Selecting the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding: 30 Questions to Ask

Author

Written on behalf of Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette 
www.lplft.comWedding and Reception Venues in Lafayette LA 

Finding a perfect wedding and reception venue in Lafayette, LA, entails more than just finding an aesthetically pleasing location, although appearance certainly matters. There are additional details to consider before committing to your choice of venue(s). To help brides and grooms make informed decisions when searching, we've compiled a list of 30 questions to ask when evaluating reception and wedding venues. Print this list to take with you when visiting prospective locations.
  
Availability and Pricing
1. Availability of the date you have chosen. If your date is not available, ask about additional openings around that time. You will want to know a venue's availability as you work through your list of venues in case all venues in your area are booked on your chosen date. How far in advance can you reserve your desired date?
2. Are there pricing variations depending on the time and day of the week (e.g., Friday, Saturday, Sunday; morning, afternoon, evening)? Are there seasonal price differences?
3. The number of hours included in the venue rental. Additionally, ask what the earliest and latest you can arrive and depart are, as there may be an additional charge for early arrival and late departure.
4. Most couples prefer venue exclusivity on their wedding day to ensure smooth setup and unrestricted access. However, if the venue you have chosen has more than one room, exclusivity may not be guaranteed. Ask what it costs to reserve the entire venue or how the venue handles multiple events.
 
Deposit and Payment Requirements
5. What is the deposit for the venue?
6. When does the deposit need to be made?
7. Is there a payment schedule?
8. Does the full payment cover all service charges, cleaning fees, and gratuity? Or there any additional fees or charges?
9. What is the venue's cancellation policy?
10. When is the last date to make changes to the reservation?
11. Does the venue require wedding insurance?
 
Vendor Selection
12. Does this venue provide all services, or do they require you to choose from a list of approved vendors?
13. Must you choose from their approved vendor list, or are there guidelines for using your own vendors?
14. If you can choose your own vendors, does the venue have a list of top recommendations? Most reception halls have vetted local providers, it may be helpful to view their list.
 
Logistical Questions
14. Is their facility handicapped accessible?
15. What are the noise restrictions?
16. Number of restrooms available? If insufficient, can you rent additional facilities?
17. On-site parking availability, the number of parking spaces, and if there is a fee for guest parking. Parking may be at a premium in larger cities and may not be included.
  
Venue Details
18. What is the event space's maximum capacity?
19. Does the venue have sound equipment, or do arrangements need to be made
20. If the venue is outdoors, what is their backup plan for inclement weather?
21. What are the décor restrictions?
22. Is there a vendor setup time allowance?
22. Do staff at the venue help with décor setup and teardown? To what extent do they assist? It is important to understand the venues’ role in pre-and-post-event setup and breakdown in order to coordinate with retained vendors.
  
Food and Beverage Questions
24. Does the venue have in-house catering, and does the rental fee include beverages and food?
25. If the venue does not provide catering, can you choose your own caterer, or must you choose from an approved list?
26. What is the minimum spending requirement on catering, what if your guest list does not meet the minimum requirement?
27. Does the venue require liquor to be purchased through their facility, or can you source it out?
28. Is there a corkage or service fee for outside alcohol? If outside alcohol is allowed, be sure to clarify the associated fees. If there is a corkage fee, it may be most cost-effective to purchase from the vendor.
 
 
Questions About Event Staff
29. Who is your venue contact during the event planning phase, and who will be your contact on the wedding day?
30. Can you meet the event planning coordinator?
 
 
Certainly, additional questions may arise while shopping for your venue; however, these tailored questions will help you find the perfect reception venue in Lafayette, LA, for your special day.

Selecting the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding: 30 Questions to Ask

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