Top Questions to ask Potential Wedding Venues

Searching for your dream wedding venue can become a daunting task when you discover all of the hidden costs and rules that some of the venues have. The worst part is that often these costs are only shown on the final invoice, or when a deposit has already been made.

It is therefore critical that you ask your potential venues the following questions to ensure that you are not left stunned with hidden costs and rules that might arise:

1. Is the quoted price inclusive of VAT?

This might seem obvious, but a lot of venues only add VAT onto the final tax invoice. Others don't list it on their package information and pricing, and only add it when they send you an actual quote for the day.

2. Is there a bar set-up fee?

Imagine viewing your dream venue and seeing this beautiful vintage bar you like - and then when quoted, you see a R5 000 set-up fee for this bar...that's already there. Venues argue that the set-up fee is for them to purchase alcohol for the day (even though they have weddings, and use the bar, on a continuous basis). Be sure that you are aware of this cost before paying a deposit.

3. Do you have to pay a service fee (or any staff related fees)?

Some venues will add a 12% service fee on top of your already quoted price per person. Others will ask a barmen fee (R1500+ per barmen). Some even go as far as quoting you for the transport of their staff. So make sure that you are aware of any extra fees charged for personnel on the day.

4. What is included in the venue hire (and what's not)?

For some venues, the venue hire literally only includes the "shell", and they charge extra for the use of their tables, chairs, linen, cutlery, crockery, fairy lights, dance floor and the list goes on and on. Make sure that you are aware of every item included, and not included, in the venue hire. There is no use in you choosing a venue based on the fairy light wall you like, when they actually charge an additional R10 000 for the use of that wall.

5. Corkage Fee

Find out whether you are allowed to use your own wines on the tables, as some venues only allow their own preferred wines to be purchased. Also make sure that you are aware of the corkage fee charged for bringing your own wine.

6. The Honeymoon Suite

It is firstly important to find out whether the honeymoon suite is charged for separately. But to also secondly inquire about any restrictions. Things to consider: can the bride and bridesmaids all sleep there the night before? Can they get ready there on the day of the wedding and will it be cleaned after? Is the honeymoon suite available to brides getting married on a Friday, or does the Saturday bride get preference?

7. After hours

Are you allowed to party after midnight, and if so, what costs are involved in doing so?