Choosing a Wedding Venue: Pre-Contract Checklist

The venue is the biggest cost of a wedding and the earliest decision — the date, guest count and even the music are planned around it. You'll need the questions below from the first viewing all the way to signing the contract.

Before the viewing

• Your date and one or two backup dates.
• An approximate guest count — per side.
• The part of the budget set aside for venue and food.
• The format: one celebration, or separate celebrations for the bride's and groom's sides.

The hall and capacity

• Comfortable capacity — not the maximum, but with tables and a dance floor.
• The size of the dance floor and stage.
• Columns: can the stage be seen from every table?
• Where the couple's table will be.
• Ventilation and air conditioning — especially for a summer wedding.
• A bridal room: a separate space to change and rest.

Menu and service

• Menu options and whether a tasting is possible.
• What the per-person price includes: drinks, fruit, dessert, wedding cake?
• Whether you can bring your own cake, sweets or drinks, and any extra fee.
• The number of waiting staff and how service works.
• Whether leftover food can be packed up.

The technical side

• Sound and lighting; can musicians bring their own equipment?
• What happens in a power cut — is there a generator?
• Conditions for photo and video: lighting, space for shooting.
• Décor restrictions: candles, confetti, fireworks.

Getting there and parking

• The number of parking spaces and whether parking is paid.
• How easy it is to arrive by taxi or public transport.
• If it's outside the city, transport for guests.
• Access for older guests and wheelchair users: stairs, lifts, ramps.

What must be in the contract

• Date, start and end time; the price of extra hours.
• The per-person price and what it includes — item by item.
• The minimum guest count and the date for confirming the final number.
• Deposit, payment schedule and cancellation terms.
• Service charges and any other extra fees.
• Vendor access (photographer, musicians) and meals for them.

A verbal promise guarantees nothing on the wedding day — the manager may change. Get every agreement in writing.

Frequently asked questions