Homemade Bride Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 57

QUESTIONS TO ASK: • Ask about the deposit! • Do they have a preferred vendor list? Simon Says. When a venue is historic or holds possessions of value such as a museum, there can be many regulations that need to be followed precisely. For instance, music levels and open candles are the two main rules run into most • What packages are included? • How many guests can the venue hold? • Will there be a day-of coordinator provided? • Are there overnight accommodations? often. Although they can be easily solved, it is • Can we do a ceremony on-site? always nice to have a list on hand to reference • Common placement for the: when planning the décor. Research and think about the theme Dance Floor Bar DJ Sweetheart Table you wish to flaunt and search based • What is the plan B for bad weather? on your venue must-haves. • Is it local for all guests, if not can they help make accommodations? Homework. Before leaving a venue, be sure to ask for the floor plan. Most properties will have printed out plans, which make it easy to visualize where you would place certain aspects of the décor and event. It will also help you envision the empty room as your wedding day! Test Drive. Kind of like a test drive in a new • Is it handicap accessible? • How is the flow of servers from the kitchen to the table? (Effects table placement!) • Where are bathrooms located for the guests? • Can venue pieces be moved or taken down to accommodate event décor? car, you need to see a venue completed in full form. Ask the staff or event coordinator about COMMON REGULATIONS: the next wedding and timeline so you can stop • No open flames in and see the process and final product in person! Obviously they will have certain times for this to occur but it is a great opportunity and well worth a trip. Decisions...Decisions... Now that you’ve gone through the process of finding compatible venues, it’s time to choose the one! This is the fun part but take your time and think about how it will work for all aspects of your event, décor and guests. Have fun and congratulations!! • Music levels • Bar must close 30 minutes before reception is over • Must use vendor package • Specific time frames for setting up • Sports venues will cancel on you if a team ends up playing on a certain day or goes to the playoffs • Party’s over at 11pm – In residential areas, venues must follow noise regulations after a certain hour homemade-bride.blogspot.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2014