Top 10 Questions to Ask at Your Venue Walk Through

Photo by: Albany Katz

You are newly engaged and looking for your dream wedding venue. OR- You may be on the hunt for the venue for a baby shower, birthday, or other celebration. You have found the right place to start! Searching for a venue can be tiresome and thrilling all at once because you want to make sure you’re getting the best venue for your event needs. After narrowing down your top 3-5 venues based on what fits your style/dream, location, and budget, the next step is to schedule a venue walk through or formal site visit. Note: If you have multiple locations to go to, I would recommend scheduling each on the same day.

Having an event planner by your side is so helpful as we make sure to ask questions and think through logistics for your event. We want you envisioning your event not worried checking off the questions to ask. In some cases, maybe you plan to have an event planner for partial planning after you’ve selected your venue or coordinator for the last few months before. Either way you do it, we understand and we got your back!

It is common to show up and look around, take pictures, maybe ask a few general questions and move to the next venue. You may be missing out on crucial information that slips the mind that day and you find out the hard way when you already book the venue that can't accommodate a certain dream, need, or request. Here are the top 10 most common forgotten questions that MUST be asked at your wedding venue walk through.

Photo by: Lauren Cate Photography

1. What time is vendor access? What time do vendors need to be out of the venue?

2. Where are the bathrooms for guests? How many? Can this accommodate your guest count? Will they be serviced during the event?

3. What is the parking like for the guests? Valet/self-parking/shuttle?

4. Is there security? Will we need to provide any security, if so, do we book them through you (the venue)?

5. Are there any noise restrictions? If so, how do you enforce this?

6. Are you allowed to throw petals, confetti, rice, fried flowers, etc.? (biodegradable) If so, do you charge additional clean up fees for this? How much is this charge?

7. Is there a bridal suite to get ready on site? What time will I have access to this room? Does the room lock/need a key?

8. Can we bring our own alcohol? Is there corkage fees for alcohol?

9. In the venue's “XYZ package” does it include lighting, or AV (Audio/Video) Equipment that can be utilized? Note this down for the DJ/Musicians.

10. Are there any renovations that will be done before or during our wedding occasion?

    Check below for a Bonus!
    
    

Photo by: Morgan Cesario

BONUS: We (the couple) want to do a haze on the dance-floor during the first dance, do you. (the venue) have any restrictions on this?
Some venues have restrictions on some special effects but not all, make sure the one(s) you want are approved some can include: Sparklers, Cold Sparks, Haze/Fog, Real/Fake Snow, Specific decorations/floral to hang from the ceiling or walls, or any additional Special Effects that may be questionable.

I hope these questions are helpful at your venue walk through! Let me know your walk through goes!

Comment below more questions that you would recommend asking that the answers surprised you after booking.