Questions to Ask Before Reserving a Ceremony Site

You're checking out a location and loving the set-up. You can picture walking down the steps, the veil  and bouquet  fitting perfectly in the scene. You imagine your family throwing birdseed,  blowing bubbles,  tossing petals,  but then the site manager reminds you that you are responsible for all clean-up after the wedding. What other things did they leave out on the phone? Here's a list of questions to ask to ensure your dream matches up with reality.

Size Matters

• How many rooms are there?
• How many people can fit into each?
• How many people total can be accommodated in all of the rooms combined?
• What shape are the rooms? Are they conducive to viewing the ceremony? (Are there pillars or other blockages?) Are they appropriate for the reception?
• Is the location adequate for both the ceremony and reception? If so, are you limited to using only one room or only the space inside?
• How many bathrooms are available? There should be one per 25 guests.
• How big is the parking lot? If small, is there an alternate parking lot than can be used? For suburban areas, where most people drive, you'll need a minimum of one parking space per two guests.

Staying on Budget

• To learn about discounts, ask the rates for different days of the week, times of day, and seasons.
• What is the total cost of the location?
• Are there additional fees, such as cleaning, set-up, and security?
• Do the tables,  chairs,  linens,  plates,  glasses,  and silverware  come included with the price?
• Are the sound system  and dance floor included in the overall price?
• How much of a deposit is required to reserve the date?
• If you choose another location, can the deposit be refunded?
• Is there a fee for changing the date?

Timing

• Will there be other parties booked before and after yours? Will that cause any time restraints?
• Does the site have various events in different rooms?
• What will the length of the ceremony be?
• How many hours are included in the total? How much is charged for overtime?

Outdoors

• Can the outside area be used?
• If the outside area will be the location of the reception, will there be enough lighting  and electrical outlets?
• Does the outside area have a lot of bugs? Will it need to be sprayed? 
• When will the grass be cut  and watered? (You want it to be dry so as not to stain the wedding gown  or shoes. )
• What happens in case of rain? Are there tents  available? Will they cost extra? Can they be heated  or cooled? 

Food and Drink

• Find out which services the reception hall requires you to use and which you are allowed to bring in yourself (such as a caterer and bartender).
• If a bartender is provided, how is he/she paid? Is this service included?
• Is the champagne  toast  included in the price of the catering?
• If you are allowed to bring in your own vendors, can you provide your own alcohol?
• Are there restrictions on the type of alcohol allowed on site?
• Are kegs allowed?
• Are there corking fees on wine  and champagne?
• If you bring your own cake, will there be a cake -cutting  fee?
• If you bring in a caterer, what kitchen facilities are available?
• Can the caterer make full use of the supplies available in the kitchen? If not, what supplies are available for use free of charge?
• Are there coffee pots? 
• Is there an ice machine? 

Sound, Video, and Photos

• What, if any, are the volume limits on music?
• Are there restrictions on the type of music that can be played?
• Is there a cut-off time?
• Can music be played outside?
• Is there a microphone  available? Can it be used free of charge?
• What does it cost to use the speaker  system?
• Is there a piano  or organ? Is a player provided? What will it cost to bring in an outside musician?
• Are there any restrictions on filming  or taking photos? 

Other Questions

• Must you clean  up yourself or does the site provide the cleaning services? Do they cost extra?
• Is there a valet or coat  check? What do these cost?
• Are there dressing rooms provided? Do they have locks  on them?
• What are the restrooms like?
• Are there restrictions on decorations?  Are candles  allowed? Can you decorate the ceremony site?
• At the ceremony, can you incorporate your own vows into the program?

Related Guides

Choosing a Wedding Date	Choosing a Wedding Location	Ceremony Checklist	Wedding Rentals	Choosing an Officiant