On a venue viewing, ask about the empty room, capacity, what is included, decor rules, supplier access, wet weather plans and costs. Ask to see the room without decor. Get the decor rules in writing before you book. Our checklist below gives 20 questions to take with you.
A venue viewing goes quickly, and the important questions are easy to forget. The Wedding House is a wedding decor hire business in Droitwich Spa. We set up inside venues across Worcestershire and the West Midlands. We know which answers matter on the day. These are the questions we would ask for you.
Print this list or save it to your phone. Write the answers down during the visit, as venues blur together quickly.
Ask what the room looks like without any decor in it. Many venues show photos from a styled wedding. That makes it hard to judge how much work the room needs.
A room with strong character needs less styling. Glass, stone, beams or panelling all do some of the work for you. A plain function room needs more decor, so budget for it.
Rules on candles, confetti and fixings vary between venues. They also change over time, so do not rely on what a friend was told two years ago.
Candles are the most common surprise. Some venues allow only LED candles or enclosed flames. Ceiling decor is another. Some barns allow drapes and foliage on the beams, while some hotels do not.
Find out when your suppliers can arrive and when they must leave. This shapes what your styling plan can include.
At Foxtail Barns, for example, we usually start setting up at 10am. Larger pieces can stay overnight and are collected the next morning. Other venues need everything out the same night.
For an outdoor ceremony, ask exactly where the indoor back-up is. Ask how much notice the venue needs, and check the room can hold your styling. Your aisle flowers and arch should be able to move indoors with you.
A venue’s maximum capacity is not always what your layout allows. A dance floor, top table or long tables can all reduce it. Ask room by room if the venue has more than one space.
Some venues include tables, chairs, linen and basic lighting. Others provide only the room. Ask before you compare venues on price, as it changes your decor budget.
Look closely at the chairs. Attractive wooden chairs may need only a sash. Plain banqueting chairs often look better with covers. Our wedding chair decor ideas explain the options.
Do not judge a room only at a wedding fair or open day. The room is already dressed and full of other suppliers. Ask to see it on a quieter day, at the time of your own ceremony. You will see how the light falls in the room.
Ask to see the room without decor. The answer shows how much styling you will need, and so how much to budget.
Many couples view three to five venues. Fewer can leave you unsure, and more can make them hard to tell apart.
Take this list of questions, a rough guest number and your preferred dates. Take photos and short videos of each room, including the chairs and ceiling.
Before, always. Rules on candles, confetti and fixings vary between venues and can affect your whole styling plan.
Sometimes, depending on the venue. If not, take detailed photos and bring them to us. We can tell you what the room needs.
Book once your date and venue are confirmed. Peak season Saturdays go quickly.
Our venue pages explain how we style each room, with photos from real weddings. Start with Foxtail Barns, Manor by the Lake, Curradine Barns or Tortworth Court. For the wider picture, see our wedding decor hire in Worcestershire page.
Just back from a venue viewing and unsure what the answers mean for your budget? Get in touch and we will talk it through. You can also visit our showroom in Droitwich Spa, open by appointment.
We’d love to hear from you and talk through your wedding decor. Whether you’re ready to start planning or just exploring ideas, our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Visit us by booking an appointment.
Call us on:
01905 794 200
07934 359 009
For out of hours and emergency enquiries:
07834 242 467
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