QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VENUE

Before you fall for the first venue you visit, get clued up on the essential questions

Choosing your wedding venue is a huge decision, and one from which many of your other decisions will follow. It’s oh-so easy to set your heart on the first country pile you visit but, before you make a decision, consider these key questions from wedding planner, Jenny Granlund of Jenny Wren Weddings & Events (jennywrens.com).

Then go ahead and make that all-important booking – safe in the knowledge that you’re prepped on the party-planning essentials.

• What is the capacity for a ceremony and reception?

• Does the venue have a ceremony licence?

• What ceremony locations are there, both inside and outside?

• Is the venue exclusive use?

• What is their availability like?

• What is included in the price?

• Look at the rooms and discuss whether room turnarounds will need to take place (for example, if the dinner is in the same room as the ceremony). If so, who will take care of this?

• Are there any break-out rooms away from the party for older guests or babies?

• Will there be a wedding coordinator on-site on the wedding day? What will they be taking care of?

• Is furniture provided?

• Is tableware provided?

• Can you bring in your own suppliers and catering company?

• Are toilets provided?

• What time do the licenses for music and alcohol run until?

• Are there restrictions concerning music?

• Is there the option to provide your own alcohol? Do they charge corkage?

• What day and time can you have access from?

• Is there accommodation on-site or close by?

• Do they allow fireworks?

• Do they allow confetti?

• Do they allow firepits?

• Are there dos and don’ts concerning decoration?

• What time does the hire end?

• Who does the clean up afterwards?

• Who takes away the recycling and rubbish?