| You have selected your shortlist of venues and made | | | | an in-house wedding planner |
| appointments to view. Have an open mind when you | | | | - Is there a dance floor |
| look at the facilities available, but also have an idea of | | | | - What time does the entertainment have to stop |
| what you will not be prepared to compromise on and | | | | - Are there any restrictions on noise |
| what you will be prepared to compromise. | | | | - Are gratuities included for waiting staff |
| It is really good to be prepared and come with a list of | | | | - Is there sufficient parking |
| questions and queries before visiting your shortlisted | | | | - Is there enough accommodation for guests wishing |
| venue. Prepare a checklist and mark them off as you | | | | to stay overnight |
| go through the list. Most popular wedding venues are | | | | - If it is an early wedding, what time will |
| used to anxious bridal couples and already have a | | | | accommodation be available |
| prepared FAQ sheet to handout. Here is a list of the | | | | - Are there changing facilities for the bride, groom and |
| most common questions you should be asking or | | | | guests |
| thinking about when choosing the right venue for you. | | | | - Are there locations for stunning photography |
| This will ensure that there are no nasty cost surprises | | | | - Do they have a list of preferred vendors |
| nearer the time. | | | | (entertainment, caterers) |
| - Most important - is there a cost for hiring the venue | | | | - Do they have a cake-stand and knife |
| (most make a charge for hiring the facility) | | | | If the venue is catering for your wedding reception - |
| - Is there a set-up and break-down fee | | | | you need to have a clear idea of what is included in |
| - What deposit is required and what are the | | | | the catering costs, what cocktails are available if on a |
| cancellation notices | | | | budget, and whether there are minimum numbers of |
| - What wedding packages are available (do they | | | | guests to pay for. |
| include cost of venue hire) | | | | - What drinks or cocktails are served for the reception |
| - If you are having a civil wedding - what is the cost of | | | | hour |
| the ceremony (some venues charge extra for the | | | | - Is there a chance to taste sample menus |
| ceremonial room) | | | | - Is there facility for an open, paid, or partly paid bar? |
| - Is it Exclusive use or is there a premium to pay. | | | | - Is the bar located near the entertainment area or in a |
| - If shared, how many other weddings are there that | | | | separate room |
| day and where are they located | | | | - Can we bring our own drinks and if so what is the |
| - What restrictions are there - candles, confetti, | | | | corkage price |
| decorations, disabled access | | | | - Can we see sample table settings? |
| - Is there a coat room or space for hanging coats | | | | - What does a sample place setting look like? |
| - Can we use our own wedding coordinator? Is there | | | | |