10 questions to ask a wedding venue before you commit – The Boston Globe

Dont necessarily take a locations pricing at face value. Sometimes the venue rental fee may get you in the door, but there are additional fees on top of that that you need to be aware of...to make an educated decision, Walter says. These can include anything from administrative fees to taxes to gratuity.

If your venue offers food and drink, also request a sample menu as part of the proposaldont assume that wine service is included with dinner. If you want that raw bar youve seen in marketing photos, check to see whether its part of the standard catering fee.

If the venue is outdoors, what is the Plan B for rain? And the Plan C for a major storm?

You want to have an option for every conceivable situation that [you] might be in, says Walter. And hurricanes are definitely a thing.

One time, Walter was planning a Cape Cod wedding that involved an outdoor cocktail hour and tented reception. Plan B was to move the cocktail party under the tent. Plan C was a no-tent, indoors-only option. She started creating a floor plan for the last-ditch option the week before the event when she found out that a hurricane was potentially en route. The hurricane did not come up the coast, she says, but it was a great reminder of how important it is to have a backup plan if youre getting married in New England, but then a backup for your backup plan if youre getting married on a coast when its hurricane season.

Couples should also form a contingency plan for inclement weather at other times of the year, including snowstorms.

Are there cut-off times we should be aware of?

In Massachusetts, many venues limit how many consecutive hours they can serve alcohol at the bar, Walter says. Or the venues neighborhood may have a noise ordinance. On Cape Cod, for example, most venues with combined indoor/outdoor spaces shut down by 10 p.m.

How much time will we have to set up beforehand?

A lot of times, a venue will have a certain number of hours included in the rental fee prior to guest arrival [when] the vendors can get into the space and set up, Walter says. If its not enough, you may be able to pay a fee for some extra time, but learn your options before you sign.

Does the venue have a preferred vendor list, or an exclusive vendor list?

Many historical venues only work with specific companies because those vendors on those lists work well in the space and preserve and protect the space, Walter says. So ask about this before you fall in love with a cake baker you cant useor you realize all three exclusive caterers are out of your budget.

Walter also likes to ask if theres any leeway, though thats typically not the case for exclusive lists. With preferred vendor lists, theres usually wiggle room to be able to speak with the venue and say, Hey, Im interested in bringing in this vendor instead of one of your preferred. Is this OK? Are there any things that I need to know about before I do so? she says.

Will ours be the only wedding on the property that day?

If the idea of another event encroaching on your space is a concern, let the venue know upfront. And if [you] arent the only wedding on property, how do they manage that? asks Rene Sabo, founder of the Boston-based event planning company Urban Soire. Will your guests seeor hearthe other weddings guests? Is there enough parking for everyone?

Are there decor restrictions?

Rules and restrictions are prevalent, especially in historical venues. Find out if you can display real candles, or if youll be able to hang your dream floral installation from the ceiling. There are of course workaroundsLED candles and freestanding flower arrangements, for examplebut know beforehand so you dont end up disappointed months down the line that you cant have your Pinterest-perfect aisle.

Wheres the guest parking?

Do your due diligence to determine where guests can park, and if all of their cars will be able to fit. And if theres not enough parking, Walter gets creative with her clients. I like to see what our shuttle situation will be: Can a large vehicle, like a 55-passenger motor coach, get into the venue parking lot, drop people off, turn around, and leave?

Can you show me the handicap-accessible entrances and bathrooms?

If older or disabled people are attending, youll want to make sure they can get around the venue without trouble. If there are stairs at a venue, I always ask, Walter says.

What is the cancellation policy?

We know: Thinking about calling the whole thing off is a bummer. Its a horrible thing to talk about, but no one ever

looks at the cancellation policy, says Sabo. But its best to prepare for the unexpected. For winter weddings, for instance, you never know when a bad blizzard might hit and youd have to cancel.

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Alison Goldman is a writer and editor based in Chicago. Send comments to magazine@globe.com.

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10 questions to ask a wedding venue before you commit - The Boston Globe