In my journeys as a wedding professional I have often come accross a reluctant bride who doesn’t see the need for a wedding professional on her team. As I always say, “it’s not my focus to convince you (the couple) that you need me…it’s my focus to show you how I can enhance your event.”
In approaching any event I believe in being realistic in every aspect of pulling the couple’s vision together. In doing so, I always have a checklist with every possible question that needs to be asked (even the ones most people don’t think about).
Below, is my questionaire for finding a suitable venue for a client. I usually call or visit the venue (questionaire in hand) to get the required information. Most times I contact anywhere from 5-10 venues, compile the information, weed out locales that don’t suit my client’s needs and then present the final information to my client for review.
Facility Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Contact Person:
1. What is the rental cost for the facility?
Monday – Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
1b. What is the deposit amount required to hold the date?
1c. What us the payment schedule once booked?
2. What does the rental cost include (tables, chairs, linens, etc)?
3. Is there a bridal suite (changing room) available?
4. How many hours does the rental cost cover?
4b. What is the cost for additional hours (if applicable)?
5. Are there any decor` restrictions (ex. no ceiling attachments, enclosed flames only, etc)?
6. Is security required and/or available?
7. Is there an alcohol policy?
8. Is there a cake cutting fee (if an outside cake is brought in)?
9. Is there a corking fee (if outside champagne is brought in)?
10. Is there an area desginated for photos?
Hope this sheds some light on what to ask when looking for a venue for your event.
~ Happy Planning ~
