Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue

First: is it available and the right size?

1. 1.
   Is our date available, and can we place a hold?

   Ask if you can hold the date for 24 to 48 hours while you talk with family.

2. 2.
   How many guests can you seat with a dance floor?

   The max capacity often does not count the dance floor, DJ and buffet.

3. 3.
   Can we have the ceremony here too?

   And how fast can the room flip from ceremony to reception?

4. 4.
   Is there another wedding here that day?

   Two weddings in one day can mean a rushed setup and a hard end time.

5. 5.
   Is there a getting-ready suite?

   A space on site keeps the morning simple and the photos easy.

6. 6.
   Is it easy for every guest to get around?

   Ask about parking, ramps, steps and restrooms for older guests.

What is included

1. 7.
   What comes with the rental?

   Tables, chairs, linens, setup, cleanup, staff, a day-of coordinator?

2. 8.
   Is there heat and air conditioning?

   A must for barns and outdoor spaces in an Iowa July or a cold October night.

3. 9.
   Are there real restrooms?

   Some barns and outdoor sites need restroom trailers. Who pays?

4. 10.
   Is there power where the DJ and caterer need it?

   Especially at barns and outdoor ceremonies.

5. 11.
   Do you have a day-of coordinator?

   Ask exactly what they do: run the timeline, or just open the doors?

Rules to know before you sign

1. 12.
   Do we have to use your caterer, bar or vendor list?

   A required vendor list can change your whole budget.

2. 13.
   How is alcohol handled?

   In-house bar only, or bring your own with a licensed bartender? Is there a corkage fee?

3. 14.
   When can we get in, and when must we be out?

   Ask about decorating the day before, when the music must end and when cleanup must be done.

4. 15.
   What decorations are not allowed?

   Real candles, confetti, sparklers, nails and tape are common rules.

5. 16.
   Is security or event insurance required?

   Some venues require off-duty officers or event insurance when alcohol is served.

Weather and backup plans

1. 17.
   What is the rain plan?

   Where does everything move, who moves it, and when do we decide?

2. 18.
   What if it is very hot or cold?

   Ask about fans, heaters, a tent and shade for an outdoor ceremony.

Last: pricing

Why last? Once you know what is included, you can compare prices fairly. Two quotes that look $500 apart can include very different things.

1. 19.
   What is the total, with every fee?

   Ask about "++", which means tax and a service charge added on top. That can add 25 to 30%.

2. 20.
   Is there a food and drink minimum?

   Some venues require you to spend a minimum amount on catering or the bar.

3. 21.
   Do Fridays, Sundays or winter dates cost less?

   Off-peak dates can save a lot. September and October Saturdays cost the most in Iowa.

4. 22.
   What is the deposit and payment schedule?

   Most vendors take 25 to 50% to hold your date. Get the balance due date in writing.

5. 23.
   What is your cancellation and reschedule policy?

   Know what you get back, and what you lose, if your date moves.

Questions couples ask