Key questions to ask before you book your venue

Trying to find the perfect wedding venue may seem challenging, so here are some important questions to consider to help you check off as many boxes as you can to find the venue that is the best fit for you!

Date Availability & Package Pricing

1. Is your desired date available? If not and your date is flexible, what are some other dates that are available?
2. Will our wedding be the only event occurring on the property that day? (Ideally, your wedding will be the only one to avoid confusion of which site belongs to which couple, vendors unloading at wrong location, limited venue access, etc.) If your wedding is not the only event, how does the venue coordinator plan to handle multiple events on property to ensure everything runs smoothly?
3. Are there different rates for different days of the week or different times of year?
4. Do you have different packages available? What is included with the different packages?
5. How many hours are included in your package(s)?
6. When may we arrive to the venue, and what time do we need to be off the property?

Payment Policies

1. What is the required down payment to secure our date?
2. How much is the damage deposit?
3. What is your payment schedule? When is the final payment due?
4. What is your cancellation policy?
5. Do you require wedding/event insurance?

Venue Coordination & Logistics

1. What is the venue's maximum capacity indoors/outdoors?
2. Do you have your own speaker system or does the DJ need to provide their own sound equipment?
3. Who is responsible for setup and breakdown of tables, chairs, decor, etc.?
4. Who will be our venue coordinator? Will they be on-site for the entirety of our event?

Vendor & Guest Considerations

1. Do you have a preferred vendors list?
2. Are outside vendors allowed? Is there an associated fee?
3. Are there noise restrictions?
4. Are there open flame restrictions?
5. What kinds of decorations/drapings/lighting does the venue allow?
6. How early may vendors arrive?
7. Is it possible to have rental items arrive earlier in the week?
8. Does the venue have accessibility amenities for those with mobility impairments?
9. How many restrooms are available?
10. Is parking available on-site?
11. What is the contingency plan in case of inclement weather?

Bartending, Food & Catering

1. Do you offer in-house catering? What is the cost per person for your catering package?
2. Do you allow outside vendors for catering? Do you have a preferred vendor list? Is there a fee to hire a vendor not on your preferred vendor list?
3. Do you have a food/beverage minimum?
4. Do you have a caterer's kitchen where food may be prepared on-site or must food be prepared off-site?
5. Do you have a bar that we may use for cocktail hour and the reception?

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog for our local, family-owned small business in Monroe, GA. We appreciate your support and hope it helps you with your wedding planning for Walton County and Oconee County, GA weddings & beyond! Happy planning!