The Top Questions You Need to Ask During Wedding Venue Tours
Decisions, decisions, decisions. When it comes to the tone, location and aesthetic of your wedding day, choosing a venue is one of the first and biggest decisions you’ll make over the course of wedding planning. To ensure you find the perfect location and the best fit, it's essential to ask the right questions during your venue tour. Here’s a list of questions to help guide you through the process.
Availability and Booking
Is my preferred date available? Knowing if the venue is available on your desired date or during your desired season is the first step in narrowing down your options.
Do you offer any off-season pricing? Some venues, Tamory Hall included, offer discounted packages for weddings held during the off-season (November - April) or on non-traditional days of the week (Sunday - Thursday). Considering an off-season wedding can alleviate personal scheduling conflicts, venue availability and your own wedding budget.
How far in advance do we need to book? Some venues are booked months, even years, in advance. Understanding their booking timeline can help you plan accordingly.
Capacity and Layout
What is the maximum capacity? Ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Tamory Hall can comfortably accommodate over 300 guests.
Are there different layout options? Ask about the flexibility in arranging the space to suit your vision, whether for the ceremony, cocktail hour or reception.
Cost and Payment
What is the total cost? Get a clear breakdown of all costs, including any hidden fees.
What is included in the price? Make sure you know what the package includes—such as tables, chairs, linens, and decorations—and what you'll need to provide or rent separately. Tamory Hall wedding packages, from Classic to Luxe, are inclusive of all the venue essentials, including tables, chairs, linens, place settings, AV equipment and more. View our packages here.
What are the payment terms? Inquire about the deposit, payment schedule and cancellation policy.
Vendor Policies
Do you have a list of preferred vendors? Some venues require you to choose from a list of their preferred vendors. Tamory Hall welcomes all vendors, but we are more than happy to provide suggestions from our list of local vendors we know and love.
Can we bring in our own caterer? In most cases, you can hire your own caterer, so long as they are licensed. At Tamory, all caterers must be licensed, and all food must be prepared in a licensed kitchen.
Logistics and Amenities
What is the parking situation? Ensure there is ample parking for your guests. If space is an issue, you may need to consider additional forms of transportation.
Is there a bridal suite? A private space for the bridal party to get ready is essential. Access to the bridal suite at Tamory Hall is included in every wedding package.
What are the restroom facilities like? Check the number and condition of restrooms, ensuring they can accommodate your guest list.
Food and Beverage
Do you offer in-house catering? If so, ask to see sample menus and if they can accommodate special dietary needs. At Tamory, we want our brides and grooms to have the option of choice, which is why we allow couples to select their own licensed caterer for their event.
What is the bar situation? Inquire about bar packages and options for an open bar. Tamory Hall has a beautiful bar that is stocked with a wide variety of craft and domestic beers, wine, seltzers, spirits and soft drinks. Tamory couples have a choice between a hosted bar, cash bar or a mixture of both. The bar will be tended by Tamory Hall team members.
Decor and Setup
Can we visit during another wedding setup? Seeing a venue during another event can help visualize your own wedding. Want a peek at past Tamory setups? Click here for our Tamory wedding gallery.
What decorations are allowed? Understand any restrictions, especially regarding candles, confetti or hanging items.
Who is responsible for setup and cleanup? Knowing if the venue handles these tasks or if you'll need to hire additional help is crucial for planning.
Accommodations and Transportation
Is there on-site accommodation? If your venue offers lodging, ask about room rates and booking procedures.
Are there nearby hotels? Ensure there are convenient options for guests, and ask if the venue has partnerships with local hotels for discounted rates. As a tourist destination, Pella offers wonderful accommodations, some within walking distance of Tamory Hall. Click here to view our list of hotels and Airbnbs.
Do you provide transportation services? Some venues offer shuttles or have arrangements with local transportation companies.
Weather and Contingency Plans
What is the plan for inclement weather? If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s essential to have a backup plan. While outdoor weddings offer natural beauty and openness, a contingency plan will be needed should the weather be uncooperative. Ask any outdoor venues what is provided (and included) should you have to move to an indoor wedding.
Do you have climate control? Ensure the venue is comfortable in all seasons, especially if your wedding is in extreme weather months. Tamory Hall is fully climate-controlled to ensure comfort for wedding guests year-round.
Rehearsal, Timing and Day-Of Tasks
Can we schedule a rehearsal? Confirm if a rehearsal is included and when it can be scheduled.
What is the timeline for the day? Understand when you can start setting up, how long you have the venue and any noise restrictions.
What is provided the day of your event? Some venues offer day-of coordination and staff, while others leave it to the host and hostess to hire or do themselves. Make sure to clarify some of the finer, but very important, details such as who:
Greets and directs vendors as they arrive.
Cuts and plates wedding cake.
Sets up your ceremony and reception space.
Clears tables.
Facilitates your rehearsal.
Taking the time to ask these questions during your wedding venue tour will help you make an informed decision and ensure your big day is planned and executed just as you dreamed it would be.
If you found this wedding topic helpful, you may enjoy more wedding planning insight from other Tamory blogs: