Wedding Venues- how to choose them?

When brides and grooms start looking for wedding venues, it’s not uncommon to think of hotel ballrooms, clubhouse, your own house or a Chinese restaurant. Things that usually help you decide would be the rental cost, Food and Beverage cost and how many guests it can accommodate.

Once you know these things, and you have a few wedding venues in mind that fit that budget and size, then it's time to start asking questions!

• What's the decor like? Does it fit your style and wedding colors? Will you have to spend a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful?

• When thinking of using a Clubhouse or Community Hall, ask this: Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? (While an in-house caterer can be easier and cheaper, sometimes the food is not as beautiful as the room. So make sure you taste it!) Do they have a limitation on which outside caterers you can use?

• Do they have adequate bathroom facilities and parking space?

• Is the wedding venue wheelchair accessible? If not, are there many stairs to climb? How close is the parking to the ceremony and reception rooms?

• What's the cancellation policy?

• Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?

• Are there any hidden costs? (Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.)

• What are the overtime charges?

• Do they have a liquor and music license?

• Will they allow you to bring your own liquor? (This is usually cheaper, even with the customary corkage fee.)

• Is there room in the wedding venue for a band and/or dancing?

• Does the wedding venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers or will that need to be rented?

• Is there a space for the bride and groom to change and/or relax?

• Where will you take photographs? Is there a park nearby, or do the coordinators have recommended spots on the grounds?

• Who will be supervising and troubleshooting before the day of your wedding? Who will be supervising and troubleshooting on the day of your wedding? Can you meet them now? This is essential for technical issues as well in case you need a photo presentation using a projector and laptop.

• Where can your guests park? Are there extra fees for parking? Do they have valet parking?

• Is the wedding venue convenient to public transportation, especially in big cities? How long will it take your guests to get there?

• Especially in museums or private clubs, are there limitations on decorations? Do they limit food and drinks to only certain areas of the wedding venue?

• Are candles or other open flames allowed?

• If its an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rain or other inclement weather? If not, is there a place that you can put up a tent?