Advice on visiting venues

LizM61409

So I've been checking out venues online and getting pricing information, and will be visiting some soon. We're looking at having the ceremony and reception at the same place and have several country clubs and hotels on the list. What are some important things to find out about the venue, or questions that were particularly helpful? I would hate to commit to a place then find out later there's something weird about it that I hadn't thought to ask about beforehand. Thanks!

kaos16

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_advice-on-visiting-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:0e2c9c1a-9839-4cd7-8cd1-1a84bc20a88dPost:7c795f7a-b8cf-4c12-ab44-7dce88bec6a0">Advice on visiting venues</a>:
[QUOTE]So I've been checking out venues online and getting pricing information, and will be visiting some soon. We're looking at having the ceremony and reception at the same place and have several country clubs and hotels on the list. What are some important things to find out about the venue, or questions that were particularly helpful? I would hate to commit to a place then find out later there's something weird about it that I hadn't thought to ask about beforehand. Thanks!
Posted by LizM61409[/QUOTE]

1. How many events occur at the same time
2. If any part is outside, what is the contingency plan for rain
3. If there are preferred vendors.
4. Room capacity

that's all i can think of right now.

kathleenweddings

1. Does the venue provide chairs?  How many?
2. Are there restrictions on what vendors can be used (Photog, DJ, Food, etc.)?
3. Is there plenty of parking for your expected guest count?  Is parking free?
4. Penalty if party runs longer than expected?  How soon can we access the venue?  How long can we stay?
5. What are the costs? Any hidden costs?
6. What decor do you have? Can I bring in my own decor?
7. Is there an adequate sound system?
8. Are open flames/candles allowed?
9. Is there a day of coordinator provided?
10. Are there rooms for bride/groom to change?
11. Any restrictions where food/beverages can be taken?

fallbride1109

I had a hotel wedding.  Here are a few more I had (or wish I had asked)

1. Is it available on my date?
2. How many people will the spaces COMFORTABLY hold?
3. Does the service charge cover gratuity?
4.  Hidden fees is a good one--cake cutting, presetting the tables, chair removal (if you want to rent different ones), dance floor, charge for flipping the space if both events occur in same room, coat check, valet--these are all charges I saw at different venues.
5. Will the bartender have a tip jar? (This is one I didn't ask and it still haunts me.)
6. Date by which final head count must be given.
7. F&B minimums.

For hotel:
1.  Is there a discounted room rate for OOT guests?
2.  Is the bridal suite comped for the wedding night?

jessicabessica

PPs have given you good advice so far.  A few more things--if you look through photo albums of past weddings, ask what aspects are included in the price and what cost extra.  You might love how the venue looks with chair covers and uplighting, but that may cost extra, so you want to know that.  When you ask about the venue's capacity, there's a difference between what they're allowed (fire code) and what is comfortable--if you're at the maximum number of people (don't forget your vendors and you/your FI), you may not be able to have a large dance floor or a buffet meal.

j-harvey

In Response to Re:Advice on visiting venues:[QUOTE]Bathrooms. Where are they, how many stalls etc? Posted by huynhette[/QUOTE]
And how big they are, considering your dress.
In addition to reviews, I found pics of receptions by googling the venue name and wedding. Some photogs post some for advertising/branding.

JoanE2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_advice-on-visiting-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:0e2c9c1a-9839-4cd7-8cd1-1a84bc20a88dPost:0baf57bf-439d-4ae8-ae11-9c920a827f22">Re: Advice on visiting venues</a>:
[QUOTE]I had a hotel wedding.  Here are a few more I had (or wish I had asked) 1. Is it available on my date? 2. How many people will the spaces COMFORTABLY hold? 3. Does the service charge cover gratuity? 4.  Hidden fees is a good one--cake cutting, presetting the tables, chair removal (if you want to rent different ones), dance floor, charge for flipping the space if both events occur in same room, coat check, valet--these are all charges I saw at different venues. <strong>5. Will the bartender have a tip jar? (This is one I didn't ask and it still haunts me.)</strong> 6. Date by which final head count must be given. 7. F&B minimums. For hotel: 1.  Is there a discounted room rate for OOT guests? 2.  Is the bridal suite comped for the wedding night?
Posted by stephiehall[/QUOTE]

Just curious....why?  Did they get tipped by you and then have the guests tip?

fallbride1109

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_advice-on-visiting-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:0e2c9c1a-9839-4cd7-8cd1-1a84bc20a88dPost:524cfb8e-acd4-47ac-a0cc-1335dd61d94e">Re: Advice on visiting venues</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Advice on visiting venues : Just curious....why?  Did they get tipped by you and then have the guests tip?
Posted by JoanE2012[/QUOTE]

It's just considered bad etiquette.  It's not something I even thought about since yes, our service charge should have covered their gratuity.  (I don't know that mine even had one, but I wish I would have made sure.)

yoshijo

We asked :
1.how many chairs/mini tables would be available for cocktail hour
2. how many bartenders they would have (ours are determining it based on the # of guests)
3.would orders be taken table side (for sit down dinner) or do we need to know in advance? Can people also order drinks tableside?
4.what day is the rehearsal dinner normally on?
5. Can we bring in a specific wine  that we would like offered to our guests (alcohol is included)
6. how many weddings do they have at one time
7. is there a hotel nearby
8. What extras are included? (our centerpieces & cake are included )
9. What are the rates for different days and season (many places discount Dec-March)

Avion22

These are all really great questions!

Don't just ask -- make sure you write down the answer.  It seems a little neurotic, but if you are visiting more than 3 or so venues, then you may want to make up a little worksheet with the questions on them (and spaces for you to write down the answers).  This way you won't miss a question, and you'll have the answers written down so you won't confuse which venue said what.  You could also take some digital pictures so you remember what each space looked like (again, if you see a lot of venues in a short period of time, they can all run together by the end of the day or weekend).

Also, ask if the venue has a wedding portfolio.  Most will have some albums of pictures from professional photographers (wedding photographers provide some of these shots back to the venue) so you can see how other couples have used the space.  It's a good way to get ideas, and to preview some local photographer's work.  

yoshijo

We also wrote down the likes and dislikes for each venue (after visiting several they all began to blend in with one another) as well as the answers to all questions we asked

holidaytiltomorrow

What is the rental room fee?

Is there a set-up/take-down fee? Staffing fee?

How many people can it hold?

Can we bring our own cake?

Do we have to use your caterer?

Will they work with us to create a custom menu?

Are tables, chairs, dinnerware and linens supplied?

Can we bring our own, if we decide to?

Are then any decorations included?

Do you have any recommentdations for set-up and decorations?

Are there any limitations on decorations? (some places dont like confettii, tape or an open flame)

Are there any DJs or florists you can recomment?

Is there a bar area or can one be set-up? Is there a fee?

How many hours is the site available for? When do you have to be out by?

Is parking free? Will there be enough room for our guests and others if there is something else going on the same day?

Is there a coat check? Is there a fee?

Is there a bartender? Is there a fee?

Is there a doorman? Is there a fee?

If we arrange for an open bar, do we bring our own alcohol or do you provide it?

If we arrange for a cash bar, what will the prices be?

Does the site have any music or noise restrictions?

Are there sufficient restroom facilities? How many?

If someone else is occupying another room at the site, is there enough space between the rooms to ensure privacy?

If there is nothing planned for the room the day before, are we allowed to decoration the night before? If not, how early can we come in to decorate the day of?

Will you be able to advice us on decoration? Seating? Layout?

What is the deposit and when is the remainer due?

Is there a separate room where photographs can be taken?

Where can we change inout our outfits/going away clothes?

Is there a security fee?

How many people can comfortably sit at each table?

Will our deposit be returned in the event of a cancellation?