You’re engaged, you’ve been dreaming about the day where your friends and family will gather together to celebrate, and now you are exploring where to get married, how exciting! You now get to book the place where you envision this beautiful celebration to take place. But how do you know which venue is truly the one? The venue is more than just a backdrop—it affects nearly every part of your wedding, from the guest list and catering to the décor and timeline. Asking the right questions early on can save you stress, unexpected surprises, and costly mistakes down the road. As you are visiting different venues, we’ve created a list of questions to ask your Northeast Ohio wedding venues that may help you understand what to expect and narrow down what is most important to you so you can book with confidence and focus on what truly matters-your love story!
- What dates are available?
If you already have a date picked out, this can help narrow down the search. If you are open to different dates, but set on a season or time of year, you may have more options to choose from. It is great to have an idea of what dates you are looking at when you visit venues so that you can ensure availability. - Do you offer in-house catering or can we hire a caterer?
This question is crucial if you have a specific caterer in mind. Some venues require you to use their in-house catering, while others allow outside vendors (sometimes for a fee). Knowing this upfront helps you plan your budget and vendor list more effectively. - Do you have a list of Preferred Vendors?
Many venues provide a curated list of vendors they trust from florists to DJs. Some require you to choose only from this list, while others leave it flexible. Take time to review this list early in your planning as it may help you narrow down your search and ensure your vendors are familiar with the venue’s layout and policies.
- Are there any décor restrictions?
Before investing in elaborate decor pieces, be sure to check with your venue on what is and is not allowed. Some don’t allow decor to be hung from the ceiling, there may be certain restrictions on open flames or confetti. Understanding the restrictions will help you avoid any surprises during set up. - Are tables, chairs, and linens provided?
Some venues are full-service, offering everything from furniture to flatware, while others may expect you to rent that elsewhere. Ask what’s included—and if not provided, whether they offer rentals or recommendations. - How early can we arrive to set up?
You’ll want to know how much time you’ll have to decorate, organize, and prepare. This is helpful for anyone going to set up the day before or the morning of. This is where having an wedding planner is key.
- Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility is essential for guests with mobility needs. Ask about ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and parking to ensure everyone feels welcome and comfortable. - Are there bridal party suites to get ready in?
Having dedicated spaces to relax, get dressed, and take pre-ceremony photos can reduce stress and add comfort to your day. If suites are available, ask when you can access them and what amenities they include. If they are not available, you may want to start thinking through the logistics of where to have the wedding party get ready.
- How long should we allot for rehearsal?
Rehearsals are key to a smooth ceremony. Ask how long you’re allowed to rehearse and whether the venue includes rehearsal time in your package. It is important to think about when your rehearsal will take place as well, traditionally the night before the wedding.
- Can we leave anything overnight for pick up the next day?
After the wedding, the last thing you want to do is pack up everything at midnight. Some venues allow next-day pickups for décor and rentals, while others require same-night cleanup. Knowing this helps with planning (and delegating).
- In case of rain, what is our weather back up plan?
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony or reception, a solid rain plan is essential. Ask what indoor or tented options are available and how much notice you’ll get if the plan needs to change. - Is there on-site parking?
Parking logistics are key to communicate to guests. Ask how many spaces are available, whether parking is free, and if there’s a valet or shuttle service option for larger events.
Booking your Northeast Ohio wedding venue is a big milestone-and asking these thoughtful questions helps you plan with clarity and confidence. Don’t be afraid to take notes, ask follow-up questions, or request everything in writing.
