The Key Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue
Wedding Planning - 24.03.21
Viewing a wedding venue is one of the most exciting milestones for a newly engaged couple; brimming with emotions it can be easy to forget to ask some of the most important questions. Our wedding venue team has put together some of the most common questions that are asked during showrounds; and also some that they think all couples should be asking during the early stages of viewing a wedding venue.
12 Questions To Ask When You Visit A Wedding Venue
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Do I have to use a certain supplier?
Sometimes venues might have a number of suppliers that they work with that know the venue well, so it’s worth checking this, especially if you have a particular supplier in mind that you’d like to use.
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Do you have a list of recommended suppliers?
Most venues will have a supplier list of those who work regularly with the venue, sometimes couples like to go with them due to the familiarity they have with the location. At Combermere Abbey we have a list of recommended suppliers that we’ve worked with for many years.
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What is the payment schedule?
Payment schedules will differ between venues so make sure you’re keeping a note of what you’ll be expected to pay and when. Following the pandemic, it’s also worth checking that there is security in place should your date have to change.
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Do you offer the option to hold a date whilst we check with friends and family?
When you fall in love with a venue, you might want to book it there and then – however, we find that many couples wish to check with their friends and family and finalise their dates before putting down the deposit. One of the first questions you should be asking your wedding venue is whether this option is available.
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How do we book our ceremony with the registrars?
You might fall in love with your venue at first sight and want to book in straight away, but it is very important to check your date with the registrars to ensure your preferred date is free. In a county like Cheshire, there are many wedding venues and so registrars can be very stretched in the most popular times of the year. This is something that is sometimes forgotten but very crucial to think about when booking a wedding venue; your wedding venue should be able to provide more information and advice. When you plan to get married, you must ‘give notice’ by signing a legal statement at your local register office to say you intend to get married or form a civil partnership, giving at least 29 days’ notice before the big day. It’s worth checking with your venue whether they will handle the administration tasks, or whether you will need to look after it yourselves.
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What support do you offer throughout our planning & on our wedding day?
When you book with Combermere Abbey, we take you through the venue and it’s almost like having your own wedding planner with the venue. One thing to ask your wedding venue during your showround is whether you will be given this support, as it’s very helpful in taking some of the pressure off when planning for your special day.
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Are there any restrictions for decoration or suppliers?
It’s important to ask your wedding venue if there are any restrictions when it comes to decorations, or whether there’s access for suppliers. If you’re planning on having fireworks, for example, you’ll want to make sure sooner rather than later that your wedding venue can facilitate this.
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What is your minimum & maximum for guest numbers?
Due to capacities, every venue will have a maximum number of guests and some may have a minimum too. If you have your guest list in mind already, this is a very important question to ask in one of your initial venue viewings to make sure the guidelines align with your own plans.
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What are your sustainable policies?
Eco-friendly weddings are becoming more and more popular, and if this is something that you’re passionate about, it’s worth finding out early on if you’re viewing a responsible venue. At Combermere Abbey we’ve been completely organic since 1997, use sustainable insulation, recycle rainwater in the glasshouse and much more.
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Is the venue licensed?
If you want to have your ceremony and reception in the same location, you’ll want to check that your wedding venue has a license. Our Glasshouse is licensed so our couples can legally get married there, or in the fruit tree maze if they wish.
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Do you have accommodation on-site?
When you have guests travelling from all over, choosing a wedding venue with accommodation is a perfect idea as it means nobody has to worry about getting home and the celebrations can continue into the evening! At Combermere Abbey we have self-catering cottages that sleep up to 49 people, ideal for close friends and family attending your wedding.
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Should we take out wedding insurance?
Following the pandemic and the impact that it has had on the wedding industry, it is highly advisable to take out wedding insurance should you have to cancel for a whole number of reasons. It is there to protect both parties. Many venues like Combermere make it a requirement of your booking.
Book A Venue Showround
Of course, you’ll probably have your own personal questions to ask to that are specific to your special day, so to book a wedding venue showround and ask our team for their advice, get in touch via our website.