Pinning My Way to I Do: Checklists, Questions to Ask, & Other Things that Make you Want to go Nutty Part 2

Hi again,

So as I mentioned in Checklists, Questions to Ask, & Other Things that Make you Want to go Nutty Part 1, we are checking out venues starting on the 18th. Since I have read through and started all of the things to do when you get engaged, I figured I better start figuring out what the heck to ask these people! There is so much to consider like can I pick my own caterer, do we need to follow a preferred vendor list, can we bring in our own alcohol, do we need extra insurance, how long do we REALLY have in the venue, can we also use this for our ceremony, etc etc etc. But never fear, Pinterest is here with things you should ask! Considering I saw so much overlap with the first set of things, I thought it would be a good idea to start with one list, transfer it into Microsoft Word or Google Drive, and then add on from there. I'm going to make a sheet for each venue and then will start to transfer items into a spreadsheet to compare and contrast. I'm out to save money and have a kick ass time!

Here is my full list of questions (well, at least for Venue visit 1). The first two venues we're visiting will require an outside caterer, so that's why there aren't too many catering questions listed here.

General Questions to ask-

How many events do you host a day?
Is there a day-of coordinator?
What’s the maximum number of guests you can accommodate? And comfortable accommodate? Is there a minimum?
What are the rates? Are there discounts for week day or brunch events, for example?
What’s the site fee? And what does that include? (don’t forget to ask about tax, service charge, and misc fees) Are there any hidden costs? Are there any additional costs-cleaning fees, insurance-fee waivers, etc.?
Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?
Does anything we've seen today cost extra?
What's the cancellation policy?
What are the overtime charges?
Is there a space for me to get ready? Where do the bride and groom get ready? Be sure to check out lighting, for example, in the bride's suite (for makeup!).
Can we bring in our own alcohol? Do they have a liquor license?
Are there preferred vendors or people we have to use? Anyone you recommend we use?
Will we need to bring in sound equipment? If it is here, does it cost extra to use? Do we need to bring in a dance floor? How big is the dance floor? Is there space for a band or DJ? If band, how many people?
Are there any areas we won’t have access to?
Will our guests have to pay to park? Is there parking? Where can your guests park? What are the parking options? Do you have valet? Do my guests have to pay for parking or valet services? Can we have transportation (like a shuttle) drop people off?
Are the facility and bathrooms handicapped accessible? How many bathrooms are there? Where are they located? Will they be shared with other event-goers at this venue? You should be sure to check them out.
How many hours do you allow a party to be here? How many hours do we have the space in total? And before the event (for decorating)? A time by which we have to be out?
Is there a noise ordinance we should be aware of?
Are we allowed to bring in decorations? How about candles or open flames? Are there limitations on decorations? Can we hang things. walls, ceiling?
Any restrictions regarding food - for example - can you prepare food at the location, or does it need to be brought in? Any restrictions such as no red wine? Do they limit food and drinks to only certain areas of the wedding venue?
Where will you take photographs? Are there restrictions for the photographer? Where do couples typically take photographs? Do you have photos of other weddings here?
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?
How long does it typically take for the staff to change over the room?
If the venue is a hotel: What room rate can you offer our guests? And how many rooms can you guarantee us at that rate?
Can I have the ceremony here, also? If so, what are the options? Be sure to ask about indoor and outdoor options and contingency plans in case of rain.
Are there separate spaces for the cocktail hour and for dinner?
What is the square footage of the venue? Be sure to be clear about which rooms are included in that. Also ask where the bar, tables and dance floor are usually located. You may also want to ask about buffet table and head table set up.
How many weddings have you hosted?
Do you have our preferred dates available? Is anyone else looking at those dates? How early do you typically book up?
What is the guest-to-staff ratio? What does the staff wear, and is there any flexibility in that?
What kind of lighting is standard? What are the lighting options?
Who sets up for the wedding, and is there an on-site coordinator included in the cost of the venue rental?
Will other events be going on at the same time? Or on the same day?
Do you do the catering yourselves or do you use outside suppliers?
Can we bring in our own suppliers?
Can we tailor the menu to suit our own needs?
How do you deal with dietary requirements?
Do you offer drinks packages and what is included?
Can we provide our own wine and champagne and will you charge corkage?
Can we schedule a menu tasting?
Will you cut up and serve our wedding cake?
Do you have deals with local hotels for wedding guests?