Questions to Ask Before Reserving a Ceremony Site
The site looks great. You can see yourself dashing down the church steps covered with rose petals, 
your veil flowing elegantly behind you, and the gorgeous calla lily bouquet in hand. But then the officiant interrupts your daydream and tells you that neither birdseed, nor bubbles or petals can be thrown outside the church. That's just one of the possible problems that may arise if you don't ask the right questions. Don't know? Read below.
- Size Matters
- How many rooms are there?
- How many people can each fit? The more you have in each room, the cozier and more festive your party will feel.
- How many people can be accommodated in total in all of the rooms combined?
- What shape are the rooms? Rectangular, square, round, L-shaped?
- Are they open or do they have pillars that may get in the way?
- Is the location adequate for both the ceremony and reception? If so, are you limited to using only one room? Or only the room inside?
- How many bathrooms are available? There should be about one per 25 guests.
- How big is the parking lot and is there an alternate parking lot than can be used? Figure for suburban areas, where most people drive, you'll need a minimum of one parking space per two guests.
- Staying on Budget
- Be sure to ask what the rates are for different days of the week, time of day, and other times of year to learn about discounts.
- What is the cost of the location and how many hours does that get you? And how much is charged for overtime?
- Are there additional fees, such as cleaning, set up, and security?
- Do the tables, chairs, linens, plates, glasses, and silverware come included with the price?
- Is the sound system and dance floor included in the overall price?
- How much of a deposit is required to reserve the date?
- If you decide to choose another location can the deposit be refunded?
- Is there a fee for canceling or changing the date?
- Timing
- Will there be other parties booked before and after yours? And will that cause any time restraints?
- Does the site allow for various events to occur simultaneously but in different rooms?
- What will the length of the ceremony be?
- Outdoors
- Can the outside area be used?
- If the outside area will be where the reception is held, is there enough lighting and electrical outlets?
- Is the outside area buggy? Will it need to be sprayed?
- When will the grass be cut? And when will the lawn be watered? You want it to be dry and you don't want the grass to stain the wedding gown or shoes.
- What happens if it rains? Are there tents available? Will they cost extra? Can they be heated or cooled?
- Food and Drink
- Find out which services the reception hall requires that you use and which you are allowed to bring in yourself, such as a caterer and/or bartender.
- If a bartender is provided, how is he or she paid, and is this service included.
- Is the champagne toast included in the price of the catering?
- If you are allowed to bring in your own vendors, can you provide your own alcohol?
- Are there restrictions on the type of alcohol allowed on site?
- Are kegs allowed?
- Are there corkage fees on wine and champagne?
- Will a cake cutting fee be charged if you bring in your own cake?
- What kitchen facilities are available in the case that you bring in your own caterer?
- Can the caterer make full use of the supplies available in the kitchen? What supplies are available for use?
- Are there coffee pots?
- Is there an ice machine?
- Will you be charged extra to use any of these items?
- Sound, Video, and Photos
- Sound
- What, if any, are the volume limits on music?
- Are there restrictions on the type of music that can be played?
- Is there a cut-off time?
- Can music be played outside?
- Is there a microphone available? Can it be used free of charge?
- What does it cost to use the speaker system?
- Is there a piano or organ? Can it be used by someone hired personally or will it be provided? What will it cost to bring in an outside musician?
- Are there any restrictions on filming or taking photos?
- Other Questions
- Must you clean up yourself or does the site provide the cleaning services?
- Is there enough parking? Is there a valet? What is the charge for parking?
- Is there a coat check? How much does that cost?
- Are there dressing rooms provided? Do they have locks on them?
- What are the restrooms like?
- Are there restriction on how or what you decorate with? Are candles allowed?
- At the ceremony, can you incorporate your own vows into the program?
- Can the ceremony site be decorated?
