Questions to Ask Your Destination Wedding Venue
So, you have finally convinced your significant other to spring for a destination wedding. You (and they) have narrowed down the list of possible venues to a slightly smaller number than what you had started out with. On to the second part: finding out what all the venues have to offer. Finding out if it is what you want or can work with, and if the price is within your range. At iBride.com, we have their prices listed on it. From these you can make a budget (assuming you haven’t), and reach out to them. Whatever you ask them, make sure these ten questions are part of the interview.
1) The Date
Is the date you want for your wedding available? If you are flexible with the date, then ask them: what dates are available in the month of June? How much would it cost to hold a wedding on the 25th of December, or on the 31st of October? (These are just examples!)
2) Exclusive Booking
Sometimes multiple events happen in the same location as your wedding. In such a case, you should ask them: can you get a venue just for you and your party? Do they hold more than one event on the same day at the same venue? If they do, how high would the noise level be: would it disrupt or in any way affect your own event? Do you need a specific number of guests to get an exclusive booking?
3) Accommodation
Do they provide accommodation for guests? If not, what places do they recommend? Can they accommodate children and reduced-mobility guests? What are the check-in and check-out times? Can guest-stay be extended, and at what extra charge? What is the seating capacity of the venue?
4) Wedding Planner
Do they have their own wedding planner/coordinator? Can you bring your own wedding planner to work with them? Can you bring your designer/decorator? Would there be an extra charge for that?
5) Catering/Supplies
The food and drinks (alcohol, if you will) are very important at a wedding, in quality and in quantity. So, ask the venues: Do they provide catering? Can you hire yours? Do they have any recommendations? Can they provide for special diets? Can you taste the menu before making a decision? Can you use your own vendors, or do they have a suppliers’ list? Can you bring your own drinks? Can you bring your own cake?
6) Electronics and Entertainment
Do they have microphones, a good sound system, sufficient power supply, and lighting? Is there a standard noise level limit? Do they have A/V equipment? Do you have to bring your own music?
7) Outdoors
What are the alternatives to an outdoor venue in case it rains? Do they have a marquee, or should you bring yours?
8) Activities
What are the activities available for the guests as they stay before/after the wedding? What activities are in the area? Which do they recommend, if there aren’t any at the venue?
9) Transportation
Do they provide transportation to and from the airport? Do they provide transportation around the area? (For sight-seeing and the like). Is there any extra charge?
10) Last (and probably most important): do they offer group discounts?
These questions cover most of what one would have to find out about wedding venues. It would also be a good idea to actually visit the venues to get a feel of the places and talk to them in person. Also, find out if you can get references to others who have used the venues, and get their input on how they worked for them at their weddings. Just make sure you do everything you possibly can to get the wedding venue of your dreams.