The Top 5 Questions You Must Ask Your Wedding Venue Before Booking Them

The Top 5 Questions You Must Ask Your Wedding Venue Before Booking Them - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Venue Naastad Acres

You’re engaged! Yay! Now starts the wedding planning. One of the most important details on your list, other than WHEN your wedding will be, is WHERE your wedding will take place. You MAY have the perfect place in mind, or you might not have any idea where you’ll have your wedding yet. Either way…there are some important questions you should find the answers to BEFORE signing on the dotted line with any venue.

1. Is my target date available? This is an obvious question but still very important. Don’t have your heart dead set on a particular venue and rule out other possibilities until you find out if your date is even available for your dream venue. Some venues book prime dates 2 years in advance! This is the first question to ask when contacting potential venues.

Pro tip: Try to visit venues before you’ve chosen an exact date. If you have a few options or a range of dates that might work, you’ll be more likely to secure a spot at the venue of your dreams!

2. Do you have a list of approved vendors, or can I use any vendor I wish? If you have your heart set on a particular vendor to be a part of your wedding day and find out later that the venue you booked with has a list of approved vendors to choose from that doesn’t include your favorite vendor…it can really bum you out. It’s important to ask this question BEFORE booking with a venue so you know if there are preselected vendors that you must use…or if you can choose anyone you’d like. If there are APPROVED VENDORS, be rest assured that those vendors are top notch and know that venue well which will help make your wedding day run as smoothly as possible!

Pro tip: If your venue doesn’t require you to use their vendors, ask if there are any they recommend most highly. A vendor who is familiar with your venue will already know the quirks and challenges of the space, which will make your planning process that much easier!

3. What is the catering situation? Your guests have traveled to be there and spend your special day with you. After a long afternoon of photos and a ceremony, everyone is starving and ready to eat! That is why the food you chose for your first meal as a married couple can make or break your reception. You may have had the most beautiful wedding ever, but if the food is sub-par, that’s all some guests will remember.

Be sure to ask your potential venue if they offer IN-HOUSE CATERING or if you have to choose an approved outside caterer? If they have an in-house caterer, be sure to ask if there are tastings available and also if the food and drinks is included in the venue rental fee.

4. Do you have a liquor license? Do we purchase alcohol through you, or can we source alcohol elsewhere? If a venue has a liquor license, it makes things super convenient and your day will run more smoothly. That being said, there are usually strict policies on bringing in outside alcohol. It’s smart to figure this all out before booking so there are no misunderstandings on your wedding day. Remember that the restrictions a venue has in place are to help protect their business and for the safety of you and your guests.

5. Are there overnight accommodations, or do you partner with local hotels? Making sure your wedding party is as close to the venue as possible is one key for an efficient wedding day timeline…not to mention making sure the rest of your guests are given close and convenient options for their stay. Many venues are part of hotels and convention centers so they have accommodations directly on sight. If this is not the case with your wedding venue, ask if they partner with local hotels which may offer a reduced rate for your guests if they book under your event. Either way, make sure your guests are as close to your event as possible. Remember…Close and Convenient = happy guests.

There you have it! There are many more questions to consider when choosing your perfect wedding venue, but being sure to ask the 5 questions above will get you started on the right foot to help you make the best possible decision for your special day!

If you are recently engaged and looking for the perfect rustic/romantic destination for your wedding, contact us at Naastad Acres in Hatton, ND. We would LOVE to have you out to the farm to go over all of your questions and show you why we’re perfect for your dream wedding!

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