Before paying a deposit
What should we ask a wedding venue before we book it?
Do not ask only whether the room is beautiful and the date is free. Ask what is included, what you must provide, what can change the price, and who owns each practical job.
Money
- Total price and deposit
- Taxes, service charges or required gratuities
- Cancellation / rescheduling terms
- Overtime costs
People
- Seated and standing capacity
- Accessibility
- Parking / transport
- Children and vendor meals
Food & drink
- Required caterer or open choice
- Kitchen / prep access
- Alcohol rules
- Cake cutting, corkage or outside-food fees
Setup & weather
- Access time and cleanup deadline
- Tables, chairs, linens and sound equipment
- Who sets up and tears down
- Real bad-weather backup plan
Get promises into the contract. A reassuring conversation is useful, but the signed agreement is what you should plan around.