Planning a wedding can be a stressful period for even the most organised of couples, but it doesn’t always have to be the case. A little forward thinking and flexibility will go a long way, but there are also a few tools that can help keep you on track. To make things a little easier and ensure your day goes off without a hitch, here are the top 7 questions you need to ask your wedding venue before booking…
1.Is the venue available on the day we’d like it?
Booking the venue is one of the first items on any soon-to-be-wed couple’s to-do list, so make sure you contact them well in advance. Popular venues may have a waiting list months long so the further in advance you enquire, the better.
2.What is your capacity and is it different for ceremony and reception?
Knowing the room capacity is essential for creating the right vibe on your big day. A huge ballroom for 50 guests will feel sparse, while a packed out side room will leave guests feeling cramped and unloved. The ideal location will be spacious enough to handle all your requirements, while maintaining a level of intimacy.
Make sure you ask for the capacities for both the ceremony and the reception. This is especially useful if you are having a smaller ceremony and have decided to invite more guests to the reception.
3.Does your venue offer a caterer list?
Food is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of your big day and as such, it’s worth inquiring about a venue’s catering capabilities if you want specific dishes or need to comply to 
dietary requirements.
Venues will often have a list of trusted accredited food suppliers for couples to choose from allowing you the flexibility and choice to dictate exactly how you would like your menu to look. Let the venue team know what you are looking for from the food and drink in advance and they will be able to suggest the best caterer to suit your needs.
4.What time would the evening celebration need to finish, and can we pay for an extension?
If you want to party way into the night, you’ll need to know what time restriction the venue has in place. Noise curfews may not allow certain venues to host events past a certain time, however many locations will allow you the chance to dance a little longer for a fee.
5.Is the venue accessible for guests with physical disabilities?
You will want to make sure that everyone can come to your wedding and that there is suitable door access as well as seating for every guest. Be sure to inform the venue of any particular accessibility facilities you envision needing and if possible, let them know of any accessibility needs ahead of time so that they can ensure smooth and easy access and mobility for them when they arrive.
6.Is there a wedding co-ordinator?
Holding a wedding is a big task and most couples need help in organising the reception, so that they can actually spend time enjoying their big day. Venues will often provide a co-ordinator who knows the venue inside and out and can suggest elements which may work well so be sure to ask ahead of time.
7.Are there any restrictions (music volume, naked flames, confetti etc)
As well as asking what you can do, it’s always worth asking what you can’t. Depending on the venue, certain restrictions may be in place which you’ll want to be aware of. Whether it be a ban on confetti, a need to wear heel guards to protect floors or even a limit on the music volume, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Be sure to keep these in mind when speaking to your venue and if you’re ever unsure, just ask. If you want to find out more about holding your wedding at the Museum of London or the Museum of London Docklands, click here.
Article by Nicole Parker, Events & Weddings Manager at the Museum of London
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