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13 April 2021

100 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue During Covid

Choosing a venue to call home on your wedding day that both accomodates all of your needs and assists in bringing the vision of your wedding day to life may, at first, feel like an overwhelming task. Let alone the extra challenges that Covid-19 has presented. To ensure you find the best fit for you and your partner we’ve put together a list of 100 crucial questions to ask the wedding venues on your short list, including a few somewhat 'curly' Covid related ones. It’s paramount that the wedding venue you choose can both guarantee AND deliver the wedding experience of your dreams and this comprehensive list of questions is here to guide you in that all-important decision-making process.

A groom carrying his bride in front of an elegant, rustic building with a garden. He is walking on a gravel path, both dressed in wedding attire; the bride holding a large bouquet of flowers. The background showcases lush greenery and a charming wooden facade.

DATES

  • Is your desired wedding date available and if not, is there an alternate date that you would consider choosing?
  • Can you place a tentative hold on the desired date?
  • If so, how long can you hold the tentative date for me?

BOOKING

  • What is required of me to confirm a wedding booking at your venue?
  • Is there an upfront booking fee that we need to make and is it refundable?
  • Where could I find the terms and conditions for the booking?
A quaint, ivy-covered brick house is nestled among lush greenery. A large tree in the foreground partially obscures the view, and the lawn is well-maintained with manicured plants along the pathway leading to the house.
Cozy room with green walls viewed through a carved wooden frame. It features a chandelier, ornate fireplace with a large mirror above it, and three brown leather chairs around a patterned rug on a wooden floor.
A gravel pathway winds through a lush garden with vibrant red and green foliage on either side, leading to a tranquil, shaded area beneath tall, sprawling trees. The scene is serene, with an inviting natural arch formed by the tree branches overhead.
A classic, maroon vintage car is parked on a gravel driveway in front of an elegant, large house. The house features a wraparound porch, ornate trim, and a manicured garden with a fountain in the foreground. Tall trees surround the property under a cloudy sky.
A quaint, small house with a red roof is nestled among dense, lush greenery and tall trees. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere around the house.
A white, two-tiered stone fountain is shown with water cascading from both levels. The top features a small cherub statue holding a jug. The fountain is surrounded by greenery and bathed in sunlight, creating a tranquil garden scene.
A quaint outdoor pavilion stands with a sloped, grey roof, flanked by slender white columns. The adjacent large tree is wrapped with string lights, creating a cozy atmosphere. The scene is surrounded by lush greenery on a peaceful day.

COST

  • What does the cost include and is it possible for you to create a Quotation for me?
  • What does the cost not include?
  • Does the venue cost include GST and gratuity?
  • Are there any annual CPI price increases I have to be aware of?
  • Does the cost change depending on what day of the week I get choose to get married?
  • Does the cost change depending on the time of year I choose to get married?
  • Is there a list of prices for optional extras in addition to the package pricing?
  • Is there any ‘fine print’ that I should be aware of and can read through?
  • Do you have a payment schedule that we will need to stick to?
  • Are there payment plans available for us?

PLANNING

  • Is a wedding planner supplied and how often are they available for communication?
  • Do you have an online wedding planning portal and software which allows me to effortlessly communicate with your team and have all my wedding details easily accessible in the one place?
  • Is there a way that we can pin our styling inspiration and share these details with your wedding planning team?
  • Can I use my own vendors or do I have to use vendors you recommend?
  • Do you have a list of recommended vendors you can provide me with?
  • Who will be available onsite on the day of my wedding?
  • Is the venue exclusive use?
  • How will you support us and assist us in the lead up to and on the day of our wedding?
  • Do you assist with the table layout or is this something we need to create?
  • Will you liaise with my vendors at any point during the planning process or on the day of the wedding?
  • Are we able to visit your venue after we have booked and in the lead up to our wedding to show vendors or family members?
  • Is there suitable spaces for onsite photography? If not, do you have recommendations of places nearby?
  • Does your venue provide a complimentary and personalised wedding website and URL that we can share with our guests with important information like RSVP, gift information/wishing well, ceremony time and venue location?
The image shows two ornate, vintage-style red velvet armchairs with intricate metal frames facing each other. Between them is a small round metal table with a glass of water on top. The scene is set on a patterned area rug, with wooden doors and windows in the background.
A stylish room featuring a large mirror above a white fireplace with a decorative mantle. There are four ornate chairs with red upholstery arranged on a patterned rug. The room has large windows and glass doors that open to a garden.
An ornate crystal chandelier with lit bulbs hangs from a ceiling decorated with white and pink balloons. The chandelier features intricate details and gold accents, adding an elegant touch to the festive ambiance.
A detailed white lace bridal gown hangs from a wooden hanger on a brass sconce adorned with dangling crystals. The intricate patterns and sheer fabric of the dress are illuminated softly by the light from the sconce, creating an elegant and delicate ambiance.
An elegant room with a grand crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The room features large windows with red and white accents, illuminating the sparse space. In the corner, there is a black grand piano. The floor is polished wood.
A white wedding dress hangs in front of a large elegant window. The window features multiple glass panes with decorative patterns. Two potted plants frame the entrance, and there is vintage furniture, including a sofa, visible inside the building.

STYLING AND DECORATION

  • Do you provide ceremony and reception styling (flowers, candles, centrepieces etc) or can we organise this ourselves?
  • Will you help with on-the-day set up of any decorations we provide?
  • Do you have a wishing well for our guests to place their cards?
  • Do you have a cake knife for the cake cutting or should we bring our own?
  • Do you have a cake stand or should we bring our own if we would like one?
  • Is there a lectern for speeches and my Master of Ceremonies on the night?
  • Can you provide me with a list of furniture and equipment you have available for use?
  • Do you allow real candles to be used for decoration?
  • Do you provide printed menus for the tables or is that something I should arrange through my stationary designer?

GETTING READY

  • What time do we have access to the venue on the morning of the wedding day?
  • Is there a place that myself and my bridal party can get ready in?
  • If so, does it have good lighting and power?
  • Will I need to provide my own food and drinks before the ceremony?
A woman in a white, lacy dress and a delicate floral headband sits on a wooden chair near a vintage sofa in a sunlit room. She smiles brightly, and the room has wooden floors and large windows draped with sheer curtains.
A bride in a white wedding dress sits on an elegant vintage sofa in a sunlit room with large windows. She adjusts her shoe, with a bouquet of flowers beside her on the sofa. The dress flows onto the wooden floor, and sheer curtains adorn the windows.
A bride stands in front of a large ornate mirror, holding a bouquet of white flowers and looking at herself. A bridesmaid in a white dress stands nearby. The scene is reflected in the mirror, with elegant furniture and soft lighting in the background.
Three women, wearing floral robes, sit close together on a couch and clink their champagne glasses in a celebratory toast. Their faces are not visible, only their hands and legs are seen. The atmosphere appears cozy and festive.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

  • Can I view the food and beverage packages?
  • Will the menu stay the same for my wedding or will there be a new menu for my wedding?
  • What food and beverages are included in the package and what is additional?
  • If your venue provides a house drinks pacakge are we able to upgrade to include international wines?
  • Can I do a menu trial before the wedding?
  • Are the meals provided in your package substantial portions?
  • Is the food made on-site, is anything brought in frozen or premade?
  • What is your wait staff to guest ratio?
  • Are vendor meals complimentary? If not, how much will this cost?
  • What is your policy on BYO food and beverages?

CEREMONY

  • Is there a concierge provided to greet my guests on arrival?
  • What are your available ceremony options? Indoor/outdoor?
  • Is there an additional charge for any wet weather back up options?
  • What chair options do you have for my ceremony?
  • Will you cue my ceremony music? If so, is there an additional cost for you to do this?
  • Will there be someone helping us get down the aisle (timing, cueing the ceremony officiant, helping with my dress)?
  • Will venue staff transition my ceremony florals to my reception space?
  • Will there be a signing table for the ceremony, or will we need to organise one?
  • Do you provide a sound system for music and a microphone to use for my ceremony?
A person holding a round wooden serving board with a variety of breaded and fried lamb chops, garnished with sprigs of rosemary and accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce, set against a blurred outdoor background.
A person in a black outfit holds a wooden tray with several small dessert cups. Each cup contains a creamy dessert topped with a caramelized crust and a small spoon. In the background, there's an outdoor setting with greenery and blurred figures.
A person holds a round wooden tray filled with small white bowls of a dish topped with thin, crispy, fried strands and metal spoons. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.
An outdoor wedding setup featuring rows of white chairs arranged on a grassy area, facing a large tree adorned with white flower decorations. The scene is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene and natural setting.
A beautifully decorated indoor wedding venue with wooden flooring and white ceilings. Two large floral arrangements sit on top of wooden barrels at the aisle's entrance, leading to a white arch adorned with flowers. White chairs are arranged on both sides of the aisle.
A picturesque outdoor setting featuring a large, spreading tree with abundant green foliage providing shade over several wooden benches and tables. The grass is lush and green, and decorative flower arrangements sit atop barrels, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
A bride and groom, both elegantly dressed, stand on a lawn in front of a large house. The bride, in a white dress with a long veil, takes a drink from a tray held by a server. Several servers dressed in black uniforms hold trays with beverages, lined up in a row.

RECEPTION

  • What is the maximum capacity for the reception space?
  • How many options do I have in terms of reception locations?
  • What types of linens do you have for tables?
  • What chair options do you have for the reception?
  • What crockery, cutlery and glassware do you have for the table set?
  • Do you provide a sound system to use for my reception speeches and music?
  • Is there adequate lighting where the speeches are happening for my photographer and/or videographer?

DANCING

  • Is there an added cost to turn over the reception space if I wish to use this as a dancing space? (You want to ask this question if your ceremony and reception are in the same room).
  • Do I have to hire a DJ or live music entertainer for dancing music or do you have a sound system to play a playlist from?
  • Does your venue have surround sound in both the reception and dancing space and can the volume be controlled separately?
  • What time can my wedding go until?
  • Are there any noise restrictions?
A woman in a black dress is lighting candles using a blue device along a long, elegantly set dining table. The table is adorned with greenery and white linens, set with glassware and cutlery. The setting is inside a rustic venue with exposed brick walls.
An elegant sunlit reception hall with a high glass ceiling and chandelier. Round tables with white tablecloths and floral centerpieces are arranged neatly. Wooden chairs surround the tables, and large windows offer a view of greenery outside.
A long, elegant dining table is set for a formal meal in a bright room with large windows and a glass ceiling. The table is adorned with neatly arranged plates, glasses, and decorative centerpieces. Wooden chairs line both sides of the table, and greenery is visible outside.
A person in white attire stands in the center of a beautifully decorated banquet hall with large glass windows and a skylight ceiling. Long tables, adorned with floral arrangements and place settings, line both sides of the room. A hanging chandelier is visible overhead.

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS

  • Does your venue have a Covid safe plan?
  • Is there a Customer Experience manager who can specifically assist with any Covid related enquiries?
  • Is this manager able to give clear and specific information about what any Covid restrictions may mean for our wedding day?
  • In the event of Covid related restrictions will your venue be able to communicate and liaise with vendors leading up to and on the wedding day.
  • Is your venue subject to the nearest capital cities lockdown or restrictions, or are you outside the greater area?
  • In the event of a Covid related lockdown will I be able to postpone our wedding to another date within a 12 month timeframe without financial penalty?
  • What experiences have other couples had with your venue when planning or postponing their wedding during Covid?
  • Do you have any reviews I can read through from couples who have had their wedding at your venue during Covid?
  • Do you provide suggestions or dancing alternatives if restrictions are put in place eg. no dancing?
  • Are we allowed to have the wedding cake on display and will you provide a perspex covering for it to be Covid compliant?
  • Does your venue offer complimentary live streaming of the ceremony for any guests that may not be able to attend?
A wedding party stands outdoors on a green lawn in front of a rustic wooden shed. The bride and groom are in the center; the bride wears a white gown, and the groom a black suit. Bridesmaids in black dresses and groomsmen in black suits flank the couple, smiling and laughing.
A wedding party poses outdoors among tall trees and string lights. The bride is in a white dress and veil, while bridesmaids in pink dresses hold white bouquets. The groom and groomsmen are in black suits. They all stand on a gravel path with greenery and a rustic house in the background.
A newlywed couple stands in front of a group of smiling bridesmaids and groomsmen. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom dons a white tuxedo jacket. The bridesmaids wear black dresses with bouquets, and the groomsmen are in black tuxedos. They are on the steps of a wooden gazebo.
A wedding party stands outdoors on green grass with a backdrop of trees and string lights. The bridesmaids wear matching silver dresses, and the groomsmen wear light beige suits. The bride, in a white gown, and the groom, in a matching suit, stand in the center.

OTHER

  • Am I able to drop off my items at your venue the day before my wedding for ease on my wedding day?
  • Do you have a backup power generator in the case of a power failure?
  • Is your venue child friendly and does your venue have a dedicated children’s menu at a reduced cost to adult guests?
  • Does your venue have a seasonal garden and are you able to educate us on what the gardens will look like at the time of year I choose to get married?
  • How much is parking? Is it self-parking or valet?
  • How many cars can fit in your parking area?
  • Can guests leave their cars parked overnight?
  • What other transportation is available in the area for guests to use?
  • Do you have accommodation available onsite?
  • What is the average price per night of local accommodation? It is easy to get to?
  • Do you allow live music entertainers onsite and at what times?
  • Do you facilitate rehearsals on before or on the day of the wedding?
  • When can I pick up our wedding items? Does everything need to be taken on the night?
  • Is your venue pet friendly? If so, will they cater to our dog and provide meals for him/her throughout the day?
  • Does your wedding venue allow extra things such as arrival by helicopter or fireworks?
  • Can your venue recommend options for great local cafes, restaurants and regional highlights if I plan on having a wedding weekend?

Whilst choosing your venue is undoubtedly a big and important decision the process can also be incredibly exciting and fun with Australia providing a plethora of stunning wedding venues. Before deciding on what venues to visit, make sure you view all of the available information on their website. This includes downloading brochures and prospectuses, browsing their Instagram and Facebook for inspiration and reading through their client reviews. Once you have read through all the information and are interested in viewing the venue, see what questions from the above list have already been answered from this information. From there, have your list of unanswered questions ready for your onsite or virtual venue viewing.

Most importantly, take the time to see some of the incredible venues across the country, enjoy some quality time with your partner and loved ones and then start dreaming about your perfect day!

A bride and groom share a romantic kiss outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder white wedding dress and a long veil, while the groom is dressed in a beige suit. The background features trees and foliage in soft, warm lighting.