You should never book a venue without first visiting it. If this is not possible (you may be on the other side of the world) trawl the internet to see other people's weddings, ask the venue for testimonials and if possible get someone you trust to visit.
Some things to consider when visiting:
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Firstly, don't worry about the weather - you cannot control it on the day. Do not let a dull day put you off a venue. Any venue will look better on a beautiful sunny day
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How easy was it to find the venue? If difficult, this is not a showstopper, you will just need good directions.
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Is there ample parking?
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Take a camera with you to snap the rooms and features you like and a pad to jot down your thoughts and questions
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A good venue will be eager to help you and answer your questions; if you feel that they are unknowledgeable or unhelpful, this does not bode well for organising over the coming months.
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Spend some time in the main areas - where the ceremony will be held (if appropriate), where the main reception will be, where the dancing will be held and the bar area.
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Look for seasonal features: if it is summer a lawn or patio is nice for your guests to mingle on, if autumn or winter, a feature fireplace will brighten up and room and give a cosy atmosphere
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If your guests are staying at the venue, ask to see all the rooms if it is a small venue; if a large hotel, ask to see a variety of rooms: a double, twin bedded room, a family room and the bridal suite
- Check for accessibility issues - particularly if you have elderly or infirm guests attending
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Ask to see any other facilities like the swimming pool that your guests might like to use
- Check where the toilets are and their cleanliness
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Ask where musicians would be situated for the ceremony
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If having a band in the evening, ask when would they be allowed to enter to get set up and where would they be positioned
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If you are having a disco, ask if they can recommend a local supplier
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Ask the venue for local florists that know the venue (if you have not already chosen one). This can help as they know how the venue works and the personnel involved
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If not already provided, ask the venue for sample menus for sit down and buffet meals and for an evening buffet
- Ask if is possible for a tasting of your menu and wine choices
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Ask if they will provide a corkage service (i.e. can you bring your own wine)
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Ask for a wine list and a beverage list for toasts, welcome drinks and to see how expensive the normal bar tariff is
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Most venues will buy in specific wines if you want them, check but remember that if you get the quantities wrong you might be obliged to buy all the wine if they cannot sell it on
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Will you need a marquee? If so ask them who will organise the hire and build of it - you or the venue?
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If you are likely to provide decorations, are they willing to put on the chair covers you have selected or will you need to get one of the wedding party to decorate the room?
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If you have musicians in the day, e.g. a string quartet, they might expect feeding (check this separately later), ask what the venue do about this. You do not want to feed them necessarily the same as being provided to your guests but a round of sandwiches or a hot meal might be appreciated
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If the venue is exclusively for your use, ask what that means e.g. what time do guests who are not staying have to depart, what staff are left on duty and what time do you need to vacate the next day
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Ask what deposit is required to secure the date and what the payment plan will be for paying the balance
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Unless you are completely sure, take all the information and photos away and make your decision at home. Do not feel pressurised to make the decision to hire the venue there and then, just ask them how much time do you have to make the decision i.e. are they booking up fast
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You can always visit again (in fact, it is recommended) so don't worry if you don't get everything covered on your first visit
