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on where you have your wedding and the type of wedding, not everything
here will apply to you and other things may need to be added to
the list.
Ask
about the size and particulars of the facility
- Can the
facility comfortably accommodate the size wedding and number
of guests you are planning?
- Does it
have handicap access?
- Does it
have air conditioning?
- Is there
a room available for the bride to use during the reception to
change clothes or just freshen up?
- Can you
have your ceremony in the venue and how and where will it be?
- What is
the cost for setting up the ceremony seating?
Ask
about your date
- Is it
available?
- Ask if
there are any other events or weddings booked for that day.
Ask
about the decor of the facility
- If you
haven’t seen it already, ask to see pictures of the facility
as it would be set up for a wedding.
- Can you
make any changes?
- Make sure
that if there are certain decorations that you see now and like,
that they will still be available on your wedding date.
- Ask if
they are doing any remodelling or redecorating from now until
your wedding day. You don't want construction going on during
your reception.
Ask
about the number of hours
- Most receptions
last between 5-7 hours.
- Ask how
many hours you will have for your reception. Some facilities
will give you four hours and charge you additionally (sometimes
another $500) for every additional hour.
Ask
about Money
- How much
is the total rental fee?
- And specifically,
what does the price include?
- Ask about
the deposit, how much and when is the balance due?
- Ask if
they have any "wedding packages". Sometimes facilities
will offer a wedding package including food, flowers, wedding
cake and even a limo. Although you limit some of your choices,
it can save you time and money!
Ask
about any extra charges
- If it’s
a community centre or historic venue, do you have to rent chairs
and tables, and if so, is this an extra charge?
- What about
linens and glassware are they included?
- Is there
a cake cutting fee?
- What about
a corking fee? (When you purchase your own alcohol for the reception,
a corking fee is sometimes charged for each bottle of liquor
opened.)
Ask
about the food
- If the
facility is a hotel or restaurant and will provide the food
for the wedding, make sure that you’ve had an opportunity
to sample the food and talk about menu choices.
- If you
choose a location that requires an outside caterer, ask if you’re
required to choose from their approved list or can you choose
any caterer?
Ask
about alcohol and bar service
- Does the
facility provide the alcohol and bar service or do you bring
your own alcohol?
- Do they
supply the bartenders or do you hire them?
- Are there
any restrictions about the type or quantity of alcohol to be
served?
- Do they
require a cash bar or is an open bar an option?
- Ask about
their liability insurance and if it is sufficient for your size
wedding.
Ask
about entertainment
- Make sure
the dance floor is big enough to accommodate your guests.
- Ask the
facility manager to show you where the band or DJ would set
up their equipment.
- Make sure
the facility can accommodate them adequately.
Ask
about parking
- Is it
readily available?
- Do you
need to hire a parking attendant or valet? Are there any events
(i.e. festivals, parades, sporting events) that will make parking
difficult for your guests?
Ask
about any restrictions
FB Warning:
Because of liquor by-laws, ask your reception venue if you can
give wine or other alcohol as favours/bomboniere. Some allow it
and some don't.
- Ask if
there are any restrictions in regards to using the facility.
For instance, some historical sites have certain restrictions
or rules regarding smoking, lit candles, and alcohol.
Ask
about overnight accommodations
- Ask if
the facility has overnight accommodations for your out-of-town
guests.
- If it is
a hotel, can you reserve a block of rooms at a discount?
Ask
about a wedding coordinator
- Many facilities
will have a Wedding Day Coordinator on staff and at no extra
charge. The role of the Wedding Day Coordinator is to make sure
that everything runs smoothly for your wedding day!
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