Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most exciting yet most important parts of wedding planning. Your venue sets the tone for your big day, determines much of the logistics, and often takes a significant portion of your budget. But with so many options available, how do you ensure you’re asking the right questions to make an informed decision?
The key is to come prepared with a list of important questions, focusing on everything from availability and capacity to restrictions and amenities. This blog will guide you through the essential questions to ask during your venue tour, helping you shortlist venues and ultimately choose the one that’s perfect for your celebration.
1. Is the Venue Available on Your Desired Date?
It might seem obvious, but checking availability is your first step. If your wedding date is set, you’ll need to ensure the venue is free. If you’re flexible, ask which dates are open within your preferred timeframe — some venues also offer discounts for off-peak days or seasons.
2. What’s the Venue’s Capacity?
Ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your expected guest list. A space that’s too small could feel cramped, while one that’s too large might lose its intimate vibe. Ask about seating arrangements, standing rooms, and how different layouts and rooms being turned around might impact the overall flow of your day.
3. What’s Included in the Venue Hire?
Some venues offer all-inclusive packages with furniture, linens, and décor, while others provide only the space. Clarify what’s included in the hire fee to avoid unexpected costs later. For instance, does the venue supply tables and chairs? Are there in-house staff, such as a coordinator or set-up crew?
4. Are There Required Suppliers that you have to use?
Some venues have a list of approved vendors, such as caterers, florists, or DJs. While this can streamline planning, it may limit your choices. Ask if you’re required to use their suppliers for any element of your day or if you can bring in your own. Additionally, enquire if there are extra fees for bringing in outside suppliers.
5. What Restrictions Does the Venue Have?
Many venues have restrictions that could impact your plans. Common examples include noise curfews, restrictions on open flames (e.g., candles), or rules about hanging decorations. If you’re dreaming of having your dog at your wedding, some firework or sparkler photos or a late-night dance party, make sure your venue permits it.
6. What Are the Venue’s Insurance Requirements?
Many venues require couples or their vendors to provide liability insurance. Find out if this is necessary and, if so, what coverage is needed. This ensures you’re prepared and can arrange your wedding insurance in advance.
7. What’s the Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy?
On occasion, plans can unexpectedly change. Ask about the venue’s policy on cancellations or rescheduling. Will you lose your deposit? Are there any rescheduling fees? Having clarity on these terms can save you stress and financial headaches later. Also, whilst highly unlikely, ask about contingency plans if anything were to happen to the venue itself and they could no longer host your wedding.
8. What Is the Venue’s Backup Plan for Bad Weather?
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, a solid backup plan is crucial if you’re getting married in the UK. Ask whether the venue has indoor options or covered spaces in case of rain or other weather issues. Ensure the alternative location is just as beautiful and functional as the original plan.
9. How Many Weddings Does the Venue Host Per Day?
Some venues host multiple weddings in a single day, which could affect your setup time and privacy. If this is the case, ask how they ensure each couple’s event feels exclusive and whether you’ll have sufficient time to prepare before your ceremony starts.
10. Is There On-Site Accommodation?
For destination weddings or venues in remote areas, on-site accommodation can be a huge convenience. Ask if there are rooms available for you and your guests and whether they offer group booking discounts. If not, enquire about nearby accommodation options. Also ask about a bridal morning prep suite or area. Even venues which don’t have their own on-site accommodation will usually have a lovely space for morning prep to take place.
11. How Accessible Is the Venue?
Consider the logistics for your guests. Is there ample parking? Is the venue accessible for elderly or disabled guests? If you’re planning transportation, ask about nearby drop-off points or whether shuttle buses can be arranged.
12. What’s the Alcohol Policy?
If you’re planning to serve alcohol, ask whether the venue provides bar services or if you’ll need to hire an external company. Some venues charge corkage fees if you bring your own alcohol, so clarify this in advance.
13. What’s the Payment Schedule?
Most venues require a deposit to secure your date, followed by instalments leading up to the wedding. Ask about their payment schedule, due dates, and accepted methods of payment. This will help you budget and avoid surprises.
14. How Customisable Is the Space?
Every couple wants their wedding to feel unique and personal, so it’s important to ask how much flexibility the venue offers in terms of customisation. Can you bring in your own décor, rearrange furniture, or use lighting to transform the space? If you’re envisioning hanging floral installations or draping fabric, confirm whether these types of modifications are permitted. Knowing how much creative freedom you have ensures your wedding vision can come to life without unnecessary limitations.
15. Is There a Point of Contact on the lead up to your wedding and on the day itself?
Having a dedicated coordinator or point of contact on your wedding day can be invaluable. Ask if the venue provides an on-site manager to handle logistics, answer questions, and resolve any issues that may arise during the event. Make sure you give them the names of your key suppliers who will be with you all day, eg your photographer and or videographer and content creator if you’re having one.
Touring wedding venues is an exciting part of the planning process, but asking the right questions is crucial to ensuring your day runs smoothly. From practical considerations like capacity and backup plans to finer details like vendor restrictions and payment schedules, being well-prepared helps you make confident decisions.
By asking these questions, you’ll not only find the perfect venue but also lay the foundation for a stress-free and unforgettable wedding day.
If you have any questions, or would like some help with venue or supplier recommendations across Manchester, Cheshire and the North West, I’m always happy to help so feel free to drop me a line at emma@emma-beaumont.com or book a call in with me - we can also discuss your wedding photography if you're looking for a photographer too.
If you're looking for a wedding photographer who specialises in natural, relaxed storytelling of your day with 99% unposed photos, I would love to chat to you. I promise to put everyone at ease and blend into the background, capturing all the details of your most special day and all those moments that might otherwise go unseen or unnoticed.
"We are so in love with our wedding photographs and cannot thank Emma enough for capturing our day so perfectly! We will look back and cherish those wonderful memories forever! Thank you as well for putting us at ease and giving us such clear instructions you definitely made us feel relaxed! Emma was so down to earth and friendly… she really did make us laugh and enjoy the day better. She was just like I’d known her for years" - Sue & Bryan
Featured in this blog:
Venues -
https://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk
https://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/weddings/
https://foxfieldshotel.com/wedding/
Décor & Styling –
