My FI and I aren't getting married until 2016, but have heard quite a bit on making it a point to book the venue ASAP since a lot of waterfront/spring/summer venues (can) book up to 2 years in advance. We are going to visit 2 of our prospective venues in a couple weeks over my spring break and wondered if there are any questions anyone can suggest that I may have missed/forgotten...(both of these options are resorts/hotels that offer rehersal dinner,ceremony, reception services)
My list includes:
1) is there an indoor emergency ceremony venue
2) our guests will be approx. <100, does that limit us on what rooms we can use for the reception venue
3) do your caterers offer sit-down as well as buffet style dinners
4) can we choose our own caterer
5) where can our guests park
6) what sort of discount is offered for guests of our wedding if we block rooms, & are we limited to our guests staying here (some guests may not be able to afford prices at resort)
7) do you have DJs on a preferred list, are we able to book our own
8) can you suggest an officiant
9) do you have any restrictions on photographs/locations used for photographs
10) what do you offer for "dressing rooms" for bride and maids, and for groom and groomsmen
11) how flexible is your schedule for the reception, are we able to rearrange certain aspects such as when the first dance occurs (we want to have first dance after dinner to kick off reception)
12) do you have restrictions on children (we have little ones who are in the wedding and would like for them to be included in all events)
13) are you pet friendly (I have bunnies that will need to come along since all those whom I trust to take care of them when I go away will be at the wedding)
.... I think that's all I have for the moment. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated 