There are Wedding Venue Checklists in abundance online and in magazines, but this one is different. Most of them are written to help you compare and contrast wedding halls. This one is a list of things you will want to know to help you have a stress free celebration.
Will the facility manager be onsite for my event?
This won’t always be the case. If not make sure that the event manager you worked with during planning will be on site from set up to breakdown. If you are in a large catering hall with multiple events, make sure that you you know who the room Captain is and have met him in advance.
How long will I have the venue?
This is important because you want to be sure that your vendors have enough time before your wedding to get everything prepared. This could mean the florist, the lighting or the band. The bigger the band or more elaborate the decor, the longer their set up and breakdown will take. The same goes on the back end. You don’t want to have to worry about overtime charges if your guests linger a bit longer than expected.
What are the plans for inclement weather?
If the weather isn’t cooperating with your big day, what are the venues Plan B. You may only be having a small part of your wedding outside but you want to be assured that there is a plan for it.
You also want assurance that your guests will be directed to the alternate location.
Is the electrical sufficient for your plans?
It may not seem like something you need to think about but between bands, DJs, photo booths and specialty event lighting it can put a strain on the electrical system of some venues like historic mansions. Best to check in advance than be left in the dark.
If there are multiple events how does the venue handle it?
You want a full rundown on their policies. Find out if there are separate entrances or if they will provide a type of concierge service for each party. Are the acoustics sufficient that the music from one party won’t bleed into another. Will there be sufficient staff?
Preferred Vendors?
If at all possible use the vendors on the sites preferred vendor list. Chances they work there all the time and will know the staff and lots of little specifics that can make your event even more seamless than you expected.
Can you schedule a vendor walk-through the week before the wedding?
This is the final piece of the puzzle for a truly stress free celebration. Once you have done the walk through, met the Captain or manager on duty for the day of your event and know that everyone is on the same page, you can relax. You can enjoy not just your wedding but the last few days leading up to it because you know that you have put it in the hands of professionals.
