Touring wedding venues is exciting! It can also be overwhelming, especially if you're seeing three or four spaces in a weekend and trying to compare apples to oranges. After years of hosting weddings and working with couples at every stage of the planning process, we've put together the 10 questions we think every couple should ask on every venue tour.
(We've also included how Bread & Chocolate answers each one, so you can see what to look for.)
1. What's included in the price?
This is the most important question on the list, and the one that creates the most confusion. Some venues charge a flat rental fee and nothing else is included— you're renting a space, full stop. Others (like us) include tables, linens, chairs, dishes, staffing, set up, tear down, bar services, and catering. Make sure you understand exactly what you're getting for the number you're quoted.
2. Is catering in-house or do I need to hire externally?
This changes your planning process dramatically. External catering means another contract, another coordinator, another vendor relationship to manage. At Bread & Chocolate, catering is in-house— scratch-made, on-site, and included in your package.
Are you licensed to provide alcohol service?
If you’re planning on having a bar, you will want to do exactly what this looks like. Some venues, like ours, has a liquor license so legally we must serve all alcohol. Other venues do not, which means you will need to hire and coordinate with a separate company for licensed bar services.
4. Is there a noise curfew or time restriction?
Many venues, particularly those near residential areas, have hard cutoffs on amplified music or require all guests to be out by a certain time. Know this before you fall in love with a space.
5. What does the staffing model look like?
Who is actually working your event? Is it the people you met on your tour, or are they day-of staff who've never seen your layout? At Bread & Chocolate, our experienced team manages setup, service, and teardown for every event.
6. What's your inclement weather plan?
For outdoor or partially outdoor venues, this is critical. For fully indoor venues like ours, it's a non-issue, which is one less thing to worry about in Indiana where weather can change in an hour.
7. What is the parking situation?
This sounds mundane until you're watching elderly guests walk half a mile in heels. Ask about parking capacity, proximity, and whether there are accessible options. Our venue is completely ADA compliant with plenty of parking.
8. Can I see a sample contract before I commit?
A good venue will have no hesitation sharing their standard contract. Read it carefully, especially the sections on deposits, cancellation policies, and what happens if something beyond anyone's control disrupts the event.
9. Do you have a preferred vendor list, or am I free to bring my own?
Some venues require you to use their preferred vendors for things like florals, photography, or entertainment. Others are fully open. Know which type you're dealing with and make sure it aligns with your plans.
10. Can I schedule a tasting before booking?
If catering is part of your package, you should know what you're getting before you sign. At Bread & Chocolate, every couple receives a complimentary tasting as part of the booking process. It's one of our favorite parts.
Ready to Ask Us These Questions in Person?
We love a well-prepared couple, and we're happy to answer every one of these — and anything else on your mind. Schedule a tour at breadandchocolate.com/contact.