Visiting my first venue! Tips and input wanted!

There's some great question ideas here.. here might some more you may want to think of that are outside the typical - how much, etc. :

1. How many bartenders does the venue supply? Nothing is worse then when there is 1 bartender for 150 people trying to get cocktails after the ceremony.

2. Do they allow shots (A lot of places don't surprisingly!)

3. Do they have any recommended vendors they work with who know the space

4. If there is any outdoor component, do they have availability of an indoor Plan B for poor weather.

5. Is there a day of coordinator included as the venue.

I would ask what the venue helps with regarding set up and take down, also if you get to do a rehearsal dinner there the night before if you want to do that!

View quoted message Oh man, 5 months! Fingers crossed!

Are servers included in the fee or do you pay per server per hour

Cost per plate per child (if you are having children at the reception)

Is there a "getting ready room" on site (more so for ceremony location)

Are their any plans for renos or changes in the menu between now and your wedding

Are you able to get in beforehand to decorate

Are you able to have the rehearsal there and is there an extra cost

At what point can you set up a tasting (my friend actually had a tasting before booking and was glad she did--they didn't like the food and they were not willing to make any accommodations so she ended up going elsewhere. We signed with our venue not knowing what the food will be like and find out next month at our tasting. If it's not good, we're out of luck because I'm not looking for a venue with five months left)

If the hall has more than one room, make sure you ask if the dividers are sound proof. You don't want the other DJ's music meddling with yours.
Don't get caught up in venurs telling you about having to use their DJ etc. Most of the time that's a load of bull! They will also tell you that if you use your own DJ there will be a connection fee to use their system. But if you use your own DJ with the DJs own system then there should be NO FEE.
Also sometimes paying for a venue then doing everything yourself, is not cheaper AT ALL. Many think it is, but it's really not. Now I'm comparing apples to apples here. Not comparing someone who gets a price for a banquet hall then decides on a backyard wedding. It's all relative. I'm talking about you getting a hall space, caterer, decor and bar on your own. It's really not worth it in most cases. We looked at that angle and the all inclusive was more cost effective every time.
Also sometimes buffets are NOT cheaper then plated, as you are getting volume of food instead of portions.
Friday's and Sundays are a good option if you are looking to keep the costs down. Some might give you a discount per head.
Look to Google for tips to ask Vendors there are some good ones!
Good luck!

Does the pricey hall fit your budget? Are you liking the first hall you see or looking around to compare pricing?

There are a few things to consider when looking and asjing tge venues whats included.
Whats the cost of friday as to the weekend?
Is open bar included or for a dew hours only and if i want to purchase my own alcohol?
Buffet vs. Sit down meal price and how much for 4 or 5 courses?
Bite size apps will be offered at cocktail hour and how many if included with the package or seperate charge?

These things all add up at the end and cost you more.