohibited items? (Candles, fog machine, sparklers, etc)
-what time can I access the venue the day of, and what time do I need to be out of the venue by?
-am I able to use the venue for a rehearsal the night before the wedding? If so, what time and is there an additional fee?
-what is the deposit amount? What is the payment schedule for the remaining balance?
-what forms of payment are accepted?
-when would the final payment be due?
-what is the max capacity?
-what is the minimum capacity?
-when is a final guest count due by?

- Will yours be the only wedding happening at that time, or do they allow other functions?

- Location of bathrooms and elevators? You want a good flow and easy access.

- Tasting appointments- group or individual couples (if catering is in-house)?

- Cake cutting fees or if venue provides cake.

- Can you bring in your own liquor, or just a few custom bottles and venue corkage fees?

- Is a venue coordinator or bridal attendant included?

- With taxes, is there a city charge? Does service charge include gratuity, if so at what %?

- Do they provide a room to get ready?

- Can you visit with your florist, wedding planner, etc. at a future date for a short walk-through.

- Parking options. Security options.