Call Today
bridal bouquet and wedding checklist

38 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make during your wedding planning is about your venue. There are tons of choices! How do you pick the right one for you? Oaks Manor has put together this list of questions for you to ask of each venue. Hopefully, this will make your decision a little easier!

General Questions

  1. Do you have open dates in the month we are considering?
  2. How many guests can you accommodate at this venue?
  3. What are the fees, and what is included?
  4. How many hours are included, and is there a fee if we stay longer?
  5. How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable?
  6. Do you offer payment plans?
  7. What type of payments do you accept (cash, check, credit card)?
  8. Can you host both my ceremony and my reception at this venue?
  9. Are there changing areas for the bridal party?
  10. What is the cancelation policy?
  11. Can we have our rehearsal dinner here, and how much does that add to the cost?
  12. Do you have liability insurance?
  13. Is the venue handicap accessible?
  14. How many restrooms are there?
  15. Is there parking on site, and how many spaces?

Catering

16. Do you have a list of preferred caterers, or do you provide in-house catering?
17. Can we bring our own alcoholic beverages?
18. Are you licensed to provide alcohol service?
19. Do you provide a bartender and bar service?
20. Do you provide waitstaff, and if so, how many are provided?
21. Do you provide a cash or open bar?
22. Is there a corkage fee?
23. Do you provide cake cutting services, and is there a fee?

Décor

24. Can we decorate?
25. Are there any restrictions on decorating?
26. Do you have candle holders, vases, etc. that we can use?
27. Can we move the tables around?
28. How many people can sit at one table?
29. Are booster seats or high chairs available?
30. Do I need to rent table linens?
31. Do you provide chairs, heaters, umbrellas, etc. for outdoor spaces?
32. Can we have confetti, rose petals, fireworks, pets, outdoor games, food trucks, (personalize this question with your own items)?

Services

33. Do you offer on-site coordination, and what is included?
34. Can I bring in a DJ or band, and what time can they start setting up?
35. What do you have for a sound system?
36. Are there any photo/video restrictions?
37. What are the best places to take photographs?
38. Do you have a coat check?

 

Spread the love
snacks catered for an event at Oaks Manor

How to Create a Vendor List from Scratch

To start building your vendor list, begin with a list of wedding vendors that are most essential to your vision. At Oaks Manor, couples often bring in their own:

  • Caterers and bartenders
  • Florists and decorators
  • Musicians or DJs
  • Photographers and videographers
  • Officiants
  • Hair and makeup teams
  • Rental companies for furniture, tents, or décor

    You can use a vendor list template, a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a shared Google Document to track key details. Be sure to include names, contact info, arrival/setup times, and payment deadlines. Your event vendor list doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, accessible, and shared with the people who need it.

    Choosing the Right Vendors for an Estate Wedding

    Since Oaks Manor is only a host location, we don’t lock you into a preferred vendor list. That means you’re free to work with the professionals you love most and build a day that reflects your style, priorities, and budget. 

    Still, the best vendors are those who understand you, your style, your pace, and your goals. Set up calls, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Have you worked at an event venue like this before?” The right team will be just as excited as you are to bring your ideas to life.

    Best Practices for a Vendor List 

    As you finalize your list of vendors for an event, consider the following tips.

    1. Keep everything in one place. Whether it’s digital or on paper, your vendor list should include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, contracts, and notes regarding responsibilities.
    2. Share your timeline. Your vendors should know when they can arrive, when they need to be finished, and where they will be setting up. Oaks Manor’s flexibility makes this easy; we offer extended access for setup and breakdown.
    3. Confirm details in writing. A well-organized vendor contact list is your insurance against miscommunication.
    4. Stay in touch. A quick check-in with each vendor a week before your wedding helps avoid last-minute surprises.

    Maintaining clear communication and records of conversations will help you keep track of your plans and ensure everything is clear for you and your vendors.

    FAQ’s

    Seeking more information on creating a vendor list? See the frequently asked questions below or contact our team, and we will be happy to help!

    Why is a vendor list important?

    A vendor list helps you stay organized, ensures vendors know where and when to appear, and provides everyone with a clear point of contact. 

    When you’re managing an event as unique as a wedding at a private estate, that level of coordination can make all the difference.

    What is a Vendor List?

    A document that keeps track of all the professionals and services involved in your event. Including how to contact them, dates, prices, arrival and departure times, legal information, important details or conversations, and any other relevant information you need to keep track of for your event. 

    How to Create a Vendor List?

    This is your all-in-one organizer. Your vendor list should include each vendor’s business name, contact person, phone number & email, arrival/setup times, contract status, remaining balance due, important conversations, legal agreements, and any other relevant details you want to remember. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as a shared Google Sheet, a wedding planning app, or a printed folder that you bring to the venue.

    Plan Your Event at Oaks Manor

    At Oaks Manor, we offer space for up to 180 guests, provide outdoor ceremonies, and feature a brand-new carriage house that is perfect for cocktail hour. Please get in touch with our team, and we will arrange a time for you to take a tour.